Everyday Coffee Conversations

Matt's Cancer Chronology

2022-02-16T06:37:00.001-06:00

Matt’s Cancer Chronology

By Sarah M. Hylton

Today marks one year since Matt’s passing on to his eternal home. As much as he loved this life, I know that he has now had the best year he has ever known. He has been truly cancer free for a year and better than that he has been with Jesus for a year! I am sure he has had conversations with Peter and Paul, and his dad and his grandparents! Oh, what a year he has had!

At his passing, I made a promise to Matt that people would know his story. In the past year, I have shared with you about his departure from this life which was a testimony to eternity itself. I have also shared the story of how we met. If you follow his page on Facebook, you’ve seen other posts, including a 4 part memorial video made by a friend of ours. I have also posted two of Matt’s previously unpublished blogs. I plan to spend this coming year posting more things like that.

This post is a chronological glimpse into his battle with cancer. The battle he is no longer required to fight. 🙏💙 Warning: You'll probably need tissues.

Before cancer, Matt was an avid swimmer and an active weightlifter. He lost 255lbs through natural diet and exercise. Prior to losing, he weighed 625 so there was a lot of excess skin once he lost. One doctor estimated approximately 150lbs. of the remaining weight was just excess skin. There was also a large amount of fluid that would accumulate in his body, especially in what Matt called his “wrecking ball” which was his abdomen and hung down between his legs to approximately his knees. This made it difficult to walk and was, at times, the object of looks and ridicule.

Too many hours of being up, walking &/or sitting, would cause the ball to fill with such an amount of fluid that it would become very hard. If it was too hard, it would take a day or more of bed rest for it to soften. But, as far as I know, this did not have to do with the cancer. This was just part of his life for a few years before cancer.

A lot can be said for any individual who suffers from such an issue who will still get out and work on his health, and Matt certainly did! In fact, he swam so much that when he took a nuclear stress test (because he was being prepped for possible skin removal surgery) he passed it with flying colors and was told that he had the heart of an athlete!

In February of 2019, Matt began to be sick with what we thought was seasonal allergies. He also experienced muscle aches we thought were caused from doing something wrong at the gym. At the time, he did not have health insurance so he did not go to the doctor until May, when insurance was acquired.

At first, he was diagnosed with pneumonia. By the time his follow-up came around he had spent most of 24 days in bed and was feeling worse. He refused to go to the follow-up because it was too much work to move, but about 3 days later I called the doctor and told her what was going on. She told me that it didn’t matter what he wanted, I needed to get him an ambulance and take him to a larger hospital about an hour from us.

When I talked to the doctor on the phone I was on my way home from picking up an ice cream treat for us from a local restaurant. Once I was home, I handed his to him and told him to enjoy it because I had news he was not going to like. He and I laughed about this later, which is why I am mentioning it. He had always said that no one can frown when they eat ice cream. No, he didn’t like the news but he realized the doctor was probably right and agreed to go (not that he had a choice at this point! Lol)

Using a chair for assistance, Matt was able to walk from the bedroom to the living room chair before the ambulance arrived but that was as far as he could go. It was also the farthest he would walk for a couple of months.

The intent was to go to the hospital the doctor had mentioned, but Matt's pulse was too high for the ambulance ride. So they stopped at the local hospital to get him stabilized. Once he made it to the larger hospital, 2 liters of non-cancerous fluid was extracted from his lungs. They also found broken ribs with tiny pieces missing. Matt had not been hit, he thought maybe he had done something in the gym but could not remember anything specific. The doctors eventually concluded that he had Non-Hodgkin's Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. They said it was treatable and that he could go for infusions at their day clinic.

The trouble was that Matt had lost so much strength and was unable to walk. So, while in the hospital, he had one infusion. We feared any more would increase his weakness further, so the focus transitioned to physical therapy. The plan was to regain strength so he could walk well enough to leave the hospital and then take the outpatient infusions.

After 57 days in the hospital that is about an hour from our house, he was transferred to our local hospital to finish physical therapy. His ability to perform sit-to-stands and walk with a walker increased and he was able to come home after 12 days at the local hospital.

On his first day home he fell when he was trying to get up from the couch. I called two of my friends who rushed over to help. They ended up being able to temporarily modify our couch so that it was taller. This was a tremendous help! In addition, our pastor helped with some modifications to our bed, to help Matt lay down/get up. We were truly blessed with many individuals who would help in various ways and by many far and wide who prayed for us. My mother was also able to come stay with us 3 different times during the entire 2 year battle. Talk about a major help! The Lord provides in so many ways. Even in the storm, He is faithful.

A few days after being home, Matt experienced another ER visit and was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. The palsy went away after about a year. After nearly a month of being home, Matt’s oxygen dipped to 83%. He returned to the hospital where they extracted more fluid from his lungs and kept him for 17 days. They discovered the cancer had spread and there was now only a 20% chance that chemo treatments would be effective, but a much higher chance that, within 8 months, he would no longer be with us if nothing was done. So, he was transferred to an even larger hospital, even further away from our home. He remained there for 63 days, receiving a few infusions and more physical therapy.

In November, his local primary doctor was able to arrange for him to come back to our local hospital and receive skilled care as a special situation. We were very happy because during his 63 day stay far away, I had only been able to see him one time for 2 days. (It was a blessing that I made it there and back though. A good Samaritan paid by way, the Lord protected me in the bad neighborhood of the big city, and another good Samaritan helped me avoid the neighborhood challenges on the way back. It is quite a story. I posted it on my Facebook back then. Many of you have read it. Lol.) Anyway, we were also happy that Matt could stay at the local hospital because the holidays were coming up and we wanted him to be near.

The local hospital could not administer the infusions he needed, so he was sent by ambulance, a few times, to a cancer center a couple of hours away. Following each appointment, he returned to the local hospital since it was basically his “home” at that time. However, as time went on, his ability to respond to physical therapy decreased and this affected his eligibility for his extended stay at the local hospital.

As a result, for around 3 weeks the hospital looked for a nursing home to transfer him to. He was turned down by approximately 42 nursing homes for various reasons. Then, after 56 days of being in the local hospital, he was sent home. (Yes, if you have been counting, that makes 205 days spent in one hospital or another during his first battle with cancer.) Thankfully, the discharge nurse located a free bariatric hospital bed for us to set up at the house. Also, my mother came to stay with us again, to help with nursing duties and with the house and kids.

In February of 2020, we were told Matt was cancer free. By May, he could take baby steps without his walker, his hair was starting to return, and when he made it to the car he could sit and drive. In June, he started having back pain, and a bit of sleep apnea and insomnia. In addition, a strange bulge appeared on his stomach, and the left side of chest and face became swollen.

By the end of July, he had spent a total of 12 more days in the hospital (5 one time, 7 another) and on the second stay there was 8.9 liters of fluid taken from his stomach (previously the fluid had been on his lungs). August passed. September and October was filled with more wheezing and more, major fluid retention. Also in October, large skin ulcers appeared that would never completely heal, no matter what we did. He completed a sleep apnea test which we had been working on getting since (approximately) July and did not get the results to until (approximately) December.

In November, a large bump appeared on his neck which was passed off as a tension headache (but it wasn’t). In December, a list of pains and inconveniences developed, including a terrible cough, gagging, etc. along with difficulty swallowing and increased shoulder and other pains. The cough, gagging, and the swallowing issue went away after some medicine from his primary doctor. Starting on December 24th and leading to sometime in January, Matt began walking between 40 and 90 steps per day. Things were starting to look up, despite the various pains and the lump on his neck.

In January of 2021, the terrible cough returned, his face began drooping again, his speech became very slurred, and he began to lose the ability to control food in his mouth. He eventually stopped eating anything other than popsicles (we did protein shake popsicles, apple juice, and regular) because everything else was too difficult to swallow. Since he was not able to drink anything, he became dehydrated and ended up back in the hospital. During January and February 2021, he spent a total of 32 days in 3 different hospitals.

We were told the bump on his neck was Lymphoma. They tried to shrink it with radiation, but it was too late and he was too weak for chemo. There was also a growth on his nasopharynx which they suspected was cancerous, but to do a biopsy would have been too risky. In order for him to be able to get some nutrition, they tried a feeding tube. It was at this point that Matt began to refuse treatment. He would agree to the feeding tube but then he would pull it out. This happened a few times.

He was released and sent home for hospice care on February 13, 2021. A few weeks prior, Matt communicated to me that he still desperately wanted to live but if it came down to it he wanted to be home with his family, and not in some facility, when the time came.

On the night of February 16, 2021, Matt went home to be with the Lord after a long day of goodbyes and an encounter with some angels.

We mourn our loss but we must remember to rejoice in Matt's gain. If you would like to transition from the sad tears this blog has probably caused to happy tears and hopeful thoughts, I encourage you to read the story of his departure. As I mentioned earlier, it's a testimony to eternity itself.

Matt would tell us to dry our eyes. He would tell us to keep moving forward, to be faithful to the Lord, and to not worry about trials of this life, including physical pain and traumatic experiences, because all that matters in the end is spending eternity with Jesus. May we all be encouraged by Matt's faithfulness in times of trial and by knowing we can be blessed to see him again one day as we follow the narrow way. AMEN.

Links:

Matt’s Earthly Departure

Love at First Post

Get the “How” Out of It (by Matt, published 8/16/21 )

Eat Through the Menu (by Matt, published 10/27/21)

Matt’s Obituary by Sarah M. Hylton

Matt’s Public Figure Facebook Page (last updated by Matt)

Matt’s Memorial Facebook Page (memorial videos, etc.)

Clip from Matt’s appearance on Skin Tight Season 2, Episode 10

I just want to say that I only found this clip this morning and was amazed that there are 2,623 comments on it, and many more have liked it and viewed it. Matt, your story is still out there! May it continue to help people with their weight loss journeys and lead many to the Lord. I know that is what you desired most! Amen!

Season 2, Episode 10 of Skin Tight

Depending on your TV provider, you may be able to watch the entire episode at the above link.

Eat Through the Menu

2021-10-27T06:13:00.003-05:00

HERE IS ANOTHER POST MATT WROTE BUT DID NOT PUBLISH BEFORE HE WENT

HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD...

For weeks, I have been in the hospital overcoming pneumonia and a collapsed lung that had fluid

around it. During my time in the hospital, I got tired of straight menu food so I started to create some

different meals using the menus. I was tired of the same old foods, so my creativity to make different

meals or desserts kicked in.

DESSERT

At first, my favorite dessert to create was using the peach cobbler with one of the vanilla ice cream

cups. After a while, I decided to break a few chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies into a bowl with

a serving of vanilla ice cream. At other times, I used apple cinnamon or blueberry muffins, broke

them apart, and added vanilla ice cream to it. Lastly, some days I enjoyed a vanilla pudding cup with 2

cookies in it.

LUNCH OR DINNER

Again, after eating through the menu I got tired of menu food and wanted more variety so I would add

chicken tenders, broken up into spaghetti with meat sauce. It made Chicken Parmesan. Sometimes, I

asked if I could order off the breakfast side of the menu, which helped me add eggs or bacon to other

meals.

My Thot: You don’t have to stick to the menu alone. Be creative. Use your brain and think of flavor

combinations or foods you like to eat. I am very regimented when it comes to eating, but sometimes

you gotta be creative and out of the box with your thinking. Stay on your meal plan, but you don’t have

to sacrifice taste just because of the menu.

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Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the Kings Brew at the soul café.

2021-08-16T06:24:00.001-05:00

Get The "How” Out

Editor's Note: Today, it's been 6 months since Matt went home to be with the Lord. I miss him, but I'm happy that he's not in pain, he's got that new body, he's with Jesus, and he's waiting on me. When he passed, I promised him I wouldn't let his story go untold. So far I've shared a little, but there's so much more to come. Today, I'm posting one of the last blogs he wrote, but never published. Here it is:

As time goes by we want to know how life is going to workout. I can’t answer this for you. I only know that I used to always ask God the basic questions like how, when, why, and where. I can tell you I would get so frustrated because I wanted to know. I am very inquisitive and feel like I should know. But what I found out is that I don’t always need to know.

WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT

Scripture tells us to “walk by faith not by sight.”

2 Cor 5:7

There are so many days this is difficult for me, even though I have been a Christ follower since I was a kid. I have had so many questions over the years and wanted life’s hard answers. What vehicle to buy? What college or trade school should I go to? Who should I date or marry?

GET THE HOW OUT OF IT.

Years ago a friend told me I need to stop asking all theses questions and just let God bring things about in His way and in His timing. They were right. I have a tendency, as an artist and a creative person, to want my hands involved in every aspect. However, once I let go and took the questioning out of the equation things happened far more rapid than I could have imaged.

My Thot: Slow down, don’t always be in a rush. Things work best in God’s timing. Marriage, weight loss, going to college or buying that new vehicle. Just stand back. Sure, collect material or information but let God bring it about. After all, in Him you will find your most BEST days and BLESSED days still ahead of you.

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Until next time, grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew at the Soul Café

Love at First Post

2021-07-29T23:05:00.002-05:00

By Sarah M. Hylton

FROM MY DIARY Jan. 2017: “Contentment is resting in who God is and where He has you. If it is years before the right ‘one’ comes into my life, it does not mean that God is being mean. It means that He loves me and that's what I need. He may need more time to prepare me for the birth of that dream…”.

6 DAYS LATER: Enter Matthew Wayne Hylton :) :) :) ...

On January 20, 2017, I came home from a long day at work. I began scrolling through Facebook and ran across a post by the Modern Day Boaz page, which is actually a support page for men who are waiting for their "Ruth" (Bible love story). I don't remember how or why I started following the page. I was only aware that I was following the Modern Day Ruth page for women who are waiting for their “Boaz.”

Anyway, I came across a couple of comments on the post that caught my eye. The author of one of the comments lived in Oklahoma, which is where I happened to be as well. But, it was the comment by a guy from Maryland that took my heart. Mind you, I wasn’t trying to use Facebook as a dating app! Lol! But God certainly had something in mind.

The Boaz post spoke of praying for your future wife even if you don't know her yet. Matt had commented, "I fight for her daily in prayer. She is my promise, my beloved, I love you and I don't even know you yet. As God has been preparing me these last 5 years, He has been preparing you for me. So our strengths hide each other's weaknesses and together WE are STRONG!! Amen! Gen. 2:22 💓 Gen. 18:14."

There was something about this that caught my heart in a special way. So, I clicked on his profile picture and proceeded to “snoop.” Lol. I think the kids today call it “creeping.” Anyway, I viewed his personal page, public figure page, and his caricature business page. I was captivated. I kept scrolling and looking for something that would make me uninterested, but I just kept seeing posts about his thoughts on God and weight loss, Godly relationships, and swimming. I learned later that about this same time he checked out my profile because he wanted to see who "liked" his comment.

Later that evening, I found myself looking at his profile again and surveying his photo albums. I kept finding things I was drawn to that expressed his heart and I just kept thinking, "This is MY heart. Those are MY thoughts. That's how I feel about this, too. That's how I feel about that, too." I decided to follow his public figure page. Also, I wound up "liking" 30+ posts in all. I didn’t realize it was that many until he told me later on. He said, “I thought, ‘Who is this chick blowing up my pages with ‘likes’ and comments?’” He didn’t know if I was a weirdo, or an awesome person! Lol! Obviously, he ended up deciding on the latter and I’m glad he did ! 😉

Throughout the night, I kept waking up and looking at his comment on the Boaz page and wondering if, perhaps, I was his "beloved." Only the Lord knew at the time. I also looked up the scripture references he'd included in his comment. I knew the references must have really meant something to him because Gen. 2:22 (and 💓) was next to every post on his page that had to do with Godly relationships, his "prophetic promise," or his "beloved."

I chuckled at Gen. 18:14 because, even though I knew he'd included it for part "a" of the verse, I thought if I was his "beloved," God has a neat sense of humor because of part "b." Lol. Here’s what I mean: Gen. 18:14 says, “Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” I knew that Matt was referencing the fact that nothing is too hard for the Lord and therefore he knew God would bring his beloved to him, but I chuckled because my name is Sarah and I have a son (actually 3) from my previous marriage.

The following morning I woke up to a private message from Matt on Facebook, politely thanking me for liking his public figure page and so many of his posts. I responded to him that his posts were truly encouraging, and that I noticed we were on similar journeys concerning weight loss and waiting on God to bring us a spouse. I explained some of my journey and he explained some of his. We ended up chatting through Facebook Messenger on and off all day, and then for 8 hours straight that night - up to 3am!

Very early in the conversation things really began to roll, we were sending long messages, sharing life stories and learning little things about each other - like favorite movies and so on. Matt brought up the idea of talking on the phone because it would be easier, but I told him I wasn't ready for that. Lol! I had never talked so much to a stranger on the internet and even though he seemed like a great person I thought there was just something too personal about giving my phone number! Lol! What if HE was a weirdo?! Well, he was a gentleman and did not pressure me about it. We went on typing for hours. Finally, at 3am I surprised him by sending him my number. What can I say? After talking off and on all day and then 8 straight hours through the night I was confident. Besides, he passed my test: In conversation I asked certain questions and made certain statements, to which his response told me what I needed to know. Anyway, I gave him my number but said not to call right then. I had to get some sleep! My kids and I had church to go to a few hours later! :)

So, we stopped messaging at approx. 3am, I got some sleep, and then we started again at 9am! He even attended church with me that morning, via live stream. We sent messages to each other throughout the service, messages like “Amen” “preach it” or “we were just talking about that last night” and so on. We were experiencing the sermon together, even though we were approximately 1,300 miles apart.

After church, I went to the store and purchased my first bluetooth. Later that afternoon, I went for my usual walk around the neighborhood and we talked on the phone for the first time. As soon as he heard my voice he said, “Stick a fork in me, I’m done! I love her, I love her.” He loved the sound of my voice. He told me later that he had been concerned that the beautiful personality that came through the texts might be overshadowed by a horrible sounding voice he wouldn’t want to listen to for the rest of his life. Lol! Of course, when he said, “I love her, I love her” I thought he was just being silly. I didn’t find out until much later that he was actually serious at that moment.

Of course, we wound up talking all afternoon and into the evening of that day. That evening, he asked me if I would like to pray and read the Bible &/or a Christian book together everyday, over the phone. Well, I didn’t say it out loud, but that’s when I said in my mind, “I love him, I love him.” That was a dream come true for me.

Soon, breakfast, Scripture, and video chat became a part of our morning routine. He even had lunch with me when I didn’t have lunch duty at school (I was an elementary teacher), and “attended” church with me each time I went. We put in over 300 hours of conversation in the first 7 weeks of our long distance relationship. Some of that included a bit of conversation with my 3 sons and some family games, via video chat.

We met in person for the first time on March 12, 2017. Matt wanted to fly out to see my sons and me, but was unable to do so at the time. So, I ventured out on my first plane ride and stayed in Maryland for a few days. Matt greeted me at the airport with a bouquet of my favorite flowers and then took me out for Chinese. The next day, we went swimming, out to eat, and shopping. I met his mother, best friend, and a few other folks during my trip. Throughout the week, Matt and I sang along with old musicals and did a lot of talking. Boy, could we talk!

Later on, when Matt was able to fly in to meet my sons, my middle son said, “You guys talk so much. Are you going to have anything left to say when you get married?” We just chuckled and told him we’d never run out of things to say to each other. To this day, Matt’s mother lovingly and emphatically tells the story about how she had trouble getting a moment to talk to him herself. Everytime she wanted to visit for a bit, he was either talking to me on the phone or video chatting with me. In reality, the only waking hours we weren’t talking were when I was spending time with my boys, teaching at school, or Matt was doing a “gig.” (He was an awesome caricature artist.)

During our long distance relationship, I was able to fly out to see him two more times. Once was paid for by the production company for TLC's "Skin Tight." Matt had lost 225lbs. naturally, by "eating right, working out hard, and serving God" (as he always put it) but the excess skin had not tightened. He was on track to have the excess skin surgically removed by Dr. Now. When the production company learned of me, they wanted to add me to the story so they flew me out for filming. You can see Matt's episode by watching Skin Tight, Season 1, Episode 11. But just so you know, while the story is true, some of the scenes are made for TV. Lol! We saw each other for the first time at the airport, not a park! And I wasn't really meeting his mother for the first time in that scene! Lol! We must have done 5 takes on that one. However, the tears in that scene are very real. That's one of my favorites. She really did accept and approve of me right from the start. ❤️

When Matt flew in for a visit, at the end of May, he surprised me at the airport with an official marriage proposal. We were already engaged, but this time he brought the diamond - the family heirloom. This time, he had all the passengers and stewardesses standing in the background ready to watch and many of them were ready with their phone cameras. I had no clue. I mean, I knew he was planning a special proposal but I didn’t know when or where. Anyway, he’d purchased some of my favorite M&M’s to use as a decoy. As soon as I met him at the gate area and we were ready to head to my car he said, “Wait! You’ve got to see what I found.” He set his large, heavy bag down and got on one knee to get the M&M’s out to show me. He held them up to my view so I could not see what else he was doing. I took the candy and as I was thanking him he pulled out the ring and opened it up and asked me to marry him! Immediately, I said, “Yes! A thousand times yes!” It was at that time that I noticed the attention of the crowd because they started clapping! LOL! Many of them took pics and sent them to Matt’s phone. Neither of us knew it at the time, but one lady even posted it on her Instagram with such sweet words about how her heart melted!

On July 31, 2017, at 2:22 p.m. we were married on Facebook Live with my oldest son as the best man and one of my friends as the maid of honor. Our plans had been to marry that following January but when Matt flew in for his second visit in July we just didn’t want him to leave! So, within about a 3 day time period we purchased our marriage license, organized clothing, flowers, etc. and finally met the officiant under a beautiful gazebo at the courthouse! A couple of weeks later, we flew back to Maryland together for a "Happily Ever After" party (wedding reception) organized by Matt's sister and family. Afterwards, we drove back to Oklahoma with Matt’s car and belongings. Plans were to have another reception party with my friends and family but those plans did not work out. Nonetheless, my family loved him. Some met him and some did not, but they knew enough about him to know he truly loved me and they were very happy for us.

After his passing, a friend of mine pointed out what a blessing it was that Matt and I did not wait until the following January to get married, because it gave us more time together before he got sick and before he went home to be with the Lord. In general, I don’t believe wedding dates should be rushed, but in this case I believe it was the blessing and guidance of the Lord. I am so thankful for the time I had with Matt even though it was so much shorter than I had expected.

Well, there is our story. The gist of it anyway. We always said it was “better than a hallmark movie.” We may have been partial...but that’s okay. :)

The Story of Matt's Earthly Departure

2021-04-16T12:30:00.007-05:00

Today, marks two months since Matt left this old cruel world for a much, much better place. He’s had two months (our time) of peace, comfort, joy, and COMPLETE health. I know many of us have cried many sorrowful tears these past two months, but I hope many of us have also cried tears of joy for him. I know I have.

When I think about Matt feeling so good and being in the presence of the Lord, his dad, other family members who beat him there, and those believers in the Bible we are only able to read about right now, I can’t help but cry tears of joy. I picture Matt talking to all of these people and I plan to someday join the group.

I want to share the story of Matt’s departure in more detail because it is so encouraging. If there is anyone you know who does not believe in heaven, I hope you will share this with them.

Matt came home on hospice at the end of his second battle with cancer, on February 13th. I won't give the details of that battle in this writing, but I do plan to detail it in the future in hopes that it will also help others. However, I will say that Matt was tired from not eating much more than popsicles and feeding tube shakes for over a month. His inability to communicate clearly was also a frustration for him (a muscle in his esophagus was paralyzed). Still yet, he wanted to live.

On February 15th, his mother and sister flew in to surprise him. Matt’s eyes were closed most of the time at this point and I am not sure if he even opened his eyes when they came into the house, but I know as soon as he heard his mother’s voice, he immediately said, “Hi mom...I love you.”

At bedtime, several hours later, Matt asked to be adjusted in the bed (he had no strength to adjust himself). My mother, his mother, his sister, and myself worked together to help make him as comfortable as possible. When we were finished, with his eyes closed, he asked me, “How long is this going to take?” Then he said, “There were more people helping last week. Go talk to them. Let’s get this going. I gotta get better. Let’s get this going…”. I realized he thought he was back in the hospital and our family members were doctors, nurses, etc. I didn’t really know what to say. A few minutes later, he started again. Well, I had (days before) talked to the doctors, so I decided to let Matt know, “I talked to them. They said you might get to go see Jesus.” Matt said, “NO.” I replied, “Don’t you want to see Jesus?” He said, “YES, BUT NOT YET.”

An hour later, when his family had gone to their hotel and my mother had headed for bed, Matt started to talk to me again, saying, “Let’s get this going. Help me. I gotta get up. I gotta get dressed.” I don’t remember everything I said, but I know I talked to him and prayed for him because that was all I could do. Finally, he said, “You’re not helping me. Why aren’t you helping me?” I told him I was, but he continued to tell me that I wasn’t and asking me why. Finally, I told him that I couldn’t because I am human and it was all up to Jesus. Thankfully, I had recently read in the hospice handbook that sometimes when the “time” comes people say hurtful things and loved ones should not take them seriously. I knew Matt knew I loved him very much and I always did everything I could to help him, but I sure didn’t want our last conversation to be of him asking why I wasn’t helping him! I decided to begin talking about good memories we had together. This was the best thing I could have done at that point and I am so thankful that I did.

We reminisced for a long time about so many good memories. Matt’s eyes were still closed most of the time, but he was smiling and even though his speech was still slurred, I could somehow clearly understand him. I reminded him of a song he used to sing to me and he smiled and sang a line from it. We talked about how the Lord put us together and said that it was “better than a Hallmark movie” - just like we always said.

While we were talking, he started having increased pain throughout his body, like fire - even though the outside of his body was very cold. He was not screaming or crying or anything like that, but there was pain. I gave him some pain medication and rubbed his legs because he said they hurt. He also complained of back pain. The pain continued to come and go as we continued to talk of good things. Then, after some time of pause he told me that he had to go. I told him it was okay. After that, he had more pain, and body spasms began.

At one point, during a time of calm, and with his eyes closed, he said, “Go away.” I knew he was not talking to me. He mumbled some other things I could not make out; but again, I knew he was talking to someone, just not me. He told, whoever it was, to “go away” two more times. He wasn’t yelling at whoever it was, he simply did not want to go with them. Finally, his demeanor changed and he said, “Yes, I hear you.” There was such a different tone to it. It was a peaceful submission. Then he told me, once again, “I gotta go” with more finality in his voice this time than the time before. Once again, I told him that it was okay. His body spasmed a bit more.

He was quiet and then I heard him say, “Yes, I hear you. Yes…”. I began singing, “There’s Just Something About That Name” by Bill and Gloria Gaither and...okay, get ready to laugh, in the midst of your tears here. As I was singing, Matt called out, “STOP. I’m serious. They’re talking.” Oh my, I was startled to say the least! Had I just become the first person on the planet to interrupt angels, by singing too loudly?! Yikes! Well, I’ll have to say that is, quite assuredly, one of the most interesting things I have ever accidentally done!! Anyway, a little while later, I guess I assumed they had stopped talking, I asked, “Do you see an angel?” He shook his head and said, “Yes.” I asked, “Does he look nice?” He said, “Yes.” He had a bit more pain run through his body and then, again, he said he had to go. There was a bit more struggle and a few more spasms. I asked if it was scary. He shook his head and said, “No.”

At some point, I asked if he wanted some more medicine and he said that he did. I had to call the hospice to see if I could give more at that time. While I was waiting on a call back from a nurse, Matt talked some more to the angel (or angels) and struggled now and then. I couldn’t make out much of what was being said. But I didn’t start singing again, I’d learned my lesson! Then, all of a sudden, he fell into a relaxed sleep - as relaxed as you can get with sleep apnea, anyway. It was, at least, the most peaceful sleep I had seen him in since he had come home from the hospital. This occurred nearly two hours after this entire scene first began, after family members left and turned in for the night.

The next day, February 16th, while he was still in comfortable sleep, his mother, sister, my mother, my two youngest children, and our pastor was able to say goodbye to him at different times throughout the day. Somehow, Matt was able to respond in various ways to almost everyone even though he was in that “sleep state.” He was even able to say "amen" to something our Pastor said to him. I stayed by his side nearly every moment that day, holding his hand, and saying things now and then. When I told him I would love him forever, he squeezed my hand with what strength he had and I knew he was saying that he loved me, too.

That night, approximately twenty-four hours from the beginning of this story, when it was time for bed, I let him know that I was going to lay down for a bit but I was going to skoot the futon a bit closer than normal to his hospital bed and that I would be right there, as close as I could be. Then, I took his Bible and read Psalm 23 to him. I also told him that I’d found a note, tucked away in his Bible, that I’d written to him when we were dating. In the note, I wrote that seeing him happy makes me happy; and, in person that night, I told him I still feel the same way. I told him that I wanted him to be healed and stay with me, and I told him that I had asked God to make it so; but, if that was not part of God’s plan I was submitted to it and I would be okay. I also let Matt know that if, perhaps, the Lord would give him the choice of whether to stay or go and if, perhaps, now, after nearly twenty-four hours of being in a special realm I have not yet experienced, Matt decided that he wanted to go on to be with the Lord, I would completely understand. I also promised that I would not let his story go untold. I knew he still had so much he wanted to say and I knew it was worth saying.

Finally, I kissed him on the forehead and reiterated that I would be right there beside him. From the time I laid down to the time my alarm went off to give him more pain medication, 38 minutes passed. Within that time, Matthew Wayne Hylton completed his departure from this life and went on to a wonderful, glorious eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

R.I.P. Matthew Hylton

2021-04-07T11:25:00.004-05:00

Dear Visitors and Subscribers,

Following Matt's last post, in 2019, we found out that he actually had Non-Hodgkin's Large Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma. After a 2 year health battle with multiple illnesses, the cancer returned and on February 16, 2021, he went home to be with the Lord. Below Matt's picture is a post from Facebook that I (his wife, Sarah) posted on the 17th of February 2021.

Before he left, I told Matt that I would not let his story go untold. There is so much Matt still had to say; in fact, there are still posts he wrote that are unpublished. Therefore, my plan is to carry on his website with his own writings, as well as various encouraging and inspiring stories from his life.

Matt Update (2/17/21): Matt finished his earthly journey at approximately 9:30pm last night. He started a new, glorious, healthy, pain-free life! He no longer suffers from excess skin from his weight loss, nor excess fluid from unknown causes, nor any cancer! He IS now cancer free! And he is assuredly with the Lord.

On 2/15/21, he told me he saw an angel and that he had to go. He didn't go right away though. He lingered and talked with me. We reminisced about our love story and he even sang me a line from a love song he used to sing to me. Amazingly, I didn't have any trouble understanding him, even though his speech was still slurred. His eyes were mostly closed as he lingered in total for about 2 hours. The angel and "they" (whoever "they" were) finally urged him that he needed to come on. I asked him if it was scary and he said no. Finally, he fell into a comfortable sleep, still living at approx. 11:50pm.

       Then, while he was still in comfortable sleep, on 2/16/21, his mother, sister, my mother, Jason, Caleb, and our pastor was able to say goodbye to him. He was able to respond in various ways to almost everyone. He was even able to say "amen" to something Pastor said to him! He waited to depart until all were gone and I had laid down on the couch beside his hospital bed in our home. I fell asleep and a few minutes later I woke up and saw that he was completely freed from this life. And I know he's waiting for me on the other side. AMEN.

TIME OFF TO RECOVERY FROM ILLNESS

2019-05-06T00:03:00.000-05:00

Back in February I got ill and was sick. I didn’t know it at the that the pain was feeling in my body and back was not muscle strain or muscle but the beginning stages of Pneumonia I thought I was totally healed up because my strength and energy levels was normal but then about 4 1/2 weeks ago, I was relearning how to deadlift and squat. I ended up hurting my back and causing my old sciatic nerve issue to rise again. It had been years since I had any lower back or sciatic nerve pain. But I found out all pain and weakness was because I actually have had Pneumonia all this time

Time Off To Recovery

It’s with heavy heart the I stop writing for at least a week perhaps two to heal fully before attempting mentally write blog updates

My Thot: say a prayer for this blogger, husband, father, friend, fitness influencer, Christ Follower, and Minister. Comment Below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the Kings Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

BASIC INJURY RECOVERY

2019-05-03T00:03:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was relearning how to deadlift and squat. I ended up hurting my back and causing my old sciatic nerve issue to rise again. It had been years since I had any lower back or sciatic nerve pain and, as for squats and deadlifts, it had been since I was a teenager (and a lot lighter in weight) that I had done anything looking remotely like traditional squats or deadlifts. As my life changed and I got older, I gained an enormous amount of weight which caused me to lose a lot of mobility and flexibility. I hated it because my size hindered everything I did.

Life In Transition

During those years, the simple things in life that most people take for granted like walking, running, bending over, shopping, cooking; heck, even making love became difficult and a big undertaking. I was always out of energy, weak, and not living but surviving. I no longer wanted to live like that and after my heartbreak in 2011 (losing everything I once cared about) I surrendered to God (January 2012) and allowed Him to bring about change, transformation, and restoration in me. I have been through a lot and have dealt with all types of issues and problems that I didn’t know I had. God changed the way I see myself and I had life purpose again. I wanted to not only see my life changed but to see others changed and transformed as well. Thus, began my journey to life and health and losing 255 lbs naturally. I used no fad or gimmick diets. Only eating right, living right, working out hard, and serving God. Nothing more, nothing less.

Basic Tips

Some of these tips are no brainers; they're common sense, but you would not believe the amount of times we tend to forget the basics. I know I’ve been guilty of it. I am in no way an excerpt or have a medical degree; however, I have experience and not just head knowledge. I have first hand account experience which trumps any head knowledge that is only learned in a textbook. I don’t have theories. I have “in the trench, crucible of life, knowledge and experience” to offer you.

See your doctor as necessary.
Ice: ice pack, frozen veggies in a ziplock bag. Remember ice helps to reduce the swelling.
Heat: heating pad, Blue-goo medicated soreness cream, etc. Heat loosens up the muscle to reduce recovery time.
Medicine (over the counter or prescription)
Rest (bed rest). Make sure your bed is not the issue. Replace mattress pad if you have a dip in your mattress or sleep is uncomfortable. I know for myself, I didn’t have the money for a NEW bed. I bought a 3” memory foam topper and placed a cut ½” piece of plywood under the mattress to add the stiffness that was needed.
Stretch (hamstrings). People don’t stretch their hamstrings enough. The hamstrings are tied into your glute and spinal erectors. The posterieure chain is connected.
Light workout (ex: If your quads are sore for days, try a light weight leg-extension machine to push new blood, nutrients, and oxygen into the muscle. Sometimes this will lose up the muscle and help it recover faster.

My Thot: Don’t let “PRIDE” tell you that you must be hard core, always in the gym, when you're hurt. Truly being hard core is knowing when to rest and recover your body, while your transforming your life. Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

CARROT, EGG, OR COFFEE?

2019-05-01T00:03:00.000-05:00

Once, I received an email from a friend that is an illustrated story. It touched me deeply and made me think long and hard about my life and previous situations I have had to go through. Not all my experiences have been good nor bad, but I found that we as people do go through things, situations, and circumstances to make us, to hone us, to prepare us for future events that we will go through. I am not sure who the original writer of this illustration was; however, I want to repost this incredible story for you to enjoy as much as I did. Today, may this story bring a refreshing and a refill to your spirit as it did mine.

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

“A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon, the pots came to boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see." "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," the daughter replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water its insides became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?”

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my g look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

May we all be COFFEE!”

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NO CARB PIZZA

2019-04-29T00:03:00.000-05:00

I LOVE PIZZA!! I can’t help myself, at times, because all I crave and all I want is a warm, gooey, melt in your mouth, golden brown slice of heaven. I have been a pizza connoisseur for years. I can tell you the about the best kind of pizza and the best place to buy pizza, but there’s nothing like making your own homemade pizza. Over the course of 20+ years, I have perfected the making of my own pizza dough using my breadmaker and quality ingredients. I have also found a way to create not a slice of New York or Chicago deep-dish style pizza, but a homemade keto friendly pizza with a low to no carb twist. From my own kitchen, I created something that could fit my low-carb, high-protein nutrition plan because that is always the first thing on my mind when I create a new recipe.

The Crust

I'd heard of cauliflower crust and crust made from mozzarella cheese, but I wanted a true blue non-carb pizza crust made from ground chicken, & spices for taste. So, I ended up creating a recipe in which I take a pound of ground chicken and spread it out on a lined 14” - 16” pizza pan and bake it at 400° for 20 minutes.* Then I take it out, flip it over, and bake it again for an additional 20 minutes. I like the crust very crisp and not soggy. *Over the years, I've lined the pan with either foil or parchment paper but parchment seems to work best.

The Sauce & Toppings

This is where I get to be very creative - and so can you if you choose to use this recipe. You can top this protein bomb of a pizza anyway you choose. I personally use real bacon bits, mozzarella cheese, and Don Pepino pizza sauce.

The sauce is a childhood favorite of mine. I am very partial to it. However, any sauce can be made to taste good with spices. Garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper are just a few spices I like to use. Add your sauce and toppings onto your pizza and then bake. Baking times will vary depending on how you like your cheese melted. I prefer a “melted to a golden brown” look. It usually takes 15-20 minutes in a 400° oven. The last step is to remove it from the oven, let it cool a bit, and then - enjoy! This recipe serves about 2-4 people.

My Thot: don’t be afraid to try new things, recipes, spices, toppings, etc. Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

RIDIN’ WITH THE KING

2019-04-26T00:03:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning singing “Riding With The King” from the Eric Clapton and the late B.B King EP with the same title. As I had my travel mug of coffee and was riding to the gym, I played this track on my cell. I got chills because I know, as Christ Followers, the world and everything in it is constantly trying to grab at us and take up this precious short time we have been given to make a difference. As a Christ Follower, I understand time is short. I remember growing up and hearing some false prophets as well as many 80’s preachers spreading a message of “the end is near.”

“Edgar C. Whisenant, was a former NASA engineer and Bible student who predicted the Rapture would occur sometime in 1988, between Sept. 11th and Sept. 13th. He published two books about this: 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988 and On Borrowed Time. Eventually, 300,000 copies of 88 Reasons were mailed free of charge to ministers across America, and 4.5 million copies were sold in bookstores and elsewhere. Whisenant was quoted as saying "Only if the Bible is in error am I wrong; and I say that to every preacher in town, and if I were a king in this country and I could gamble with my life, I would stake my life on 1988." (Excerpt from Wikipedia.)

The preachers of old would shout out the message that “Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart today,” “where would you be if you were to die tonight,” or seeing some violent B-Rated cheesy movie that would scare people into salvation. Everyone wanted the fire insurance (NO, you cannot be saved or save by switching to Jesus in 15 minutes or less).

The truth is that Jesus is coming (even though we don't know when) and we as Christ followers must be prepared and ready to ride with the King of Glory. Look at the passage below and see what scripture tells us in Rev 19: 11-16

I looked and saw that heaven was open, and a white horse was there. Its rider was called Faithful and True, and he is always fair when he judges or goes to war. He had eyes like flames of fire, and he was wearing a lot of crowns. His name was written on him, but he was the only one who knew what the name meant. The rider wore a robe that was covered with blood, and he was known as "The Word of God." He was followed by armies from heaven that rode on horses and were dressed in pure white linen. From his mouth, a sharp sword went out to attack the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod and will show the fierce anger of God All-Powerful by trampling the grapes in the pit where wine is made. On the part of the robe that covered his thigh was written,

"KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

My Thot: Jesus really is coming back for us a people, a church that is His own, His bride. The Bible says that no one will know the day or the hour, so the exact time cannot be predicted, but we do know it's near. Will you be ready for that day? It’s great to think of heaven, but have you really thought about it? We have a great work to do here on earth, but once in Heaven we still are not done. There is still work to be done for us, His followers. We are not going to be sitting on clouds eating Philadelphia cream cheese on bagels. Just think about it! Comment below and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox. Enjoy this YouTube video of Eric Clapton and B. B. King performing “Riding With The King.”

Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Café.

I DON’T HAVE TIME

2019-04-24T00:03:00.000-05:00

“Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time’ is like saying 'I don't want to'.” - Ody
“I don’t have time.” It's the oldest, most used excuse and will continue to be used by the masses. If something is truly important to you/me/we, we're gonna find a way to accomplish it. If it’s a job that requires us to travel away from our home, as my caricature business does, it can be a struggle. I have to allow enough time for setbacks like traffic jams, car problems, etc. When it comes to eating right, working out, and normal everyday life, it can also be a struggle. I have found that if there is a will, there is a way. Travel times may get tight, sleep may not always be ideal, and heck, even prepping my food or thinking about my menu and grocery list in advance is a struggle - but the key is to be intentional.

INTENTIONAL is defined as “done on purpose, or to be deliberate.” I have to make a deliberate commitment to execute, or follow through, on my goals and plans. It's not an easy thing to be intentional, but it is a behavior that can be learned over time. I, myself, have used every excuse in the book about not having time to cook, workout, plan, and do things that need to be done. In Bible college other students, as well as myself, would say that not being intentional is “procrastination” and procrastination is SIN. In reality, it's not sin as long as the job gets done; but, it does boil down to laziness (which Proverbs does warn us about) and not wanting to be stretched into doing something out of life's comfort zone.

I Am Living Proof

I can tell you that nothing gets done, grows, or completed in our comfort zones. There is a stretching that must take place in our bodies, our hearts, and our minds before we tend to get this habit of being intentional down. It takes work!! It’s like a rubber band being stretched to the point of breaking, yet it doesn’t. Sure, it hurts bad while going through it but Man-O-Man it feels amazing after you’ve been stretched to a new level. With this new level comes new challenges and new responsibilities that you can handle like PRO.

My Thot: Don’t you dare use the excuse that you don’t have time anymore. We have all been given 24 hrs a day to get things accomplished. The key is to learn how to be intentional, and realize that you won’t be perfect at this. Heck, I have been working on this for 6+ years and I am still not at 100% yet. It’s better NOW than it use to be. My challenge to you is to examine your life and write down areas you have not been intentional in or have made excuses. Once you identify them you are halfway to making a change for the better. Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE PACKAGES

2019-04-22T00:03:00.000-05:00

I like getting packages. When ordering something, I track that package feverishly until it arrives at my doorstep. I am like a hunting dog - sniffing, watching and waiting for the UPS, FedEx, or USPS truck to show up. When the package gets here, I am super excited and look forward to opening it! Recently, I ordered a few months supply of protein powder and BCAA’s from muscleandstrength.com. I can tell you, I tracked that package from the day it left their fulfillment center until it made it to my front door. When my package came, I took liberal care to open the box. Then I arranged it for an Instagram picture and posted the contents of my order because I wanted to share it my followers and encourage them to check out “Muscle & Strength” for good deals on supplements.

I am reminded that we are everyday people packages. We come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and varieties; yet, God is not a respecter of people. After all, He created all of us in His image, and all of us were created to worship and fellowship with Him.

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:27‬

While there are so many types of supplements, they are just that - “a supplement” or “second option” to whole foods. If I am unable to get a solid meal in or if I am in a hurry, which happens from time to time, I like to use protein powder. Sometimes, first thing in the morning, I use it as my pre-swim cardio shake while driving to the pool. Other days, I have a shake and quick carb after a lifting session in the gym. One of the many things I enjoy about supplements are the different flavors and different brands. Once I find a brand that meets my nutrition plan requirements and my budget, I like to stick to that brand. I become very loyal and use the products in everything from cooking to drinking and I love the results that I get from using a beloved brand. However, I get 90% of my nutrition through whole food sources.

Jesus is not a supplement or a second choice. He is our only choice of “TRUE LIFE” nourishment. Scripture tells us:

“... taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”

Psalm 34:8

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6:35‬

“He who believes in Me, … out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

‭John‬ ‭7:38‬

Jesus is our true life source for ALL things, not just in the area of spiritual food as many people would have you believe. I know first hand that we all have issues, circumstances, pressures in life and Jesus should be our first go-to, not our second choice.

My Thot: is no matter what your race, ethnicity, financial standing, or if you are male or female, the point is you are unique in God’s eyes. You/Me/We are special to Him and we are His workmanship created in His very image. He is our “TRUE LIFE” source. And I know because God took this mess of a man who lost everything and restored, changed, and transformed him to daily becoming a trophy of His amazing grace! If He can do it in me, He will do it in you. Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

VULTURES

2019-04-19T00:03:00.000-05:00

I have been jamming out to the "John Mayer Trio" EP on my Amazon music account lately. One day as I had my cup of black coffee on the way to the gym to swim, I was reminded of the song “Vultures” and it’s lyrics. It reminded me of a promise God has given to us. What a great song! I like the line that says, “I’ll walk through the fire, if this is what it takes to take me even higher, then I’ll come through like I do when the world keeps testing me…” Scripture tells us that we don’t need to be afraid because God is with us. Isaiah 43:1-3

“… don't be afraid. I have rescued you. I have called you by name; now you belong to me. When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won't drown. When you walk through fire, you won't be burned or scorched by the flames. I am the LORD, your God…”

We know that people are watching us every day to see if we are going to succeed or fail, and I am sure you/me/we are being looked at with a microscope. A great quote from the "Knight's Tale" movie says, “You (we) have been measured, weighed, and been found wanting.” It seems our society, social media, and YES, even some in our local churches are always looking for the negative and they like to prey on our weak areas or what they consider to be a weakness. This is Sad! Sometimes because you're different or have morals, values, and spiritual convictions, “those who haven't been illuminated” seem to be very judgmental. They don't understand that there are absolute truths and non-negotiables to things.

My Thot: look out and be on alert! There are real-life vultures; people who are wanting to crush, kill your dreams, desires, and destinies. Yes, some may even be good Christian brothers and sisters. Sure, you will go through Fire, Deep Waters, but keep your eyes on God. He is the One Who saves and He is the One Who brings you through. I leave you today with a YouTube link for the song “Vultures” performed by John Mayer. Enjoy! Comment below and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Café.

IT HURTS ME TOO

2019-04-17T00:03:00.000-05:00

With a cup of coffee in hand, I began to reflect on my past. I realized that if I didn't go through my "THEN" I would not be here at my "NOW." I thought about all the decisions that had to be made to change my health, marriage, family, and ministry. A lesson gleaned from that time of change was the fact that when I was hurting, others were hurting with me. My close family, friends, church, and even social network friends had been hurting for me when I was down in a waste place of my life - thinking that my life was over. At that time in my life, I did not share much verbally, or post things to Twitter or Facebook, like I was very accustomed to doing. But then, I noticed that when I was trying to figure stuff out on my own I was getting nowhere. A very good friend of mine reminded me that our plans fail for lack of advisors. In other words, I needed to open up and share what was going on with me, to those closest to me, who really loved me. Once I opened up to my closest loved ones, friends, and God then I was able to begin my journey toward wholeness. A passage that spoke to me during this time of transition and change was 1 Corinthians 12:26

“If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part of our body is honored, all the other parts share its honor.”

In other words, if we hurt, others share in our hurt - like our family and friends; likewise, if we rejoice, others rejoice with us.

My Thot: is if you are going through issues in your life where you hurt - Please, Please, Please don’t pull away and clam up. Find counsel that you can trust and begin the process of going through your healing and being restored. Trust me, there are others who understand what you're going through. Remember, God is with you and will be with you through this time. God has placed others in your life with whom you can share. You are not alone in this time! Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time get your FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

THOUGHTS FROM THE POOL: Rest & Recovery

2019-04-15T03:17:00.002-05:00

Seven years ago I wrote on my Facebook wall that “I can feel the change in my body. I know that energy is coming I can feel it and am starting to see a difference, but now I am so sleepy from the pool water.” I remember almost daily coming home from the pool and falling asleep on the couch within 1-2 hours. I would be super tired from my pool workouts. I use to say it was the chlorine, and it could have been, but I think it was because of all the energy and calories I was burning in the water. I couldn’t feel the sweating like I do during weight training or when doing traditional cardio on land but, nevertheless, I was sweating in the pool.

Now, here I am, 7 years have passed and my life has drastically changed. I have lost 255 lbs, remarried, have new family and friends, and I have moved to Oklahoma - I live in the middle of the USA even though I was so use to being an East Coast boy! Again, life has drastically changed but, thankfully, for the better. Although, I still find myself getting sleepy after a good workout, either in the pool or lifting weights.

Rest And Recovery

One of the biggest changes in my weight loss and body transformation came about by adding naps during the day and making sure I was getting at least 7-8 hrs of quality sleep per night. Now, some people only get 5 or 6 hours a night and I understand that. I just know for me, more was better than less. I also know that for me praying and stretching before these times have been very helpful. I don’t want anything interfering with my rest. There are even nights I take 10mg of Melatonin before going to bed. Melatonin helps my brain shut down and not keep thinking of things I need to get done or about the stressful things of the day.

My Thot: All of us could use quality sleep. It’s up to you to make it a priority and figure out how you can get those hours in for your rest and recovery time. I challenge you over the next 2 weeks to work on your sleep and see how the results help you. If you give it an honest try, I can promise you-you'll be better off for it! Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

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MY FATHER’S EYES

2019-04-12T00:03:00.000-05:00

I had an emotional drive coming home from the gym one day 'cause I was listening to Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” in my car. In 1986, I lost my dad - he passed away due to health complications. After his death, I read Psalm 68:5 which says, “God becomes the father to the fatherless…” and now this holds a special meaning for me. God put other men in my life, such as pastors, uncles, a friend’s dad, and many church members, and used them as encouragers and role models in my life. All these different types of men helped me become the man I am today.

Since I’ve remarried, I have gained 3 sons through my amazing marriage to Sarah. Sometimes, when I look at my youngest (11 years old) who I call son, I get emotional and have to look away because he reminds me so much of ME and how I was growing up. He may not be my flesh and blood, but he is my wife’s youngest child and still is my boy. I admit there are a lot of rough days raising an almost “pre-teen.” Yet, there are a lot of great days with him, too. It just feels sometimes like it's all bad days, but it’s actually not. Many times I look at him and think, “What would my dad, Jerry D. Hylton, say or what advice would he give me?”

My Thot: is if your dad is alive and if your relationship is not that great with him try to make amends or try to connect, if there is a separation. If your relationship is great with your dad, then rejoice and call him up, take him to lunch, and pay for him. Let him know how much you love him. Friends, you won’t have your dad forever, so make sure you spend time with him. Learn what you can, even if you think you know it all. Which by the way, trust me, you don’t.

I have attached a music clip called “MY FATHER’S EYES” by Eric Clapton. As I heard this song, I thought about my dad and his passing away in 1986. This song encouraged me to embrace my NEW sons. I may have only had my natural father for 11 years of my life but I’ve learned so much about being a good husband, father, and friend since then, thanks to God's provision. Do I miss my dad? YOU BET I DO! But since my dad’s memories are kept alive in me, my hope and prayer are that my sons can and will see my fathers life and my life through my eyes. Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

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GROANING THE BLUES

2019-04-10T00:03:00.000-05:00

Have you ever woke up on what some would call the wrong side of the bed where you were battling the blankets or the blahs? I know I have. There have been multiple times that I did not want to get out of bed and go to work, the gym, heck - even church. I have had to force myself to go. I use to say, “I will just fake-it until I make-it” but this is a very hollow and fake saying. I realized I was not being real, genuine, or true to myself or others.

Let's face it, we go through seasons, times of change, and the blahs. Understand, we cannot live on “cloud nine” all the time; it's wishful thinking to think that we can live on cloud nine experiences. YES! they are awesome and are very rewarding, but it is not reality to live there. The best we can do is maintain a disciplined life and understand we are going to have those great times of cloud nine experiences, but YES we will also have the valley, the dry, and the blah seasons, too.

King Saul was vexed (bothered) by a spirit, and it was brought to his attention that to get out of his funk and blah state he needed a musician, some worship music to lift his thinking and make life well again. Check out the verse: 1 Samuel 16:16

“Let us find a good musician to play the harp whenever the tormenting spirit troubles you. He will play soothing music, and you will soon be well again.”

My Thot: Whenever you’re feeling down, oppressed, negative or blah - just worship. Put on some good music because music is soul therapy for the body. If you don’t believe me, try it and see how your attitude and feelings change. Groan out the blues, the blahs, with a truthful, sincere, genuine heart and God will refill you. Enjoy this clip of Eric Clapton GROANING THE BLUES. Feel the passion, the emotion in the guitar solo… Enjoy!!!

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NO CARB FRIED CHICKEN

2019-04-08T00:03:00.000-05:00

Man-O-Man, I wanted some fried chicken. Last week, my middle son made some fried chicken to be used for multiple meals. The aroma of that golden brown, crispy, finger-licking, “um-um goodness” permeated the house for hours after he cooked it. The only problem is I don’t choose to eat or cook fried foods. It’s not part of my nutrition plan.

I ended up choosing to try to make some fried chicken healthier and it turned out really good. (Though, next time I am going to try my “NEW” airfryer instead.) I have always tried to create recipes and meals that are “good for you, look good, and taste good.” After all, if it doesn’t “appeal” to me I am not going to fix or eat it.

My Thot: you don’t have to give up your favorite foods. Work on making them better - healthier for your fitness or lifestyle goals. It’s an amazing feeling and complement when I’ve made a recipe healthier, it doesn’t taste like stereotypical “health food,” and I get compliments from people who don’t realize it’s better for them. That’s a testament to creativity if I say so. Comment below and tell me how you have been creative in your food preparations and as always, SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

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Recipe and Ingredients

2 lbs. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 Scoops Non-flavored Protein Powder
2 Whole Eggs

Seasonings (Optional): Salt, Pepper, Old Bay, Garlic powder, Onion flakes

Instructions

1) Use two bowls. Use one for eggs and the other for the protein powder and seasonings.
2) Cut chicken into strips.
3) Using a fork, dredge the chicken in the egg and then in the seasoned protein mixture. \
4) Add chicken into a heated skillet, or pot, containing 350° oil.
5) Fry until 160° internal temperature is reached, or fully golden brown, flipping on all sides.

FREEDOM WHILE ON THE TRACKS

2019-04-05T00:03:00.000-05:00

“I hear the train a comin’...” I'm grinning as I type this because I like the sound of trains moving along the tracks. It’s true I did not hear the train(s) much when I lived in Maryland. That’s because I lived 3 miles away from BWI airport. Airplanes were the common noise I heard. But since moving here to Oklahoma, I tend to see and hear the train(s) on almost a daily basis. I enjoy all types of trains, from bullet trains (which do 320 km/h, or 200 mph), or a freight hauler, to an old iron beast steam train like you would see in a Western movie or TV show like AMC’s “Hell On Wheels.”

Trains are the backbone America was built on. A train serves as a great illustration of moving forward because trains are not designed to steer off course, but move on the designated rails. If a train departs the path that is laid before it there are disastrous consequences. It’s not hard for a person to look at life as a track that one does travel on. It doesn't matter what your age, ethnicity, religion either because we all have a track called life that we live on.

The track may become boring to you if all you are doing is staring at the ground as life goes by. If you are missing the sights and the scenery that is moving and happening all around you, life will seem dull. The old adage we have been taught from youth tells us to keep our noses to the grindstone and never rest or take a break. Yet, we also have sayings like “stop and smell the roses.” I would encourage you to re-evaluate your life and take time to develop balance, and if you look back it should be to see how far you have come.

My Experience

When I was determined to live my life my way and not listen to family, friends, or the doctor(s) about being overweight and when I ignored their warnings that I was killing myself, I was veering off the track of life and it cost me everything I held near and dear to my heart. I am not blaming my ex for anything. I understand it takes two to tango and there is always 3 sides to every story: her's, mine, and God’s. His version is the only one that matters. Sure, we both were to blame and I have no problem admitting and owning up to my issues and mistakes. I know I was a jerk and was snippy. I know the communication was breaking down between us. Funny, this coming from a guy who makes his living communicating with people.

I was unhealthy, I was in pain physically, spiritually, and mentally. I was in burnout mode. My life seemed over and I was veering off the tracks quickly. Honestly, I shouldn’t be alive. I should have died because I was a broken, mangled mess of a man. BUT, GOD!! That’s right, even though I veered off the tracks and destroyed my life, family, friends, people I cared about, God rescued me from this destruction. He restored me to “NEW” and now there is nothing of my old waste of a life. I have a new vision, mission, dream, and goal to accomplish. By God, I will fulfill what He has shown me. I will stay on the track “moving forward” into what He has for me and my family to do together.

Freedom While Moving Forward

Trains have freedom as long as they keep moving forward and don’t veer off the track. If a train does veer off track it derails and destroys not only the train and the track, but also lives and property. In other words, a train works best if it is moving forward along the track.

My Thot: is to encourage you/me/us to stay on the track of life and keep moving forward. My challenge to you is to “KEEP MOVING FORWARD” in what you are called to do. If you don’t know what you are called to do, pray and God will show you. I know, I am living proof. Comment below, and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

T.C.P.R. LIFE

2019-04-03T00:03:00.000-05:00

Normally, when I swim I tend to use the time to pray, worship, think things through, or plan stuff out. I tend to get in a “zone” and I love the alone time. It’s just God, my thoughts, and myself in the swimming pool. One time, I took the time to ask what I considered to be a hard question and I really wanted an answer. I was going through a time where I was seeing things change for the better in almost every area except one, at least I thought. The area that seemed to be stagnant was the area of relationship with a woman. Sure, I had seen great success in my health due to the weight loss, spiritual renewal had taken place, and great strides had been made toward becoming financially established again since my ex kicked me out of the house after her indiscretion. But I was lonely and wanted to be married again. I tried online dating websites and can tell you that those were a complete waste of time for me. I was already healed and no longer broken and these sites were full of broken people. I just wanted to be with someone who didn’t need fixing. I wanted to be with a woman whom God’s hand was on and who was perfect for me. I said, “God, how can I trust You?” Whoa, I know you can't believe I would ask God this but I did. Below is a combination of the four things I learned that day in the pool, things that have become part of my life.

How Can I Trust You God?

I heard in my spirit, as clearly as a song would play on my radio: DO YOU TRUST YOUR MOM? As I gasped, I said, Uh, um... YES. "WHY?" 'cause she has never failed me. She’s always been there for me when I needed her. She spends time with me and I sp..en..d time with her. Du’h I said! "I get it now because I spend time with her.” BUT wait! like the TV infomercials state, "There's more!..."

Trust + Confidence + Peace + Rest = Life

T = Trust: is developed by spending time with God. Spend time praying, reading the scriptures, and meditating on what you read. Also, be quiet, just listen, and don't ask for anything.

C = Confidence: is developed through experiences and time spent trusting God. Like any relationship, confidence is a by-product of learning to trust the other person.

P = Peace: This is the peace the Apostle Paul talks about in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In other words, no matter what is happening in your life God is speaking calmness over your heart and mind. Others will not understand why you are calm or have peace in all that is going on.

R = Rest: is a byproduct of peace, confidence, and trusting God that He has everything under control. You may not see what is happening under the surface, but you can rest knowing that God has everything working out for you as you are learning to TRUST THE PROCESS in Him.

My Thot: I know first hand that trust is a hard thing to get back once it has been broken, shattered, or destroyed, but I also know from LIFE EXPERIENCE that God will not break trust in your life. He really does have an amazing plan for you/me/us and you can confidently learn this T.C.P.R. way of life as I did. Comment below and SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

COMATOSE NO MORE

2019-04-01T00:03:00.000-05:00

For years, I walked around like I was comatose. I was out of the loop when it came to life and health. Then as I started my journey to life and health I was awakened to a NEW world full of possibilities. There was so much I wanted to do with this new life, this real life, this TRUE LIFE. I could see myself getting healthy and no longer struggling with obesity. I could have a better life than I would've ever imagined. That old fat guy was dying and a NEW MATTMAN was rising. I wasn’t confused about life, nor was I held back by my own limitations or ignorances. The chains were removed and the lock of my heart was broken. I no longer had blinders on my eyes. The blinders on my eyes were lifted. I finally saw the truth, I saw how “many” including myself have been in a comatose state.

What Do I Mean?

According to Kidshealth.com, being in a comatose state is being alive while the brain is functioning at its lowest stage of alertness. Sounds like me, WELL AT LEAST IN MY ARROGANCE. I was super morbidly obese at a whopping 625 lbs. I was on high blood pressure meds including a beta-blocker, blood thinner, fluid pill, and even Metformin - even though I was not diabetic. Sure I heard people (family, friends, doctors) telling me I needed to do something about my health. I chose not to hear them. I did what I wanted and wound up hurting myself and destroying everything in my life that I was supposed to care about.

My Story

I did lose everything near and dear to my heart - a wife, family, friends, and a job. I also resigned my church to save my marriage, but she still wound up divorcing me because she no longer loved me. She had an indiscretion a month before I resigned the church. So, on top of my health being out of control, my heart was absolutely broken. Then almost two months after being kicked out of the house and moving back to Glen Burnie, MD in a basement apartment in my mother's house, I had the life-changing, life-altering, comatose awakening that was needed.

On January 5, 2012, I was reading the Bible when my aha-moment of sudden insight or discovery occurred. In John 5:1-9 and vs 6, Jesus asked the man at the pool “Do you want to be made well?” YES! I shouted when I read this. Then I said, “I don't just want to be made well, I want to Live and then help others live too!” I remember lifting my hands in surrender and praying for God to restore me and bring change, transformation to my life. In essence, I was asking Him to awaken me from the comatose state that I’d been living in.

My Thot: WAKE UP!!! Let this be your wake up call. Arise from your comatose state. Please don't wait until you lose everything, as I did, before asking God to change, transform, or heal you. Ask Him today. If God can do it in me, He can do it in you. Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time, grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

YOU’RE SICK, STAY HOME

2019-03-29T00:03:00.000-05:00

If You’re Sick, Stay Home PLEASE!

Coughing and sneezing during a fitness class or while trying to lift weights leaves a trail of nasty “microbes” waiting to infect the gym and the rest of us. According to Jessica Matthews (Exercise Physiologist with the American Council on Exercise), in general, it’s okay to exercise with “above the neck” symptoms like a sore throat or runny nose. “But in fairness to your non-sick fellow fitness fanatics,” Matthews says, “if you’re going to get some exercise in while you’re battling a cold, you should opt for an at-home workout — perhaps your favorite fitness DVD or an outdoor workout.” If you do choose to work out at the gym, please be respectful of others and be sure to properly sanitize all the equipment that you use. Trust me, all the gyms I’ve personally trained at have either had individual wipe dispensers or spray bottles full of sanitizing solution like “spic-and-span” and paper towel dispensers on the walls, which you should always use, sniffles or not.

Personal Experience

A long time ago, I was told that if you’re sick you need to do a checkup from your neck up to see if you can work out or not. In other words, you need to see if your illness is all above your neckline because if it is it's most likely a sinus cold or seasonal allergies, and you are okay to workout. I somewhat agree with this but NO I don’t always agree with this. Recently when I was fighting a cold for 3 weeks, it was not just above my neckline. I was wheezing for weeks and every time I would make any active movements or strain I would wheeze. At one point, I thought it was the flu - and it could have been. What I do know for sure is that during the last 2 years, since moving from Maryland to Oklahoma, around February, as the weather keeps changing from cold-to-warm it drys the air out in my house and makes it hard for me to feel 100%. Don’t get me wrong, I normally don’t get sick and I don't have allergies. This blog post is not about me getting sick; it’s about when you’re sick, stay home from the pool or gym and rest and recover.

Immune System

When you have sickness, your immune system is compromised and weakened. If you are like me and enjoy lifting weights to build muscle and strength, understand that you are tearing down the muscles in the gym and they repair as you rest. However, if you are already sick and in a weakened state your body will repair the immune system first before it will repair muscle breakdown. So do everyone a favor and stay home and get better. No one is going to think you're not “HARDCORE.” If anyone thinks that, it's you - because it’s your personal pride! Let it go Brah!

My Thot: help everyone and yourself by staying home and getting well. You aren’t doing anyone any favors by showing up to the gym coughing, sneezing, and having to wipe or blow your nose every few minutes. Be smart, STAY HOME and get better. If you think this is not HARDCORE you are being a wussy. Think again! It takes more real courage and discipline to take care of your health than to act like a doofus trying to impress people or your boys with how much you can lift while being ill. GROW UP and take care of your health. Your health is a priority so act like it. Comment below and SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until then grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.

PASSION FOR LIFE

2019-03-27T00:03:00.000-05:00

I have never been much of a football fan. I am not a fan of this sport, as some of my friends from Buffalo, NY, Baltimore, MD, or Pittsburg, PA. When I moved back to MD after living in WNY for 5 years, I was asked what team I liked and what colors I wear. Neither! Then when I came to Oklahoma and flew into Dallas/Ft. Worth I was wearing a black Super Bowl Champions Baltimore Ravens T-shirt and a guy at the airport said, “Hey man, you’re lucky! ‘Cause if that was a Washington Redskins T-shirt we would have kicked your butt.” What! I thought to myself, and then I remembered the Dallas Cowboys’ and Washington Redskins’ rivalry. I am a NASCAR fan and I said back to the man, “If it doesn’t go boogity, boogity, boogity from the third week of February to the third week of November I don’t want to hear about it. I am a NASCAR fan.” NASCAR is one of my favorite sports and I would say it has been a strong passion since 1991.

This morning as I was reading “The Gospel According to Starbucks” by Leonard Sweet on my Kindle and I found a great snippet on passion. “Life is meant to be lived with passion, and that passion is found and practiced through experiences, connections, symbols, images and the full participation of every part of your being.”

As Christ followers, we are to live lives full of passion for God. I remember, as a youth, hearing a few Bible-thumping, fire-and-brimstone preachers making statements about how people can cheer passionately at the top of their lungs at a football game on Sunday afternoon but they cannot even get excited or passionate about what God is doing in the midst of His people in a service(s).

My Thot: is simply to be passionate in everything you do, whether it's to draw, sing, write, workout in the gym, swim, lose weight, serve, or speak in church, or just have a cup of coffee with someone. Do all things with passion, and remember that passion and practice makes perfect. Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until Next time grab a FREE Refill of the King’s Brew @ the Soul Café.

BIG KIDS IMAGINATION

2019-03-25T00:03:00.000-05:00

Modified Image (Jeanne Masar)

When I was a kid growing up, my parents did not always have extra money to buy me the latest and greatest toys or models. I remember asking for the STAR TREK U.S.S. Enterprise AMT model kit, but it was around $36.00 NEW. I remember trying to save any money I got for allowance to buy this model, but more than often I would spend the money before I could ever obtain it. My mom said money liked to burn holes in my pockets. Back then that was so true and is why I became so creative and artistic, designing things and developing a passion to draw. I mean, I am very creative and innovative.

Early Experience

More than once during my childhood, I took 2 paper cups, 3 toilet paper roll tubes, 2 paper towel roll tubes, and 2 paper plates and built the STAR TREK U.S.S. Enterprise starship out of them. Then I would use silver or gray spray paint, along with model paint and markers, to decorate my creative and inexpensive homemade model kit. Finally, I would attach clear fishing line in 3 places and hang my model(s) from the ceiling of my bedroom. I was always making stuff for my room. As I reflect on the creativity and innovation that God has given me, I am reminded of Amos 4:13 and Ephesians 2:10

“Look who's here: Mountain-Shaper! Wind-Maker! He laid out the whole plot before Adam. He brings everything out of nothing, like dawn out of darkness. He strides across the alpine ridges. His name is God…” Amos 4:13

“God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing." Eph 2:10

Later Experience

In the gym, there are many free weight exercises and a few machines I cannot use, due to some physical limitations caused by hanging excess skin. Until the excess skin is removed, I have to use my creativity and innovation to modify or redesign exercises that will target my muscles to build and strengthen them.

Example: I cannot do free weight barbell squats yet. My lower back has hurt the many times I've attempted it. My excess lower skin pulls me down and wreaks havoc on my lower back. Hence, I work hard on my back posterior chain. I have recently modified doing squats with a 9 lb versabar in the pool on the steps. I start at the pool bottom, then work my way up the steps, doing 12-15 reps each set, until I reach the 4th step. As I progress, I have to rest 1-2 minutes per set. I know that as I continue, it won't be long before I am to doing weighted barbell squats again like I was doing in my youth.

My Thot: is God has made all of us with a measure of creativity and innovation and all of us have what I like to call a “BIG Kid's Imagination.” Since God is a creator and has made all of us with a measure of creativity, we must never short change what God has put into us. He will use what's inside of you if you will yield it to Him. Comment below and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to receive blog updates in your inbox.

Until next time get your FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.