The Gucker Family: 2009

December 21, 2009

Merry Christmas

It was been a wonderful month of December around our
home. The kids are growing soooo fast, and change is
on the horizon.
Merry Christmas!!!

October 20, 2009

Our Sweet new baby, Matthew Aaron Gucker is here!
He was born September 9, 2009.
10lbs 2oz

We are soooo very excited and grateful he is doing well as
we are adjusting to our growing family :)

He's just such a joy!
Praise the Lord for His blessings!

August 20, 2009

"Kids Church"

While the ladies met together upstairs, the men organized an impromptu children's activity :-) The pictograph song was "Oh how I love Jesus" and this is Gary reading a chapter of "Christie's Old Organ". Every day is new in the Lord! Can't say that this was planned, but it sure was a good time. The children loved the singing and story. Too bad I didn't get a picture of Chris and Dan with the musical accompaniment.

July 26, 2009

Summertime

This summer has been busy and
pretty full this year.
David is growing up soooooo fast.
Luke is getting ready for Kindergarten.
Maggie is doing what she always does. She likes
to be a little Mommy. (And she can't wait for this baby
to come!)
Dub. Well, he's still a handful. A funny little guy too.
You ask what's the ice pack about?
One morning, he was full of drama, and he actually brought that
out. Made me laugh.

July 15, 2009

Self Improvement

Fighting is a Metaphor for life.

Struggle within -- Struggle without

The natural order on earth is to...

struggle at work
struggle with relationships
struggle in the world
struggle between nations
struggle in nature
struggle at home
struggle in your conscience
struggle in communities
struggle in you emotions
struggle in business
Struggle for peace - security - fulfillment
Struggle just to count all the things we can struggle with!

So...learn how to struggle well!

Become a person who:

Chooses their battles wisely, and finishes what they start
Finds a way to get things done, regardless of opposition
Thinks strategically and looks at the big picture
Has the conviction to know what is worth fighting for and what/who would be worth dying for.

Of course this doesn't mean becoming a bully or a brute!

Assuming that you have no desire to "beat people up", there is a lot to be gained by learning the art of struggle. The observations from Sun Tsu's famous book "The Art of War" have been applied to a number of other subjects over the centuries.

Traditional martial arts has always been practiced in a way that stimulates growth in all aspects of life:

Physically: Strength, flexibility, balance, reflexes, timing etc.

Mentally: Strategy, wit, analysis, synthesis, memorization, resilience, perseverance, etc.

Spiritually: Causes you to think about the meaning of life, and what things are worth fighting for.

We combine traditional values, with modern techniques and applications.

This world is difficult...practice a discipline that fosters holistic growth and development.

BACK TO FITNESS BOXING

Beginning Adults

I cannot stress this enough...

YOU DO NOT NEED ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE TO PARTICIPATE

I specialize in helping new people start at the very beginning.
There is plenty of patience to go around. We believe that slow and steady wins the race.
You will be helped along every step of the way. (Then you will be able to help others who come after you)
Everyone in class is both a student and a coach.

The only thing that you need, which I can't give you, is the DESIRE to learn boxing and get in shape!

I assume you are on the website because boxing interests you, and who doesn't need some exercise? So, why not give it a try?

As a word of encouragement:

The training is hard work but the results are well worth it.

BACK TO FITNESS BOXING

Adult Classes

Why adult only classes?

We do one thing, and we do it well.

There are no other clubs that I know of that are specifically for adults who want to learn later in life.

This is a special niche club for people who want to learn the techniques and skills of boxing, (including an exercise program) but don't want all the injuries and bruises. We all need to go to work tomorrow :-)

Most programs are children's classes with a few adults who happen along, while others are fight clubs focusing on competitors who want to "test their skills".

Mature adults don't usually want to train in a kid centered environment, and they also don't want the risks and injuries associated with a fight gym.

A FEW BENEFITS OF AN ADULT ONLY CLASSES

An increased sense of camaraderie due to sharing the same phase of life.
Shared desire for safety since everyone has important responsibilities outside of class.
The ability to teach and learn more "serious" self-defense material which doesn't belong in the hands of youth.
A greater appreciation for the Long-Term benefits. Health, fitness, and the ability to enjoy a greater quality of life.
Easier communication and cooperation. Greater maturity = Greater focus = Faster learning.

BACK TO FITNESS BOXING

Small Classes

Class size is limited to aproximately 12 people. This allows for me to know the needs and goals of each person in the class. There is plenty of opportunity to ask your questions, and to have personalized training.

The small classes help foster teamwork and close relationships petween partners. Having training partners who work well together allows you to learn faster and to safely challenge yourself.

BACK TO FITNESS BOXING

July 8, 2009

Kind Words

Many Thanks For The Kind Words!

"Bill's class has been amazing; while I have been actively working out for 25-plus years, the combination of coordination, flexibility, speed, and power that is incorporated in Bill's program has been transforming for me. That combined with the real-world self-defense aspects of the instruction makes the program phenomenal"

- Toby Reh

"I've done a lot of different types of exercise,

and I like Fitness Boxing the most.

You get out aggression, learn some good skills,

sweat, get tired, and sleep good.

Bill is a great teacher, it is a good atmosphere,

and there is good comradery"

--Syl Haberer

Fitness Boxing is definitely the most intense, yet fulfilling and FUN work out I have experienced. The atmosphere of the class is laid back and casual even when we are sweating bullets! The great thing about the class is that it appeals to every age/gender/skill level and there is always room for improvement. It is a class where you can move along at a pace you are comfortable with and will undoubtably see results within a couple of weeks!
--Lindsay Scott

I am writing this letter on behalf of Bill Gucker, who has worked with as a conditioning consultant for the RIT men’s lacrosse team. I have worked very closely with Bill and his company in the past four months, as he was the primary off-season trainer for the RIT Men’s lacrosse Team. I feel that Bill is an outstanding trainer in many different aspects and has worked with our athletes in regards to conditioning, speed training, flexibility and core streghtning.

Bill is one of the most thorough trainers I have ever worked with. He educates and motivates the players off the field on how to properly prepare themselves for the season. He has developed a program and system that allows the students he has mentored to work hard with all conditioning and with all injury prevention. He is an excellent trainer and is always looking out for the student’s behalf. This season, I have observed him in his sessions and he is very articulate, patient, demonstrative and communicates very well with the players and coaches.

Bill has been a huge asset to RIT Men’s Lacrosse. He has brought a ton of ideas to our off and in season workout programs. Our players love when “Karate Bill” comes to campus and works with our team. His energy, knowledge and dedication to our athletes has really gone noticed and we look forward to continue or relationship with Bill.

Gene Peluso

Head Lacrosse Coach

Assistant Director of Athletic Development

Rochester Institute of Technology

BACK TO FITNESS BOXING

July 3, 2009

RESURRECTION The Power to Love

It is God’s promise of the resurrection that sets us free to love others as we would want to be loved.

True Love is sacrificing of our life

and comforts for the benefit of others.

The world witnessed this love when Jesus suffered to bring us truth and willingly sacrificed his own life on the cross, so that we can be free from guilt and condemnation.

The Scriptures say: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

We are tempted to fear loving the way Jesus commands us to, because it will cost us dearly. However, the promise of a resurrection and of an inheritance in heaven leads us to overcome this fear and embrace hope.

THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION IS THIS:

Your soul will never cease to exist, and every person will be physically raised from the dead to stand before God at the Final judgment.

The Scriptures say: “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.”

Realizing that our lives are short allows us to look beyond this life and consider eternity. It is wise to sacrifice the life you cannot keep to receive a life that you cannot lose.

The Scriptures say: And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?

To receive the promises of Jesus, you must love others as Jesus has loved you. To be free to love others in this way, you must have faith in Jesus’ promises, and place your hope in the resurrection.

BACK TO HEAR WISDOM

June 4, 2009

Summer days

I was excited to cut a few flowers from the yard.
The Orange and yellow one is my favorite.
The purple is called Lupine. It took 3 years before it bloomed!

Dub is getting to be a big boy!!!

We made puppets. And yes, they put on a show for me.
;) One of my favorite parts of being a Mom.

Maggie was excited to show off her puppet.

May 27, 2009

Adventures

We've been adventuring all over lately!
Here's a trail we took near a park...

Cool wagon at an Italian Market...

Genesee Valley Country & Museum!

And the carnival that the kids ask
about all year. We got to go this year!

May 24, 2009

Are You Crazy?

What can I say? I believe Jesus.

Don't think for a second that I enjoy the scorn and revulsion that often comes from preaching the Gospel. I don't, I really don't. But, in my estimation it is worth enduring, so that others can be saved. I believe that this is love.

Personally, I would like to pursue a quiet life in the country, a few acres, a nice house, a garden, maybe have a boat, and build a nice savings for a comfortable retirement. Shoot, I have a pretty nice job and it is very tempting to pursue these things.

But, because I believe Jesus, I also believe in the Judgment, and in the Resurrection. This changes everything.

Jesus the author of my faith; for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, not caring about the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Following Jesus is NOT something that makes your time on earth more comfortable. Don't misunderstand, following the Lord brings many wonderful blessings, but the path always leads to the cross. This means we sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others, knowing that our reward is at the resurrection.

The hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal rest in Jesus' kingdom give me the freedom to love others and my own expense.

Now is the time for work and sacrifice, later comes the rest and reward.This is why Jesus says to count the cost before following him. It requires faith to make the sacrifice.

So, am I crazy?

Well, if the Judgment and Resurrection are real, then making the sacrifice to love and preach the Gospel is the wisest thing a person could do.

But if the words of Jesus are false, and there is no resurrection, then I am a fool who has wasted his only chance for earthly comfort.

I know what I believe, you can decide for yourself.

BACK TO HEAR WISDOM

Why So Blunt?

I often get asked why I am so blunt about the gospel, or why I don't present Jesus in a more attractive way. I think that is a fair question, which deserves a sincere answer.

There is a lot at stake concerning the message of Jesus. From Adam, to Noah, to Moses, to Jesus and everything in between and after, the theme has been about sin and redemption. Sin has serious consequences, earthly justice has the power to punish the guilty, and heavenly justice even more so. Every person is equal under the law of God. Everyone is guilty of sin, and all under the wrath of God's justice. The day of Judgment will be terrible for those who receive justice for the wrongs they have done against God and their fellow man.

Sin and punishment are a major theme of the scriptures. From first to last, Adam sinned and was punished, Jesus suffered the wrath of the Father so that sins could be forgiven, the last book of Revelation is about the final Judgment.

So although there is much to be said about the goodness, love, and mercy of God, it is all meaningless and unprofitable to a person who doesn't yet understand the wrath of God toward sin. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". God is holy and will punish all sin. It is in the light of his holiness and just nature that we are able to appreciate the grace and mercy that have been revealed in the later days through Jesus. But, First things First.

Preaching the Gospel to the world is a big task, and there is no time to waste. A sincere, direct, and "blunt" approach seems to be the best way to get the job done.

No matter how you dress up the truth, or try to make it more attractive, a person still needs to be confronted with their guilt under the law. This is quite offensive, and difficult to accept, but there is no way to soften the blow, so it seems best to get to the heart of the issue so people can decide what to do with it. (Best to lance a boil quickly so the healing can begin)

The purpose is not to make people believe, (That is the Holy Spirit's job) but to present the truth clearly, so it can be accepted or rejected for what it is. There are many other versions of Jesus that are easy to accept, but have no power to save. My job is to present the warning as an invitation to seek Jesus, and let it fall where it may. If your heart is hard you will reject it, if it is soft you will accept it.

The objective is not to argue, persuade, push, or coerce by any violent means, but simply to present the message as an opportunity to be saved. Do with it what you will, but hopefully you can at least understand why it would be fruitless to "beat around the bush". If there is destruction coming, it's best to sound a loud and clear alarm. I don't want to be found guilty of being a poor watchman and not warning my neighbors.

BACK TO HEAR WISDOM

May 22, 2009

Butterfly Birthday Cake

I enjoy making cakes. (And eating them.)

Here's the cake we made for Maggie's Birthday party!

I found it in a Betty Crocker magazine (but you can find it HERE,) and have made it

several times already. We had a good time going to the store

and picking out candies for it.

Tree Fort

So we had a great time over at
Papa's house watching him build the
tree fort with Uncle George.
Here are a few pictures.
It was nice a sunny out all day!

May 21, 2009

Three

Maggie turns Three this week. Could she already be? I just can't believe it.
I have really enjoyed this age with her. We've gone through the phase recently of
her talking, but no one can understand a word she says.

In the past few weeks, her speech has become clear, and some of her most common phrases
are: "For Real?", "I like you!" and "where's my baby?".

She really is such a helpful little girl.
I can't get over how she is always next to me ready to help with anything I am doing.

I think in my mind that I want her to stay this way forever. Don't grow up!
But...recently I realizedthat even though
I can't stop her from growing up,
I can enjoy every age just as much as the youngest years.

I just pray she will follow Jesus and keep that sweet spirit.
Maggie, I love you so very much!

Congratulations! You are 3!