I’M NOT LETTING HIM THROUGH THAT DOOR!

          I take these spells where I can’t seem to eat the right food, can’t find the time or desire to exercise and I don’t make my bible study a priority. Then I start thinking the worse about myself and everything around me.

          Have you ever tried to keep someone from shutting a door on you? I have, I get my foot in and then I slowly start inching my leg in then I get me hip in, no hope then for the person trying to keep me out (I have a lot of hip to work with). Eventually, I get my way and get in or I give up because I don’t think it is worth getting hurt. Well, that is what Satan is trying to do. If he can see that door cracked a little bit he will put his big fat toe in there and then slide his whole foot in and keep working until his hip to wedged in that door.

          This past weekend was one of those kinds of weekends – I didn’t walk at all, Saturday we had donuts for breakfast, cold cut sandwich & chips for lunch, BBQ pork for supper. Sunday was hot dogs and other junk; I also sneaked ice cream while everyone else was doing something else.

          My new question for myself is: What is my source of nourishment? When I’m hungry where do I turn? I should ask why am I hungry, is it because I haven’t ate or am I seeking something?

          I hear the phrase fit & healthy I immediately think about food and exercise. That is only part of it. Healthy = (right thinking + good eating + spiritual growth + exercise) water 8 times a day. When I leave part of the formula out then I crack the door open so the devil can put his toe in and inch his way in.

I must turn to Jesus for all my nourishment. He teaches me how to think, He cleans out the junk; He makes every bite I take count and helps me to choose food that is best; He gives me the energy I need to move and the strength to keep going. Most important is my spiritual growth which I have to have for the rest to work.

          Each day that I spend in His word and praying I feel closer to Jesus and stronger. I have more energy and feel blessed. Things bother me less and I’m able to give more of myself. It also keep the devil from finding a crack in my door and when he does he give up quicker because he doesn’t want to get hurt.

I’M NOT LETTING HIM THROUGH THAT DOOR!

It is Permissible but is it Beneficial

I’m starting to see some results from my 30 day dare. Pants that were too tight a month ago fit better now and I don’t get as winded when I go up and down the steps. I look forward to my walks by myself and with my friend. I also don’t mind getting up early.

I’m still trying to get my menus in order; some days are much easier than others. It comes down to making a conscious decision to eat something healthy or junky, to eat or not to eat, am I hungry or thirsty. Let’s look at what the bible says:

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23

Everything that God has created is permissible, I can have everything. What I need to avoid are the things that man has created (convenience foods), I need to ask myself is it beneficial to me and will it help me reach my goal. In choosing a convenience food will it help me eat healthy. Not everything we can eat is good for us, the best thing is to keep the outside isle of the store (fresh fruits & vegetables, meat, dairy) the inside isle has the prepackage food that is full of sugars and preservatives, that are not good for your health. There are something that you will buy from these isles but you need to know if it is beneficial.

Practicing Self Control

Proverbs 25:27-28 ~

      To over indulge, to eat more than needed, oh that is so tempting – if the wrong stuff is in the house I want to eat it until I’m miserable. Right now we have cake, made for a celebration, and normally I would eat on it until it was gone (far more than my share). I would walk by, cut a piece, take a bite and go on (one bite won’t hurt anything) a few minutes later I would walk by and say oh I forgot to cover that back up and take another bite while covering it. This would continue until I have eaten two large pieces of cake and I would want more.

      Instead of over indulging I’m practicing self control; I’m allowing myself to have a piece of cake when everyone else is having cake. Now I walk past and say I will have you later and go for a healthier snack. God shows me that I don’t have to be defeated by food.

v28: “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self control”

      Before working to eat right and exercise more I felt like I was broken and useless. Now I’m starting to feel better, put together and like I have a purpose. I don’t hurt all the time and I have far less headaches. When I’m tired it is because I have done something to be tired.  Self control can help you feel whole.

      I don’t want to be like the walls around the city broken, crumbling and falling apart. I want to feel strong, whole and complete. God has provided everything we need to eat healthy and He has given us a new day to get up and be active.

You can cheat

My friend James who is personal trainer and has a love for the Lord that inspires me is willing to give me advice when I ask. When we were talking about food choices throughout the week he told me I can cheat on one meal each week but once that meal is over I must be right back on track until the next time. Well, I'm sure he didn't mean the meals could be back to back days; Saturday ended the week and I was too tired to cook so we ordered KFC and today, start of a new week, is Father's Day so that means a very special meal to celebrate my children's dad. These next 11 days must be great on choosing the right food and getting in the best workouts I can. I will be weighing in for the first time in 35 +/- days and I hope to see some positive results.

Still Counting 11 days 'til the end.

Spend time with God

I have been in the word but not hearing or most likely not listening . My mind has been distracted with my upcoming trip. What do I need to finish before I leave or what do I need to still buy for the trip? The big question “Are you crazy?” I have never traveled out of the country and really have no clue of what I’m doing.

Like I said I have been in the Word but I have no thoughts for you. Here are the passages I have been reading and some I have read several times trying to figure out what I’m missing:

Philippians 3:12-4:23

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Genesis 1:29-2:1

Proverbs 25:29-28

1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

One thing I’m learning as I spend close personal time with God is he loves me no matter what I look like and I first must have my heart, mind and emotions in the right place so that I can find a healthy and fit life.

Pray! Pray! Pray!

My prayer since I started my 30 day dare has been “Dear Lord, please keep me accountable.” I have always said don’t pray something if you really don’t want to follow through with what is expected when God answers. God answered the very next day; God wakes me every day an hour earlier than what I use to get up and I can’t go back to sleep (even when I try). At first he used the dog to get me out of bed, now He just gently says its time to get up I’m waiting for you. Some days I start in prayer and bible study, other days I’m listening to music and walking first. I’m lost if I don’t spend time with God, I feel like something is very much missing when I don’t; and I have missed a few days of praying and reading first.

Get Active

I have been walking every day, except for yesterday. Yesterday I was working on a house, we tore off old siding, insulated, house wrapped and started putting on new vinyl siding. I bent over, lifted and carries away until my legs hurt; I guess I did walk and most likely more than normal.

Make wise food choices

My food choices needs to improve L

I am doing research for new food ideas so that I don’t feel like I’m repeating my menu. When I get a menu together I will then share with you. What is your favorite healthy meal?

Note to you: I pray for each person who might read this. I pray that you are able to be fit and healthy as God has called us each to be. I pray that you are able to find peace not as the world defines peace but as God does. (Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27) And that you learn how to treat your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. (Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 1 Cor. 6:19)

Tips from a trainer

I have friend who is a personal fitness trainer and is willing to answer questions for me. When I asked why do I get hungry in the afternoon he gave me these tips

1. Don't skip breakfast

Eat protein and carbohydrates to give your body the fuel it needs to go and do what you are asking of it.

2. Drink plenty of water

You should drink at least 64 oz of water a day, when working out you should up your water intake.

To help me keep track of how much water I’m drinking I do one of the following

s Put a rubber band around your glass; if you’re using an 8 oz cup put 8 bands, 12 oz 6 bands, 16 oz 4 bands. After you finish a cup of water remove a rubber band, when all the bands are gone then you know you have drank plenty of water. You can keep track with magnets on the refrigerator.

s Fill a pitcher with the amount of water you need for the day and refill your cup only from that pitcher, when the pitcher is empty you have reached your goal.

3. Do not skip snacks - best time to eat fresh fruit and veg. (throw in yogurt, string cheese, or cottage cheese)

Eat a snack even if you are not hungry. I know that sounds wrong. The point of snacking is to keep you from getting hungry and running out of fuel. When you get hungry that is when you start eating the wrong stuff and over eating at meals.

4. AVOID sugar in all foods and drinks

Give up soda and sugary drinks. Read the labels on all your drinks 9 grams or less

5. Lose the complex and starchy carbohydrates in last meal of the evening

You are not as active in the evening so these carbs end up turning to sugar and working against all your hard work during the day.

Day 11

C Spend time with God

C Pray! Pray! Pray!

C Get Active

C Make wise food choices

F Manage my time

Philippians 3:12-4:1

This is one of my favorite passages, it reminds me I don’t have to be perfect, and instead I need to always be working toward the goal that is in my path at that time.

V14: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”

The goal Paul is talking about is moving out of our sins into a Christ centered life and the prize is eternal life in heaven with Jesus. As long as we are alive we should always be moving toward that goal by 1.) Be in the Word daily 2.) Pray daily (several times) and 3.) Surround our self with like minded people. When we do this we can see Gods direction for our life.

v13c “…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”

Paul reminds us that the past is gone, done, over with we can’t change what has already happened. So don’t let it dictate the future, change what you are doing so that you don’t make the same mistake again.

This is true in your health and fitness goals don’t dwell on what you didn’t do yesterday, instead look at what you can do today to move toward the goal of being healthier and fit.

Day 10

C Spend time with God

This has now become the first thing I do in the morning and I’m to a point now that if something keeps me from doing it first thing I feel like something is missing in my day.

Early on in my 30 day dare I asked God to keep me accountable and he has. At first he used to the dog to get me up. Now he gently wakes me in the morning and we sit together in the quiet of the morning and talk.

F Pray! Pray! Pray!

Never stop praying, pray about anything and everything. When things are good it is easy to send up a quick thank you, but my prayers have been more than that. I’m praying more specifically for my family and friends. My prayer life has become a bigger part of my life. I have given myself a pointer finger because this part of my life has improved and is getting better; I’m looking forward to my prayers being more meaningful and answers to be more obvious.

“pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

C Get Active

I feel so much better now that I’m walking again. I have more energy and don’t hurt like I use to, when I get up to just go from one room to another I can move so much easier. Before I started the dare my legs, feet, hips and back hurt most of the time, I also had headaches most every day. Now it doesn’t hurt to get up and my headaches are so much better, if I have a headache I can put a reason (sinus) with it. My feet hurt some but that is because 1. I’m fat and 2. I might need to get new shoes, not because I’m being lazy.

I’m walking at least 1.5 miles every day, some days twice a day. I have not been doing my extra workout so I need to work that into my day. I have not failed since I am doing more than I was two weeks ago.

C Make wise food choices

As long as I keep the right foods in the house it is easy to make wise food choices. Right now I’m trying to find new recipes for cooking nutritious meals so that I don’t feel like I’m always making the same thing. I like a lot of vegetables and fruits; I can eat chicken, ground turkey and have found turkey or chicken sausage. I miss pork and some beef (not my favorite meat). So since I do like these foods I just need to find out how to cook with them for variety.

D Manage my time

Let just leave it at Needs much improvement. L

Romans 8:1-17

Being fit and healthy is about more than the physical; sure what you eat/drink and getting plenty of exercise and sleep are important, but you also need to have a relationship with God. When we build that relationship then we want the same things that God wants for us. God wants us to be fit and healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The physical fitness is out ward what you and I can see in our self and each other; mental health we can sometimes hide put a mask on and emotional only those closest to us can tell when that isn’t as strong. Spiritually is when we are certain in what we believe because we have that relationship with God. We can see him working in our live and those around us. We also quit hiding and remove the mask.

We are all sinners, we can’t get away from that fact, and it is part of our nature. But when we are walking with God we want to give up our sinful ways, we want be like Jesus. Yes we will always sin and sometimes trip over sins we thought we had moved out of, but don’t give up because that sin has come back ask God for forgiveness and move forward.

Choose to change.

Day 7, 8, & 9

D Spend time with God

I’m not posting my bible journaling for these days, I encourage you to read the passages and do your own journaling. Here’s what I read and journal on:

1. Romans 7:7-25

2. Hebrews 12:1-13

3. Luke 11:1-13

Even though “life” got in the way I still found time to squeeze my bible study in. Since I was squeezing it in it wasn’t as insightful to me as I would have liked, and not as a meaningful conversation with God. I was one of those things I did because I wanted to but felt more like I had to do; unfinished business for the day.

D Pray! Pray! Pray!

My prayer time was much like the above an afterthought.

D Get Active

I didn’t get any morning walks in and only 1 evening walk. I was moving around a lot but not enough or in the right way make beneficial to my physical health

C Make wise food choices

Food choices were good.

D Manage my time

If you read the above then you know my time wasn’t managed at all.

The lesson I have to take from this weekend is never give up, just pick up where you left off and move forward.

Day 6

C Spend time with God

This has now become part of my day. The longer in the day I wait to spend this time with God and in His word the worse my day goes. Life seems to run a little smoother when I make sure to rest in Gods arms

C Pray! Pray! Pray!

I pray often throughout the day. When things are not going quite the way I think they should I turn it over to God – I give Him control. This happens 95% of the time, there is always something that really will send me over that cliff and that is because I let something wait too long before turning it over to God

D Get active

I am walking with a friend 2 mornings each week

My evening walk only happens if I don’t have to be at the ball diamond

I have not made my extra work out a priority

C Make wise food choices

This is going smoothly. I have been cooking healthier for very long time. I try to cook very health conscious. I love the grill; it gives food a lot of flavor.

I Manage my time

Still need to work on this. I spend a lot of time on the computer or watching TV. I need to eliminate some of that. When we are in school the TV doesn’t even come on until late afternoon I need to adopt that policy year around.

Joshua 5:13-6:27

Have you ever tried to put together a jig saw puzzle without a picture to help? All the piece look alike at first, but you start to sort through and pull out the edges and separate the 4 corners. Now you have a small part of the puzzle to work on to help you get started. You don’t try to do the whole puzzle, but a small part at a time the part you can see clearly; you do it that way because you can’t see the big picture until you get further along. God can always see the big picture, but He only gives us small parts at a time to put together.

It is the same way for God and Joshua; God sees the big picture but only gives Joshua small task to complete. He tells Joshua each step he wants him to take for seven days; and Joshua said OK Lord I’m ready to do it your way and off he went. He had faith that God knew what needed to be done and that he would protect him in the process.

Because Joshua did what God instructed he reaped the reward. That’s the important part for all of us, do as God calls and reap the reward. v27

“The Lord was with Joshua…”

Always remember the Lord is with you. Take this verse and replace your name where Joshua’s name is:

The Lord is with Jama always! J

The Lord is with                     always! J

Write it down on a sticky note and put it where you will see it often as a reminder that you are not alone God is always there and He can see the big picture. Then go out in faith knowing that God knows what is going to happen and he will protect you in the process. All you have to do is focus on the small part of the puzzle that God has given you.

Day 5

þ Spend time with God

Read Numbers 13:26-14:45

My Lord rewards those who follow His commands. It’s not always easy to do exactly what God ask of us. I’m struggling now with making the right food choices, some are easier than others. But God never promised me it would be easy to follow Him but the rewards/blessing will make it all worth it.

I know at the end of these 30 days God is going to show me it was all worth it. J

þ Pray! Pray! Pray!

I pray before I go for my walk and I pray with my walking partner. Put God first and invite Jesus to join us.

o Get active

I have my walking partner again. J We walk together two days a week. It is so such a joy to walk and talk, we encourage each other and share things we are learning about being healthy and fit. I feel joyful after our walks.

I’m finding it hard to get my evening walks in, I hope that improves soon.

o Make wise food choices

þ Manage my time

This area needs some improvement. I can get very distracted very quickly.

Pray for me to improve that way God want me to not the way I think I should or the way the world says I should. Also that I put together the support team that God want me to have.

Day 4

þ Spend time with God

þ Pray! Pray! Pray!

þ Get active

þ Make wise food choices

þ Manage my time

Numbers 11:4-34

I’m in the second day of eating only fruits and vegetables, I do allow myself to have bread (whole wheat or multi grain)and I find myself hungrey or least my brain says I am. I also find myself wanting cheese and meat, and when I do I pray for Gods help.

In this passage the people are complaining about what they don’t have instead of giving thanks for what God has provided.

God has provided me all the fruit, nuts, grains and vegetable (plant base foods) and I’m happy to have them. V20 God tells us why he provides meat to His people.

“…because you have rejected the Lord…”

Now think about it, when you are rejected do want to do something for that person. Do you have that warm fuzzy feeling that makes you want to provide for their every need? I’m sorry but I don’t, when I feel rejected then I don’t want to do anything for the person. If you don’t want me then ok you’re on your own and I will do what I want. That’s not true with God. When we reject Him that just fuels the flame for Him to come after and do all the more us. We should be like that also looking for ways to love the individual just the way Jesus would love him.

Draw closer to God when times are hard or you have a need; and do it without complaining about it or criticizing God for not doing it just the way you think it should be. When people takes control of the situation then it is goofed up, we just can’t see the same things that God can.

Day 3

Its only day 3 so it seems to still be easy to keep up with my goals but “life” is getting in the way.

þ Spend time with God

I tell God everyday that God is first in my life and I work make sure that statement is true. To make Him first I have to be in His word and having conversations with him. Today we read Exodus 16:1-35, see my thoughts below, I encourage you to first read the passage and journal your thoughts on what God is telling before you read mine.

þ Pray! Pray! Pray!

I’m enjoying my conversations with God each day. It is like a phone call with a personal friend that you don’t get to see very often. It brings me a lot of peace and comfort.

o Get active

50% - I got my morning walk in but other responsibilities keep me from staying on my routine.

þ Make wise food choices

I don’t have a lot of trouble with food as far as meals go. I don’t fry and convenience foods are not a big part of my menu. I have been grilling a lot again, so I want to find some new foods to grill or at least new ideas for the grill. Where I struggle is in between my meals.

þ Manage my time

Some days are easier than others. What I want to get part of my weekly plan is putting a menu together each week.

Exodus 16:1-35

What we must remember is that God always provides we must have faith that He will and not expect it in my timing but in His.

God asks me to follow his commands and he will bless me beyond belief for doing so. Follow Him not the world. Right now He has asked me to eat fruits and vegetables, fortunately I like a lot of fruits and vegetables so it won’t be too hard, what will make it hard is cooking so everyone is satisfied with what we are eating.

By following what God is asking I will learn more about myself and my relationship with Him.

Day 2

Today I didn’t do so great L I let life control my goals instead of me. It Sunday so the idea of getting up for a morning walk was not sounding like fun so I choose not to walk before church. Then all evening I was waiting for a phone call from my husband & daughter who was on their way home from Joplin, MO so I didn’t want to get away and not be ready when they called. All excuses but that is all I have right now.

So let’s look at my check list

þ Spend time with God

I give myself a great on this one. I was totally engaged in our worship service and did my person bible study on Daniel 1:1-21, we’ll get to that in a minute

þ Pray! Pray! Pray!

My prayer life is improving. Spend time in prayer before my bible study, I wake up praying and go to sleep praying, I also find myself praying about things or for people that I would have before starting this dare.

o Get active

Well I think we already covered that one. FAIL! L That’s ok. Not every day is a success and I’m not going to beat myself up for it. What I am going to do is get up the next day and try again, in time it will all come together as my routine.

þ Make wise food choices

This was a good day! I didn’t over eat and didn’t end feeling deprived.

o þ Manage my time

You be the judge. I put a lot off in hopes of doing them with my husband when he returned from his trip, but did none of them because they were late getting back. I spent a lot of time doing nothing.

Daniel 1:1-21

Daniel and his friends have been captured to be trained to serve the king. We pick up at the beginning of his training.

Everyone is divided into groups and the Chief Official is told to feed them the same royal food and wine as the King is eating. Daniel did not want to defile himself with this food (it went against the biblical teaching he grew up with). Now I have seen pictures of kings and most of them were not the picture of health and all of them had more food than they needed; poor example of being healthy or fit.

Daniel followed Old Testament teaching. He didn’t want to cause trouble with his official so he issued a challenge. Let the other officials feed their people the royal food and you feed us only vegetables and water for the next 10 days. At the end of that time let’s see who is healthier; if they are then we will eat the royal food, if it is us then let us eat what to better for us.

So for the next 10 days I will only eat plant base food. Lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, lots of water and some fruit juice (100% only); I am going to allow myself a little milk for cereal but no meat. Daniel benefited from this type of food choice and I know God can teach me a lot about myself.

I will receive blessings from God as I get closer to Him.

Day 1

Day 1 is over and I can say that with a smile on my face. Lets look at my goals and see how I did

1)     Spend time with God - today I studied Mark 14:32-42 I know I have read this passage many times before but I found some new gems this time -
• Jesus is praying (follow his example)
• v.38 Jesus asked His disciples to pray so they don't fall into temptation. Making a poor choice is the same as falling into temptation. Temptation is what causes me to fai at getting healthy and fit. I have been able to beat some temptations but I still stumble often. I won't beat myself up over it. How have I beat some, well let's see... I love chocolate so when I go to the grocery store I go to the u-scan so that the candy isn't calling my name. Another one, cookies, when cookies are in the house I'm worse than the Cookie Monster so instead of buying cookies to have at home I enjoy 2 or 3 at church during our fellowship time. So it is ok to allow a treat when it is bad is when I allow myself to over indulge (in other words eat the whole package).
• Jesus also is telling me I'm weak and con't do this on my own but with Him all things are possible "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
• Now lets go back to v. 36 - Jesus said "everything is possible for you" and in Matt. 19:26 we read “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.” Sure can do this dare all by myself and struggle the whole way or I can do it with God who gives me strength. I can't do this or anything else on my own I must do it with God my Father, Jesus my Lord and the Holy Spirit my guide. Together I will succeed! J
2)     Pray! Pray! Pray! -  I found myself praying more often today. I prayed when I was on my walks, making the bed, cooking 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray continually” easy command but not always something that I do. But I will get better. My prayer is
·       God you are my Lord and FIRST in my life
·       Please remind me to love myself so that I can love others
·       Help me to know how to healthy and fit so I can do things you have called me to do
3)     Get active – I did my morning and evening walks
4)     Make wise food choices – my son wanted to go out for KFC tonight, not my favorite choice for a place to eat but it was up to him. So when we got there I wanted to order extra crispy instead I got one grilled chicken breast. I call that a success.
5)     Manage my time – I call this a success for the day also because I did all the above and some house work.
My Day Was A Success! J

Let's Make A Dare

I have tried this before, you know getting healthy and being active, but I let life, myself, get in the way. So I decided I was going to dare myself to be fit and health for 30 days. 30 days that sound simple who can't do something for 30 days, well me since I don't keep myself motivated to keep going.
Why 30 days? In 30 days I leave for Brazil and I want to feel energized and to have that feeling I have to be healthy and fit. To be healthy and fit I have to change my habits. To get started I'm setting 5 goals.

1. Spend at least 30 minutes everyday in God's word
2. Pray! Pray! Pray!
3. Get active: (Walk every morning, at least 1 mile; Walk every evening, at least 1 mile; Workout 3x's a week), find someone to walk with at least 2 days a week
4. Make wise food choices
5. Manage my time: set a time each day for my bible study and walks or workouts (an appointment that I must keep). By doing this it causes me to be accountable.

So there it is the start of my 30 Day Dare! :-)