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!

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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.

While I'm Waiting...

WHILE I'M WAITING -John Waller

^Click it!

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting ~ I will serve you
While I'm waiting ~ I will worship
While I'm waiting ~ I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Sarah played this song tonight & it pierced my heart.  I have been struggling almost 2 years with my faith and fitness.  Like I have said before, I haven't been consistent with anything in my life during the past 2 years.  

I can't seem to get a hold of my my eating habits or a normal work out routine.  I try and I try and I try again... but I continue to fail time after time.  Since I decided that fitness is the career path I want to follow... it has been 10x harder to do these things.  I can't see myself doing anything else.  But seem to be falling deeper and deeper into a never ending hole.  

What I am getting from this song is... instead of trying to climb out of this hole and continue to fail... to stop... to take a step back... stop trying... stop wasting all this energy... and just praise & worship God.

I feel as though... If I get my relationship with God the right track then everything else will fall into place and work out that it's supposed to.  But how do you fall in love with God?

I've been hurt by a lot of people in my life... especially the two guys that I looked up to the most.  I don't trust people easily anymore.  I feel like God is going to turn out like all those people in my life that have let me down and hurt me.  I'm scared to open up and get close to anyone, because I end up getting hurt.

I've ask God to break my heart for Him... and He JUST did!

But now what do I do?!

Day 6 -Procrastination

DAY 6- IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

Therefore, get your ready for action,
be self-disciplined, and set your hope completely
on the grace to be brought to you,
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 1:13

FOCUS FOR TODAY
When it comes to food, fitness, or faith,
the best moment to begin major improvements
is the present moment.

One the way that you can learn to defeat procrastination is by paying less attention to the sacrifices you're making today and more attention to the rewards you'll receive tomorrow.

^This statement is something I need to read EVERY DAY!  Procrastination has taken over my life.  I always plan to get things done and make my to-do list, but I keep pushing things back further and further , so I rarely get everything done that I need to.

Life is a gift --health must be earned.

But be doers of the Word and not hearers only. -James 1:22

When you make a vow to God, don't delay fulfilling it, because He does not delight in fools.  Fulfill what you vow. -Ecclesiastes 5:4

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

We spend our lives dreaming of the future,
not realizing that a little of it slips away every day.
-Barbara Johnson

^STOP dreaming and start fulfilling :)

NEVER fail to do something because you don't feel like it. 
  Sometimesyou just have to do it now, and you'll feel like it later. 
-Marie T. Freeman

Measure the size of the obstacles
against the size of God. -Beth Moore

Procrastination, especially concerning matters of personal health, is, at best, foolish, at worst, dangerous.

Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.
-Saint Jerome

So think clearly and exercise self-control. 
Look forward to the special blessings
that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 1:13

GETTING HONEST
 Are your hearlth-related goals cearly defined?
Do you have a targeted leel of exercise?
And do you know how many calores you should be consuming each day based on your age,
your health, and your activty level?
If, so congratulations.  If not, take time to learn how many calories ou should be consuming each day.
Then, take a few minutes to write down your health-related goals in the space below.
(Review these goals often)

I'm starting super slow.  I have planned to get back in the full swing of working out all the time, but I have fallen short. 
So my plan is to eat 5 servings of fruits/veggies per day and walking the dogs daily.  Then I will slowly get back into the gym routine.  Slow and steady wins the race.


To God Alone <--CLICK IT! You won't regret it! :)
Can you take me by the hand?
Can you use me as I am?
Break me into who You want me to be


When the time is finally right
Will You open up my eyes
And show me everything You want me to see?
This life is not my own

To God alone by the glory
To God alone by the praise
Everything I say and do
Let it be all your You
The glory is Yours alone
Yours alone....

This next part, I think deserves it own blog... so check out the post above this one!

Day 5

I didn't get to post yesterday.  It was a crazy day.  I am working on my 4th week of being sick.  I know I should have gone to the doctor by now, but with no insurance I can't afford it.  And working with children is only making it worse, especially when parents continue to bring their sick kids in day after day! :-/  Last night I took the dogs to UT Tyler's frisbee golf course and Monica played with some friends... afterwards I had a man voice.... oh joy.  I woke up this morning and could barely talk.  Luckily this week is the week I took off for vacation... in hopes of hanging out at day camp... but that's not happening, at least for today.  So, I'm at home today taking my Severe Cold & Sinus meds, My Halls Defense Vitamine C cough drops, Orange Juice, and sleeping.


Although, I am BEYOND EXCITED NOT to have to go to work this week!!!  Y'all couldn't even imagine!! :D

DAY 5 -THE RIGHT KIND OF EXERCISE FOR YOU

He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. -Isaiah 40:29

FOCUS FOR TODAYYour exercise regimen should be sensible, enjoyable, safe, and consistent.

If you want to attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's imporant to engage in a consistent exercise program

No one can force you to excercise... you'll need to make that decision on your own.  And if you genuinely desire to please God, it's a decision that you will make today.

"The key to healthy eating is moderation and managing what you eat every day." -John Maxwell

"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
-2 Corinthians 12:9

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up on wings like eagles,
they shall run  and not be weary
they shall walk and not faint.
-Isaiah 40:31

A STRONG body makes the mind STRONG. -Thomas Jefferson

Fitness is a state of body and a state of mind:
If your mind leads, your body will follow.
-Marie T. Freeman

Whenever I read the words of Isaiah that say those who "wait on the Lord" shall "run and not be weary" and "walk and not faint," I am reminded of how naturally spiritual development and endurance exercise go together.
-Dr. Kenneth Cooper

People who exercise frequently,
even its weeding in the garden or walking around the block,
enjoy better over all health --physcially and emotionally.
-Dr. Walt Larimore

Health is not valued until sickness comes. -Thomas Fuller

Regular exercise allows you to build your muscles while you're cleaning your head and lifting your spirits.  <--This is what's wrong with me... since I haven't been working out consistently I have been down in the dumps, stressed out more easily, and sick more often.

HOW TO REMAKE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

If you're trying to remodel yourself, you'll need to remodel your environment, too.  In order to decrease temptations and increase the probaility of success, youl should take a long, hard look at your home, your office, and the places you frequently visit.  Then, you must do whatever you can to move yourself as far as possible from the temptations that you intend to defeat.

^If it were only as easy as it to actually do!

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Luke 12:34

VERSES ABOUT YOUR PRIORITIES

Don't abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her; and she will guard you. -Proverbs 4:6

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, sothat you can determine what really matters and can be pur and blameless in the day of Christ. -Philippians 1:9

God instructions:
He rewards wise behaviors and He punishes misbehavior.
A commitment to a sensible program is one way of being wise,and it's also one way of pleasing God every day.

GETTING HONEST
Make notes about the spiritual, psychological, and physical
beneifts your experience when you exercise.

-Reduces stress
-More energy
-God gives you the strength to do things you NEVER though you could do.
-Self confidence
-And more...