So much.

Saturday was quite incredible!  I was introduced to Shakeology at least a year ago when Angela started selling it.  I bought some and LOVED it!  One of the trainers, Rebecca, at work started working for this company.  She asked me to go with her to a conference about this company.  I was blown away with all the incredible testimonies that were shared of how these products have really worked. (But you gotta put forth the effort and work hard.)  There is no "quick fix" in changing your life!

A few things that I picked up from Saturday and not necessarily from the meeting.
Rebecca said, we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves... we have to love ourselves before we can take care of others and truly love others. <--Loving myself is something I'm trying to learn to do.

You are the sum of those you hang with.
Hang around people with the characteristics that you want to have.
I'm not in any way trying to say anything bad about my friends, but most of them don't care to change their eating habits and that is really hard for me to have no support when I NEED it the MOST!

You are above the criticism because what you are doing is honorable. -Carl

It's not about what you lose, it's about what you gain

Question of the day:
What am I going to do to end the trend of obesity?

Decide & make the commitment.  Effect someone else's life, for the better.

Have the COURAGE to come up with another option... skipping out on the pizza party and/or finding something else for lunch besides McDonald's.  Don't make McDonald's a food group. Plan ahead. Lead by example.  Be immovable.  Deal with the criticism!  You WILL be criticized for your healthy choices.  Team up... don't do this alone!  Find a success partner.

On the way home from Dallas, Rebecca and Miranda were talking about people had deleted them from facebook for whatever reason.  Tonight, I realized that someone I thought was a very close friend has deleted me from facebook.  And it made me really sad!  I think it's time for a facebook detox!  Facebook has taken over my life!  There is SO much I could be doing besides WASTING time on facebook... to name a few...

1. I could be actually studying for school.

2 I could read all those books I have bought and have yet to read.

3 I could get into God's word and read it and grow in my relationship.

4 I could work out.

5 I could spend time with my baby girl and take her for walks (my dog).

6 I could help out more... at home, work, and church.

....and I'm sure there are many more...

It was a great day!  I met a lot of amazing people and was really encouraged with the 3 ladies that I had lunch with.  They are such Godly women and they take care of their bodies.  Those are the people I want to be like.  

________________________________________________________________ 

There is a LOT going through my head right now & nothing at all at the same time... if that makes any sense!

God showed me a door and now I am just waiting for Him to either open it or close it.  I've discovered it's too exhausting to worry about this decision!  When the time is right I will hopefully know which to choose.  Please pray that I will have a peace about this decision!  I think it will bring me out of my comfort and some good things will come of it.

________________________________________________________________

I'm just exhausted.  I'm tired of fighting all these battles that I'm continuing to lose.  Tired of being tired and not being content with my life.  Things have been a roller coaster for a long time and I'm ready for it to just slow down so that I can get on a different ride!  

Overwhelmed.

Battle

I am not equipped to fight this battle, Lord.  I don't know how.  Lord, I turn this request over to you.  Please touch the lives of those who need it.  Give them understanding of who you are and what you've done.  

 

Prayer for a Friend -Casting Crowns

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I've done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You.
Complicated circumstances
have clouded his view.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

I fear that I won't have the words
that he needs to hear.
I pray for Your wisdom , oh God.
And a heart that's sincere.
And Lord I lift my friend up
to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
My best friend in the
world, I know he means much
more to You.
I want so much to help him, but
this is something he has to do.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

There's a way that seems so right to him.
But You know where that leads.
He's becoming a puppet of the world.
Too blind to see the strings.
And Lord I lift my friend up to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I've done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You.

A little behind

DAY 18 -SPIRITUAL HEALTH, SPIRITUAL GROWTH

If we study God's word, if we obey His commandments, and if we live in the center of His will, we will not be "stagnant" believers; we will, instead, be growing Christians... and that's exactly what God wants for our lives.

Spiritual growth is not instantaneous... and neither is the attainment of physically fit bodies.  So be patient.  You should expect a few ups and downs along the way, but you should also expect to see progress over time.

Ask the God who made you to keep remaking you.
-Norman Vincent Peale

When you and I hurt deeply, what we really need is not an explanation from God but a revelation of God.  We need to see how great God is; we need to recover our lost perspective on life.  Things get out of proportion when we are suffering, and it takes a vision of something bigger than ourselves to get life's dimensions adjustted again. -Warren Wiersbe
^Dang! This is where I've been, where I'm at now.

We set our eyes on the finish line, forgetting the past,
and straining toward the mark of spiritual maturity and fruitfulness.
-Vonette Bright

You are either becoming more like Christ every day or you're becoming less like Him. 
There is no neutral position in the Lord. -Stormie Omartian

A Christian is never in a state of
completion but always in the process of becoming.
-Martin Luther

As you begin to work toward improved physical and emotional health, don't expect perfection.  But, when you've given it your best effort, you should be accepting of yourself, imperfect though you may be.  Let us accept these lives that God has given us --and these bodies which are ours for a brief time here on earth --with open, loving arms. <--I need to work on this!!!!!

As a Christian, you should continue to grow in the love and the knowledge of your Savior as long as you live.
How?  But studying God's word every day, by obeying His commandments, and by allowing His Son to reign over your heart.

___________________________________________________________________________

DAY 19 -RECHARGING YOUR SPIRITUAL BATTERIES

Those you hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit;
where there is much of the Spirit, there will be every-increasing power.
-Andrew Murray

Are you feeling exhausted?  Are you emotions on edge?

If so, it's time to turn things over to God in prayers.

Are you wear or worried?
Take the time- to delve deeply into God's Holy Word.

Are you spiritually depleted?
Call upon fellow believers to support you, and call upon Christ to renew your spirit and your life.

When you do, you'll discover that they Creator of the universe has the power to make all things new... including you.

*Ask Him for the wisdom to prioritize your life and the strength to fulfill your responsibilities.  God will give you the energy to do the most important things on today's to-do list if you ask Him. SO ASK HIM... TODAY.*

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DAY 20 -FITNESS IS A FORM OF WORSHIP


I love quotes!  =)

It's the definition of worship: 

A hungry heart finding the Father's fear.  

A searing soul finding the Father's face.

A wandering pilgrim spotting the Father's house.

Finding God. Finding God seeking us.

This is worship. This is a worshiper.

-Max Lucado

Spiritual worship is focusing all we are on all He is.

-Beth Moore

One way to strengthen your faith is by giving God at least one day each week. --DANG!

When Sunday rolls around, don't try to fill every spare moment.  Take time to rest...Father's orders!

It is impossible to worship God

and remain unchanged.

-Henry Blackaby

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DAY 21 -YOUR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL FITNESS: WHO'S IN CHARGE?

 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you.
-Matthew 6:33

When you put God first, your outlook will change, your priorities will change, you behaviors will change, and your health will change.  When you put Him first, you'll experience the genuine peace and last comfort that only He can give.

Make God's will the focus of your life day by day. 

 If you seek to please Him and Him alone, 

you'll find yourself satisfied with life.

-Kay Arthur 

PERFECTION IS IMPOSSIBLE

You don't have to be perfect to be wonderful.  The difference between perfectionism and realistic expectations is the difference between a life of frustration and a life of contentment.  Only one earthly being ever lived life to perfection, and He was the Son of God.  The rest of us have fallen short of God's standard and need to be accepting of our own limitations as well as the limitations of others.  If you find yourself frustrated by the unrealistic demands of others (or by unrealistic pressures of the self-imposed variety) it's time to ask yourself who you're trying to impress and why.

So, if you're a woman who has become discouraged with your inability to be perfectly fit, remember that when you accepted Christ as your Savior, God accepted you for all eternity.  Now, it's your turn to accept yourself.  When you do, you'll feel a tremendous weight being lifted from your shoulders.  After all, pleasing God is simply a matte r of obeying His commandments and accepting His son.  But as for pleasing everybody else?   That's impossible... so why even try?

"This is the day which the Lord hath made" Psalm 118:24 

Today, celebrate the life that God has given you.

Put a smile on your face, kind words on your lips,

and a song in your heart.

Be generous with your praise
and free with your encouragement.

___________________________________________________________________________

SO much has been going on in the past week... which is why I'm updating so much all at once.

*Sunday night, some friends and I went out to CiCi's to hang out... and well my binge eating got the best of me.  I have never felt SO SICK and SO ASHAMED of myself in my life!  I HATE it!! So, I'm not going back there again.  And when I make pizza at home... I'm going to make individual pizzas, so that I cannot over eat and get more slices!

*Pray for an unspoken prayer request!  Crazy stressful!

*Two things I hate most... waiting & letting people down....  If my waiting turns out like I'm kind of hoping it does... then the latter part of that statement will come true...

___________________________________________________________________________

drama, drama, drama... :-/ ... I hate it!

 

If you really want to do something, you'll find a way.
If you don't, you'll find an excuse." ~ Jim Rohn

 

Next up for the blog... I think I'm going to read Proverbs... I need some wisdom!!

Frustrated!

If I knew then what I know now I would re-do college all over again!!!  UGH!  I'm so frustrated!  I've made so many mistakes and wish I could change them for the better!!

1.  I wouldn't have wasted time a TJC taking those 4 classes that don't count for anything towards my bachelors.
2.  I would be a better student.
3.  I wouldn't take a class that I WANT to learn about in the summer, because I'm not learning anything, it's just flying by.
4.  I wouldn't have wasted so much money on stuff that I didn't need, so that I could have money to pay towards school.


But everything happens for a reason... 

Day 17

DAY 17 -PROTECTING YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Part 1

And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought.
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:7

When negative emotions threaten to hijack you day, life your thoughts and your prayers to God.

Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will
drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Isn't life more
than food and the body more than clothing?
-Matthew 6:25

Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer
and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
-Philippians 4:6

Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will
worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.
-Matthew 6:34

I will be with you when you pass through the waters...
when  you walk through the fire...
the flame will not burn your.
For I the Lord your God, he Holy One of Israel, and your Savior.
-Isaiah 43:2-3

Worry and stress has taken over my life in the past two days!  I don't know how things are going to work out with a certain situation, but God is the God of all the universe and He will make all things work out like they are supposed to.  I just really hate the waiting game!

Pray that the Lord will provide to money to pay for my summer classes!!  I pay the maximum I possibly can out of every check but it still won't be enough.  Hopefully with increased hours at work and working for Julie that I will be able to pay most of it, so that I don't have to barrow any more from my grandma.  I've decided that I have to sell my camera, just so I can use it to pay for school.

The past two days have not been good at all.  Things are hard right now... and the light at the end of the tunnel is VERY dim! :-/

The busier we are, the easier it is to worry,
the great the temptation to worry,
the greater the need to be alone with God.
-Charles Stanley

We sometimes fear to bring our troubles to God because
we think they must seem small to Him.  But, if they are
large enough to vex and endanger our welfare, they are
large enough to touch His heart of love.
-R.A. Torrey

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow;
it empties today of its strength.
-Corrie ten Boom

The spiritual life is a life beyond moods.  It is a life in
which we choose joy and do not allow ourselves to become
victims of passing feelings of happiness or depression.
-Henri Nouwen

Perspective & Balance

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you
and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
-Matthew 11:28-30

When you call upon the Lord and prayerfully seek His will, He will give you wisdom and perspective.  When you make God's priorities your priorities, He will direct your steps and calm your fears. 

It's up to you to assume the ultimate responsibility for your health.  so if you're fighting the battle of the bulge, don't waste your time blaming the fast-food industry --or anybody else, for that matter.  It's your body, and it's your responsibility to take care of it.

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right.
Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
-Philippians 4:8

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you
think.  Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you
will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
-Romans 12:2

Prescription for a happier and healthier life:
resolve to slow down your pace; learn to say no gracefully;
resist the temptation to chase after more pleasure, more hobbies, and more social entanglements.
-James Dodson

Jesus gives us the ultimate rest, the confidence we need,
to escape the frustration and chaos of the world around us.
Billy Graham

Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to your friends, make peace with the past by forgiving those who have harmed you.  Then, claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright: the peace of Jesus Christ.  It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking.  So ask. Then share.

Need balance?  Have a daily planning session with God.  A regularly scheduled time of prayer, Bible reading, and meditation can help you prioritize your day and your life.  And what if you're simply too busy to spending five or ten minutes with God?  If so, it's time to reorder your priorities. 

I was listening to the radio on the way to work this morning...

Fears are like vampires... they don't like sunlight.

Drag your fears out and expose them to the Light.  Bring them to God, so they will get what they deserve.  Whether it's financial, school, career, relationships, or any other fear, God will give you the strength and help your conquer them!

__________________________________________________________

Losing weight takes
a positive attitude,
persistence,
& lots of prayer! 

___________________________________________________________________________

Catch Up.

I am definitely behind on my postings!  It has been a crazy busy week!  So, I'll just share the most important parts of the days.

DAY 12 -GETTING ENOUGH REST? 
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28-30

Is your spiritual battery running low?
Is your energy on the wane?
Are your emotions frayed?
If so, it's time to turn your thoughts and your prayers to God.
And when you're finished, it's time to rest.

For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there
is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not
do any work; it is a sabbath to the Lord in all your dwellings.
-Leviticus 23:3

Satan does some of his worst work on exhausted Christians
when nerves are frayed and their minds are faint.
-Vance Havner

Since you can't cheat Mr. Sandman, don't even try.  When in doubt, do the smart thing: do whatever it takes to get the sleep you needs.  It's the smart way to schedule your day and your life. Oftentimes, our anger is nothing more than exhaustion in disguise.

DAY 13 -YOUR BODY, YOUR CHOICES
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. -Romans 14:12

Physical health is a choice: it is the result of hundreds of small decisions that we make every day of our lives.  We, and we alone, are responsible for the way that we treat our bodies.  And the sooner that we accept the responsibility, the sooner we can assert control over our bodies and our lives.

If you don't take care of your body,
how can you expect your body to take care of you?
Marie T. Freeman

Although God causes all things to work together for good for His children,
He still holds us accountable for our behavior.
-Kay Arthur

Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

*Why is it easier to blame others for our unhealthy habits? 
Because blaming is much easier than fixing, and criticizing
others is so much easier than improving ourselves.

The road to poor health is paved with good intentions.  Until you make exercise a high priority in your life, you good intentions will soon give way to hold habits.  So give your exercise regimen a position of high standing on your daily to-do list.

^So true!

 So, here's your rule for the checkout lines of life:
Yield not to temptation.
Keep your eyes and your hands to yourself
And leave all those unhealthy snacks on the shelf
...or else!



DAY 14 -GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR HEALTH

God has instructed us to protect our physical bodies to the greatest extent we can.  To do otherwise is to disobey Him.  When you make the decision to see God's will for your life --and you should-- then you will contemplate His Word, and you will be watchful for His signs.  But be forewarned: the decision to seek God's plan and fulfill His purpose is ultimately a decision that you must make by yourself and for yourself.

The only way to keep your health
is to eat what you don't want,
drink what you don't like,
and do what you'd rather not.
-Mark Twain :)

Make your home a haven of healthy goods.  And remember, it's never too soon to teach your kids good habits... and that includes the very good habit of sensible eating.

With God, it's never "Plan B" or "second best." 
It's always "Plan A."  And, if we let Him,
He'll make something beautiful of our lives.

When we dream of our heat is one that God has planted there,
a strange happiness flows into us.  At that moment,
all of the spiritual resources of the universe are released to
help us.  Our praying is then at one with the will of God
and becomes a channel for the Creator's purposes for us and our world.
-Catherine Marshall

"He does not believe who does not live according to his beliefs."  These words are most certainly true!  We may proclaim our beliefs to our hearts' content, but our proclamation will mean nothing--to others or to ourselves--unless we accompany our words with deed that match.  The sermons  that we live are far more compelling than the ones we preach.  If this fact gives you some cause for concern, don't bother talking about the changes that you intend to make --make them. And then, when your good deeds speak for themselves --as they most certainly will --don't interrupt! <--DANG!

Sometimes, God's plans are crystal clear, but other times, He may lead you through the wilderness before He delivers you to the Promise Land.  So be patient, keep praying, and keep seeking His will for your life.  When you do, you'll be amazed at the marvelous things that an all-powerful, all-knowing God can do.

The place where God is leading you is the place where you much go.

DAY 15 -MISDIRECTED WORSHIP: THE TRAGEDY OF ADDICTION

Addiction -the compulsive need for a habit-forming substance; the condition of being habitually and compulsively occupied with something.

For Christians, addiction has an additional meaning: it means compulsively worshiping something other than God.

Cure is possible.  With God's help, no addiction is incurable.  And with God, not situation is hopeless. (Matthew 19:26)

If you're on a new health regimen, you may relapse back into your old, unhealthy habits.  If so, don't waste time or energy beating yourself up.  If you've "fallen off the wagon," simply pick yourself up, dust yourself off,and get back on it. (I fell off the wagon and rolled how the mountain :-/)  God was with you when you were riding that wagon the first time, He was with you when you fell, and He'll welcome you back on the wagon when you're wise enough to climb back on.

The chains of habit are too weak to be felt
until they are too strong to be broken.
-Samuel Johnson

Do not fight the temptation in detail.
Turn from it.
Look ONLY at your Lord.
Sing. Read. Work.
-Amy Carmichael 

If you want to form a new habit,
get to work. If you want to break
a bad habit, get on your knees.
-Marie T. Freeman

Remember that ultimately you and you alone are responsible for controlling your appetites.  Other may warn you, help you, or encourage you, but in the end, the habits that rule your life are the very same habits that you yourself have formed.  Thankfully, since you formed these habits, you can also break them --if you decide to.

If you can't seem to get a handle on your appetites, the time to address your problem is today, not tomorrow.  Gather your courage and pay a visit to your pastor, to a counselor, or to a local 12-step group.  Help is waiting, but you'll need to ask for it.  So ask.

My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
-2 Corinthians 12:9

GETTING HONEST

So, this afternoon turned bad...  Financial stuff... PLEASE PRAY!!!! 

(Also please pray that I find a way to pay for my summer classes/get enough financial aid to pay for fall and spring classes!!)
I gave in and we ordered pizza... I binged... and feel like throwing up because I ate way too much. :(

I froze my account today, which made me sad. But why is it when I have it available I don't use it, but when it's not available that's when I want to use it the most?! I need to do some deep down soul searching and find out what's wrong with me! :-/

Wow God!

This morning was so incredible!  Shockingly enough, I DID get up and go to Sunday school and church today.  I was very much blessed, to say the least!  God is working in ways that we cannot imagine!!

In Sunday school we read the book of Philemon; the lesson was over forgiveness.  Josh said, we need to forgive each person every time they need forgiving, no matter what because that is what the Lord has told us to do.  Also, forgiveness doesn't guarantee the relationship goes back to normal, a trust has to be earned again. <--This went along perfectly with what happened in church today.

"Think About His Love"

Think about His love, Think about His goodness.

Think about His grace that's brought us through.

For as high as the heavens above

so great is the measure of our Father's love.

Great is the measure of our Father's love.

^As we were singing that I was listening to an innocent child
behind me singing the words to this song.  My heart melted.

I don't remember the exact words to this quote, but it's something like this... 

"Pray, even on the days you're not going to feel like it."

I'm not always going to feel like praying, going to church, studying, or exercising...  but I still need to do those things because those things are good for me!  The more often I do those things, the easier it will become to continuing doing them.

As I was sitting in church today, I was thinking... maybe I need to feel lonely at times, so I recognize that God is with me and that I need to focus on Him, and not those around me.

Matthew 3:8

"Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God."  God looks beyond our words and "Christian" activities to see if our life backs up our words.  Do your actions agree with your words?

^Something in my Bible that, yet again, went along with today!

Jesus didn't die on the cross, so I could live the life I want to. 

It's not knowing every word in the Bible, it's LIVING IT.

Having all the "things" in the world won't fill that
emptiness & void in my life, only Jesus can!

Day 11 -THE POWER...

...OF DAILY WORSHIP AND MEDITATION

FOCUS FOR TODAY:
God's Word has the power to change
every aspect of your life, including your health

If you can't seem to get yourself on a sensible diet or on a program of regular physical exercise, consult God's teachings.  If your approach to your physical or emotional health has, up to this point, been undisciplined, pray for the strength to do what you know is right. 

As you seek to improve the state of your own health, study God's teachings and apply them to your life.  When you do, you will be blessed, now and forever.

Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will live by Your truth.
Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name.
-Psalm 86:11

I will instruct you and show you the way to go;
with My eye on you, I will give counsel.
-Psalm 32:8

God is a place of safety  you can run to,
but it helps if you are running to Him on a
daily basis so that you are in familiar territory.
-Stormie Omartian

I suggest you discipline yourself to spend time
daily in a systematic reading of god's Word.
Make this "quiet time" a priority that
nobody can change. -Warren Wiersbe

A person with no devotional life generally struggles with faith and obedience.
-Charles Stanley

If you're about to begin a regiment of vigorous physical exercise, then you will find it helpful to begin a regimen of vigorous spiritual exercise, too.

Slow down and listen.  Quiet yourself every day.  When you do, you will experience the Father's presence and His love.  Then, God will touch your heart, He will restore your spirits, and He will give you the perspective and you need to make good decision.  As you petition God each morning, ask Him for the strength and the wisdom to live moderately and wisely.

Your daily devotional should have a major impact on your day.
Don't just study the Bible; LIVE BY IT!

Be still & know that I am God. -Psalm 46:10

Be silent before the Lord
and wait expectantly for Him.
-Psalm 37:7

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. -Isaiah 30:15

I am not alone,
because the Father
is with Me. -John 16:32

GETTING HONEST

Write down some of the benefits that you earn
whenever you start your day with God.

*Starting off the day on the right foot.
*Positive attitude.
*Ready to face the day ahead.

Today was a rather unproductive day!!

Day 10 -Discipline, do you have it?

Today was the last day of day camp.  I'm sad about this!  It has been a great week.  My 2nd graders are simply amazing!!  I am so thankful for such a good group!  Got my dose of Vitamin D, as we went to the pool! ;-)

Pray for my friend Sarah and her family.  Her sweet grandmother went to be with the Lord this morning.  It's a very bittersweet time for them.  She is up there right now partying with Jesus... it can't get any better than that! :)

I haven't been in such a good mood in a looong time!  Pray that this good mood will continue as I go back to work with children that test every nerve and push every button.  I've learned not to ask for patience anymore... because when I do, God gives me a very trying day to help me learn it.  I've got to remember that it's all about showing the kids Jesus, whether I can talk about Him or not, my actions show everything.

And as I talk about this... I open my book to day 10 and it's about discipline.  God always works it out to whatever I'm in need of He provides a lesson with it.

Check out this INSPIRING story.

 ^This lady is most definitely disciplined! 

Sensible exercise + moderate diet = lasting results!

DAY 10 -IT TAKES DISCIPLINE
 I am able to do ALL things
through Christ who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13

FOCUS FOR TODAY

Discipline matters.
It takes discipline to strengthen your faith;
it takes discipline to improve your fitness.

Physical fitness requires discipline; the discipline to exercise regularly and the discipline to eat sensibly --it's as simple as that.  But here's the catch: understanding the need for discipline is easy, BUT leading a disciplined life can be hard for most of us.  WHY?  Because it's usually more fun to eat a second piece of cake than it is to jog a second lap around the track.

As Christians, we are instructed to lead disciplined lives, and when we behave in undisciplined ways, we are living outside of God's will.  God doesn't reward laziness, misbehavior, apathy, or shortsightedness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How do I become disciplined? 
Please leave comments and advice how to do this!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our greatest accomplishments usually require lots of work, which is perfectly fine with God.  After all, He knows that we're up to the task, and He has BIG plans for us; may we, as disciplined believers, always be worthy of those plans.

Work is doing it.
Discipline is doing it every day.
Diligence is doing it well every day.
-Dave Ramsey

Discipline is the means by which you can take control of your life.

No discipline seem enjoyable at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness
to those who have been trained by it.
-Hebrews 12:11

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith
with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control,
self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness.
-2 Peter 1:5-6

I discipline my body and bring it under strict control,
so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
-1 Corinthians 9:27

God cannot build character without our cooperation.  If we resist Him, then He chastens us into submission.  But, if we submit to Him, then He can accomplish His work.  He is not satisfied with a halfway job.  God wants a perfect work; He wants a finished product that is mature and complete.
-Warren Wiersbe

Are you an energized Christian?
If you're not, you must seek strength and renewal from the source that will NEVER fail: that source, of course, if our Heavenly Father.  And rest assured --when you sincerely petition Him, He will give you all the strength you need to live victoriously for Him.

SMALL STEPS

If you want to be more physically fit, you don't have to make one giant leap.  You can start with many small steps.

I think this has been my problem.  I try to change everything at once, I try to do as much as I once did, but I have failed because I couldn't measure up to such high standards.  I'm learning to lower those standards and set goals that I CAN obtain then add more and more, as I am able to do it.

Consistency is key.  Start slowly, avoid injury, and expect gradual improvements, not instant success.

If you read Proverbs regularly, and if you take it's teachings to heart, you'll become a more disciplined person.  And God will smile.
^I do believe that answers my question :)

He gives strength to the weary,
and him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
and vigorous young men stumble badly,
yet those who wait for the Lord will grain new strength;
they will mount up with wings like eagles,
they will run and not get tired,
they will walk and not become weary.
-Isaiah 40:29-31

He said unto me,
My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect
in weakness.
-2 Corinthians 12:9

GETTING HONEST

Make notes about small , but important,
steps you can take to improve your health.

Pretty much the same as what I said yesterday.
*Adding a fruit or vegetable to each meal.
*I definitely need MORE water!!
*No mater what, get more sleep.
Which involves getting a routine down,
which hasn't been very successful lately! :(
*When I don't "feel like working out" to at least take the dogs out for a walk.My excuse for not doing this is it's hard to walk 2 dogs by myself,
when my roomies don't want to go with me or schedules are different. 

But also if I walked them more, they probably wouldn't be as crazy when we go.

Prayers for these small steps are NEEDED.  I always plan to get my routine consistent and walk the dogs, but something always comes up... but it's always a lame excuse!

PRAYER REQUEST:
Yesterday I mentioned praying for me about a decision I needed to make, if it was in God's will.  I have just been thinking about it in the past few days, so there isn't much to elaborate on.

But as I have looked over this last year... I haven't made much progress... in any area of my life.  Over the next 6 months or so I'm going to be praying about a decision I need to make that, if God willing, will help me on my path of life.  I don't know... just pray!  Pray that God will either keep me where I am now or move me in the direction I need to be going in!  I know a lot of things need to change and I'm not sure if I'm where I need to be to make the necessary changes!

Day 9 -Priorities

A LOT of things have happened today, although some of it I'm not going to talk about on here.  Please just pray for the situation and for some decisions I need to make... if it's in God's will. 

Get ready to listen in. :)

I have 2 blogs up and running, but since I went public with this one I think I'm going to shut the other one down.  I went back through the other one and was reading a lot of my posts... so many of them were so negative, which is what I am trying to get away from.  So, I deleted all the negative posts and will probably be sharing a lot of the other ones with you guys.  

DAY CAMP!

I am very sad that day camp ends tomorrow! :(  I miss being in high school... (ONLY the summers)... because I got to spend the entire summer traveling, praising and worshiping Jesus and sharing Him with others with the most awesome youth group & leaders ever!  That is SO much more fun than having to be a grown up with a real job.

Today Janet taught the crucifixion story.  Before the story we prayed for the kids, that their hearts would be opened to what the Lord was doing.  Then after the story was told and Janet was giving the invitation we prayed for the kids again.  My heart was blessed.  I was so overjoyed to be apart of this day and many children came to know the Lord this morning!  What a wonderful site!  These children are precious!  I LOVE my 2nd graders SO much!  They have stolen my <3!

This week has been such a blessing!  My spirit has been renewed and lifted in so many ways!!

Day 8 -Choices matter

"If you only do a third of the work, you only get a third of the results"
-Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss

Tuesday night.. Monica, Sarah, and I did Biggest Loser Wii... we were tired during the warm up... out of shape is an understatement... from where I came from. :(

I got a cough drop... and the saying on it said, "You can do it and you know." -WOW!! :)
And "Let's hear your battle cry"

DAY 8 -YOU CHOICES MATTER
I am offering you life or death, blessings or curses.
Now, choose life! ... To choose life is to love
the Lord you God, obey him, and stay close to Him.
-Deuteronomy 30:19-30

FOCUS FOR TODAY

First you make choices... and soon
those choices begin to shape your life.
That's why you must make smart choices...
or face the consequences or making dumb ones.

Often, our actions are simply the result of impulse or habit.  God asks that we slow down long enough to think about the choices that we make, and He asks that we make those choices in accordance with His commandments.

Do you sincerely seek to improve the overall quality of your health?
Then vow to yourself and to God that you will begin making the kind of wise choices that will lead to a longer, healthier, happier life.  The responsibility for those choices is yours.  And so are the rewards.

The thing you should want most is God's kingdom and doing what God wants.  Then all these other things you need will be given to you. -Matthew 6:33 NCV

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father.  He loves to help.  You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.  People who  "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves.   Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. -James 1:5-8 MSG

Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding. -Proverbs 4:7 MSG

Since behaviors become habits,
make them work with you and not against you.
-E. Stanley Jones

He who does not overcome small faults,
shall fall little by little into greater ones.
-Thomas a Kempis

There may be no trumpet sound or
loud applause when we make a right decision,
just a calm sense of resolution and peace.
-Gloria Gaither

Are you waiting for something big to happen before you revolutionize your exercise habits?

:-/  Nobody understands how badly I want to get back to working out consistently.  I want to know what's wrong with me!  I just can't seem to make it happen.

One part of my brain is saying, "You need to work out, you need to get in shape, this is what you want to do with your life."  But the other part is saying, "I just don't want to.  I want to be lazy.  I want to sleep and just chill."

How do I tell that part of my brain to be quiet?!  Before I fell off the boat... I was working out 5 days a week for at least an hour or two a day. I need someone there that will make me go Ithe gym even when I don't want to... an accountability partner...

Every step of your life's journey is a choice... and the quality of those choices determines the quality of the journey.

If you listen to correction to improve your life, you will live among the wise. -Proverbs 15:31

Physically fitness is not the result of a single decision that is made "once and for all."  Physical fitness results from thousands of decisions that are made day after day, week after week, and year after year.

 GETTING HONEST
Make a short list of people whose healthy habits you admire. 
Then, jot down a few things you can do to become a little more like them.

*Melanie, is the first that comes to mind.  She is a trainer and she lives what she preaches. 
That is who I'd like to be like.  She inspires everyone she comes in contact with.  She works extremely hard and pushes people to do what they never thought they could do and gives God all the honor and all the glory for her life.
-One thing that I could do to be more like her... is practice what I preach & make wise decisions.

One thing that Janet said today during the story that goes along with what I said in my last post was, 'Even if you can't talk about Jesus to others, we can act like Him.'  People don't always listen to what we say, BUT they remember how we acted.

"Wherever you go & whatever you, someone is watching."

Day 7 -Help!

This morning was wonderful!  I will feeling a lot better today then I was yesterday so I got to go to DAY CAMP! :D  

Today was the best day I have had in a looong time!!  There is SUCH a COMPLETE difference between working with kids at my work and the kids at church!!  I definitely prefer kids at church. (To the ones who are reading this from work... I am not talking about your kids.)  

This week is all about the kids having fun and showing them Jesus.  At work, I can't really talk about Jesus.  Attitudes are different when God is involved and the focus.

When nothing seems to set you free
From burdens you can't carry all alone
In your weakness ~ He is stronger
In your darkness ~ He shines through
When you're crying ~ He's your comfort
When you're all alone, He carrying you

I get down, He lifts me up
I get down, He lifts me up
I get down, He lifts me up
I get down
I get down, He lifts me up
I get down, He lifts me up
I get down, He lifts me up
Every time I'm down the Lord lifts me up

Funny story... I was in Bro. Floyd's office getting candy for the kids... I hear my name and turn around.  He asks me "Where have you been on Sunday's?"  I said, "...(with a shameful look)...being lazy."  He said he is gonna call me Sunday morning and make sure I am up and coming to church! :-P

I love Bob & Janet!  They are leading the worship and story time this week... they have done it since I was little!  Today was a really good story and it went along with my devotional.

Jesus Walks On Water
Matthew 14:22-33

After Jesus fed the 5,000 men and their families with the five loaves of bread and two fish he....

²² Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. ²³ After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

²⁴ Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. ²⁵ About three o’clock in the morning^[a] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

²⁷ But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!^[b]”

²⁸ Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

²⁹ “Yes, come,” Jesus said.

   So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strong^[c] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

³² When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. ³³ Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

We ask God for miracles, but then we doubt His ability when He starts to do something amazing.  Just like Peter did.  He asked God to make him walk on water... when he started to, Peter took his eye off of Jesus and began to sink.

Praise You In This Storm -Casting Crowns
^Go listen!

DAY 7 -ASKING FOR GOD'S HELP
 So I say to you, ask, and it will be give to you;
see, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,
and to him who knocks it will be opened.
-Luke 11:9-10

FOCUS FOR TODAY
If you're serious about improving
your fitness or your faith, pray about it.

"Pray without ceasing"

"Heartfelt prayer is an attitude of the heart."

If your prayers have become more a matter of habit than a matter of passion,
you're robbing yourself of a deeper relationship with God.

As you petition God each morning, ask Him for the strength and the wisdom to treat your body as His creation and His "temple."

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
-Psalm 19:14

 Rejoice in hope;
be patient in affliction;
be persistent in prayers.
-Romans 12:12

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray.
Is anyone a cheerful? He should sing praises!
-James 5:13

 What God gives in answer to our prayers will always be the thing we most urgently need, and it will always be sufficient. -Elisabeth Elliot

God says we don't need to be anxious about anything;
we just to prayer about everything!
-Stonnie Omartian

Are we weak? Weary? Confused? Troubled? Pressured?
How is your relationship with God? Is it help in its place of priority?
I believe the greater the pressure, the greater your need for time alone with Him.
-Kay Arthur

When there is a matter that requires definite prayer,
pray until you believe God and until you can thank Him for His answer.
-Hannah Whitall Smith

Prayer guards hearts & minds and causes God to peace out of chaos. -Beth Moore

Two wings are necessary to lift our souls toward God:
prayer and praise.
Prayer asks. Praise accepts the answer.
-Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

Find a place to pray where no one imagines that you are praying. 
Then, shut the door and talk to God. -Oswald Chambers

God often says, "No." not from whim or caprice,
but from wisdom, from love, and from knowing what is best for us.
-Peter Marshall

God wants you to experience abundant life, but He will not force you to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Managing you food and your fitness is up to you.  If you want more from life, ask more from God. 

"Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant asking. But, the way to trouble God is not to come at all." -D.L. Moody

So, if you seek an improved level of fitness --or if you seek any other worth goal --ask God (and keep asking Him until He answers your prayers.

WORKING IT OUT -- DAY IN, DAY OUT

Your journey with God unfolds day by day, and that's precisely how your journey to an improved state of physical fitness must also unfold; moment by moment, day by day, year by year.

God's Word promises that prayer is a powerful tool for changing your life and your world. Don't prayer day-to-day; pray hour-to-hour.  Start each day with pray, end it with prayer, and fill it prayer.

If life inevitable temptations seem to be getting the best of you, try praying more often, even if many of those prayers are simply brief. "open-eyed" requests to your Father in heaven.

Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6

You have not, because you ask not. -Jame 4:2

GETTING HONEST
Make notes about the things you need to pray about today.

*Getting back involved in church.
*Passion.
*Attitude/Work/Kids.
*Relationships.