Scripture: “The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness You restore him to full health.” Psalm 41:3
I was in and out of clinics and doctor’s offices this week. I recently visited a good friend in the hospital. She is about my age (I’m not ashamed to say 40…-ish) but she is living with a number of health ailments. I also have a loved one who is what the medical community deems “chronically ill.”
Yesterday, my loved one received orders to stay off a foot, because it needs time to heal. This meant a planned vacation would be cancelled. This news, on top of going in and out of medical facilities, nearly threw me into a tizzy. Things around me seemed to be out of my control. I found myself wanting so desperately to seek comfort in my old friend, food. It didn’t matter what it was—salty chips, creamy peanut butter, sweet and smooth ice cream, a huge juicy burger with fries.
Food has been the one constant in my life for years. I knew that whatever the situation, it would taste good and would not let me down.
So I thought.
Now, my journey toward good health and an active lifestyle is showing me otherwise.
No, food is not my enemy. However, I am learning by re-training my thoughts and actions that food has a purpose: to sustain me, to give me energy to live out this healthy lifestyle. Do I like for my food to taste good? Of course, but I have to pray for discipline not to overindulge, nor to eat impulsively.
The main motivation is that these days, I feel so much better. I walk taller, I am stronger, I know I am doing my body good. And those points have been driven home in seeing my friend and loved one hurting in their bodies. I pray for them, and realize that but for the grace of God, I could be in worse shape. But I am a fighter. I am fighting with every better food choice I make, I am fighting with every rotation of the bicycle, with every ache in sore muscles. I am fighting to live, and not only exist, but live a quality life.
Power Prayer Nugget: Father God, You are so gracious and merciful. Thank You for Your power to heal us physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I am indeed grateful to be ALIVE! Amen.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
She had a party, and NO ONE was invited!
"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
I missed spinning (biking) class the other day, and was so happy to see there was a spin bike in the general exercise room at the gym. However, it was smack dab in the middle of the room. All eyes would potentially see me sweating it out, or my butt jiggling on that itty bitty bike seat.
How many times have we felt self-conscious exercising in public? I've heard lots of women say they don't go to the gym because people may watch them, or they don't want to look too fat in their shorts or workout clothes. You know what I say? GET OVER YOURSELF. Nine times out of ten, people are not paying attention to you. Especially when it comes to a workout facility, most people are there to get a good workout in, not to critique others' body types or outfits.
I hated that I missed that spin class, so I hopped my booty on that bike, cranked the tunes on my headphones, and "got my sweat on." I bobbed my head to the music, sometimes closed my eyes to focus on the rhythm of my legs along with the music, and even sang out loud a little. I just didn't care. I was there for a purpose--to get my heart pumping, to sweat, to get those endorphins.
As the rap song from the '80s goes, "I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours."
Will people gawk or stare at you on occasion? Sure, it's human nature. But what's more important -- your health and well-being, or a stranger's approval?
Prayerburst: Lord, thank You for blessing me with the desire to be active. Help me move past being self-conscious and anything else that would hinder my progress. I am reaping the fruit of increased physical activity, and it's better than any food reward. Amen.
I missed spinning (biking) class the other day, and was so happy to see there was a spin bike in the general exercise room at the gym. However, it was smack dab in the middle of the room. All eyes would potentially see me sweating it out, or my butt jiggling on that itty bitty bike seat.
How many times have we felt self-conscious exercising in public? I've heard lots of women say they don't go to the gym because people may watch them, or they don't want to look too fat in their shorts or workout clothes. You know what I say? GET OVER YOURSELF. Nine times out of ten, people are not paying attention to you. Especially when it comes to a workout facility, most people are there to get a good workout in, not to critique others' body types or outfits.
I hated that I missed that spin class, so I hopped my booty on that bike, cranked the tunes on my headphones, and "got my sweat on." I bobbed my head to the music, sometimes closed my eyes to focus on the rhythm of my legs along with the music, and even sang out loud a little. I just didn't care. I was there for a purpose--to get my heart pumping, to sweat, to get those endorphins.
As the rap song from the '80s goes, "I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours."
Will people gawk or stare at you on occasion? Sure, it's human nature. But what's more important -- your health and well-being, or a stranger's approval?
Prayerburst: Lord, thank You for blessing me with the desire to be active. Help me move past being self-conscious and anything else that would hinder my progress. I am reaping the fruit of increased physical activity, and it's better than any food reward. Amen.
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