Joy's Blog
enjoying the journey...diet, exercise and spiritual growth.
Joy's Blog
It's a Conspiracy!
Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
My plan was to start running this week. I've been doing a little running, but not that much. This week was time for me to really commit myself to my plan and to make some significant progress. I had envisioned taking myself back to the track and making the track or the gym part of my daily routine. My change in plans happened when I stubbed my little toe.
My plan was to start running this week. I've been doing a little running, but not that much. This week was time for me to really commit myself to my plan and to make some significant progress. I had envisioned taking myself back to the track and making the track or the gym part of my daily routine. My change in plans happened when I stubbed my little toe. I was doing good things, I was cleaning up my room when it happened. As I walked around the bed - BAM - my little baby toe hit the booster that raises my bed off the floor. I could have screamed, but I didn't. I didn't immediately think it was broken. However, I've broken this very toe before and didn't have terrible pain until a week later. The last time when the pain became intense, I got an x-ray and confirmed that my toe was broken. It took six weeks for me to be total healed and get back to running then. Terrible!
While I have yet to get my toe x-rayed, I am giving serious thought to all the time I kept putting off running until tomorrow. I acted as if my tomorrow's plan was guaranteed. We all know that is not the case, but putting stuff off doesn't really stop. I've also be in the phase of improving my diet and still eating portions that are too large and more of the sugary stuff that I need to cut back.
I've been living Romans 7:15. I haven't exactly been hating eating too much sugar, but hating the results. My lack of running has produced a lack of results. I clearly see there is a conspiracy and the conspiracy begins with me. I'm ending it! While I may not be able to run, I on the exercising and eating well path. While I not expecting my journey to be perfect, I will be on the right track. In addition to exercising and eating better, I'll be praying more and reading the Word.
Hallelujah, He is risen!
Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Sunday is come! We have made it to another Easter Sunday. No matter what you planned or did during this Lenten Season, Sunday arrived. It is not what we have done that brought on the arrival of this Resurrection Day. It is that Jesus hung on the cross and then rose to save us from out sins. Friday was here and the victory of we received on Sunday came! Praises! We shall have everlasting life and a better life everyday.
Have you seen this video about Sunday?
I love this video. Really, I don't love the video. I love the words. It speaks of Good Friday -- the dark and desperate time that seem hopeless, tragic and impossible -- giving way to the victory of Sunday. The transformation that Sunday brought was beyond what anyone could fully comprehend or truly understand until it actually occurred. Imagine following Jesus, hanging onto his every word and then being in the midst on that Friday when He was crucified on Friday. What would you be feeling? What would you be thinking? Could you see a positive future? Or is likely that hopelessness filled the air? But, Sunday was on the way. Sunday came and Jesus is risen! He lives and we live. Who knew? God knew.
While the Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday story have a particular salvation significance, it also is symbolic of other parts of our life. There are moments in life when it feels like a personal Good Friday when nothing good can be found and a positive future cannot be seen ahead. When these times occur, the Hope of Jesus needs to become the focus because Sunday is Coming. Hold onto the mustard seed and know that as faith grows, Sunday is getting closer. Sunday is coming! Count the victory in advance. Sunday is coming! Hallelujah! When Sunday arrives it will be better than anything ever imagined.
Believing in Him - Lent Day 4
John 11:48-50 ~ 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” 49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
Read John 11:47-57
Imagine if everyone believed in Him...and acted as if they truly believed. The world would be completely different. Instead of focusing on the world, focus on your own belief. Do you really believe? Could you demonstrate your belief better? Are your actions showing others and yourself that you believe?
The Good News is that Christ came and died for our sin and we are given the gift of everlasting life. We also should be living a victorious life on earth. Meditate on the questions again and really think about your answers. How will your journey be better tomorrow?
These questions are really for me. I'm asking myself how I'm going to be better even in the sight of things I know are a little off. Praises! The Lord loves me and you just as we are! And God will love us to our best self and on every step our journey.
Read John 11:47-57
Imagine if everyone believed in Him...and acted as if they truly believed. The world would be completely different. Instead of focusing on the world, focus on your own belief. Do you really believe? Could you demonstrate your belief better? Are your actions showing others and yourself that you believe?
The Good News is that Christ came and died for our sin and we are given the gift of everlasting life. We also should be living a victorious life on earth. Meditate on the questions again and really think about your answers. How will your journey be better tomorrow?
These questions are really for me. I'm asking myself how I'm going to be better even in the sight of things I know are a little off. Praises! The Lord loves me and you just as we are! And God will love us to our best self and on every step our journey.
Letting It Go - Lent Day 3
John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pin] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
What are we really willing to give up to be close to Jesus? This is time of sacrifice and focus in order to bring us closer to the Lord. Are the things on our Lenten plan enough to help us make a change? Can we make a permanent change? Or will we consistently need renewal?
I'm counting on making improvements. I know that some change is harder to make than others. Somehow, I can easily start eating ice cream every day. Giving it up is another story. However, if I need to give it up I will. Although, I may not be able to go it alone. In fact, I know I can't do it by myself. Don't get it twisted. I can give up ice cream. I've done it before. It is making more substantive changes that will help to transform my life and keep in better alignment with the Lord.
The other thing I do know is that God will never leave me nor forsake me. As I work to improve, the Lord is always there. If I make a misstep, God is still there. I'm letting it go and God is holding on to me...always.
What are we really willing to give up to be close to Jesus? This is time of sacrifice and focus in order to bring us closer to the Lord. Are the things on our Lenten plan enough to help us make a change? Can we make a permanent change? Or will we consistently need renewal?
I'm counting on making improvements. I know that some change is harder to make than others. Somehow, I can easily start eating ice cream every day. Giving it up is another story. However, if I need to give it up I will. Although, I may not be able to go it alone. In fact, I know I can't do it by myself. Don't get it twisted. I can give up ice cream. I've done it before. It is making more substantive changes that will help to transform my life and keep in better alignment with the Lord.
The other thing I do know is that God will never leave me nor forsake me. As I work to improve, the Lord is always there. If I make a misstep, God is still there. I'm letting it go and God is holding on to me...always.
Seeing the Glory - Lent Day 2
John 11:40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you
that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Read John 11:1-45
The story death and resurrection of Lazarus clearly shows that faith can bring about the glory of God while on earth. Mary and Martha believe Jesus can help and they send for him. In fact, Martha was a little insistent on having her brother raised from the dead. In John 11:21-22 ~ 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Even though her brother had died, Martha knew without doubt that Jesus could get whatever he asked from the Father. Are we building that confidence. Really, am I? Some days, I know that I know. Others I feel as if I just think I know.
What is the difference? There are days when I'm more connected to the Word. I can feel more focused the fact that I really don't know who God does what God does. I also spend time counting the blessings and the victories I've all ready won. The days when I tell my testimony to others helps to build me up. The Lord has done so much for me already and will come through again. On these days, I know.
The story death and resurrection of Lazarus clearly shows that faith can bring about the glory of God while on earth. Mary and Martha believe Jesus can help and they send for him. In fact, Martha was a little insistent on having her brother raised from the dead. In John 11:21-22 ~ 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Even though her brother had died, Martha knew without doubt that Jesus could get whatever he asked from the Father. Are we building that confidence. Really, am I? Some days, I know that I know. Others I feel as if I just think I know.
What is the difference? There are days when I'm more connected to the Word. I can feel more focused the fact that I really don't know who God does what God does. I also spend time counting the blessings and the victories I've all ready won. The days when I tell my testimony to others helps to build me up. The Lord has done so much for me already and will come through again. On these days, I know.
There are days when I listen to the naysayers and
actually way the odds. Those are the days when I need to tell the devil to get
behind me and stay under my feet. I could be doing a better job. I'm working on it. The interesting thing about it is that knowing the Lord is going to deliver the glory to you now and forever, has a calming
effect that benefits your health. As is states in Philippians 4:7 And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus. Now, peace, glory and Divine health -- all
from the Lord!
Ash Wednesday Beginnings - Day 1
Matthew 5:1-3 ~ 1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This is the first day of Lent and during this 40 day period I've decided to follow a 6 AM - 6 PM fast. I'll be drinking water, juice and an occasional fruit smoothie. I do have an exception. I had planned a business lunch with a friend before I made my commitment. I'm not giving myself free reign, but I just a little latitude so that my not eating is not the focus of the meal.
Now, making an exception took a little thought. I really had to decide why I am pursing this path. Of course, the fact that my pastor asked for participation was a serious consideration. However, not the only one. I have allowed myself to take a pass for previous fast when I just wasn't feeling it.
This time it was not just that I was on board with the message from the pulpit, I had to take a moment and examine myself. While there is always room for improvement, I need to make a better change. I think I'm a little delusional and my faith is feeling a little more mustard seed sized than it should.
Getting to my delusional behavior. I've lost a few pounds and am wearing an old pair of new jeans. You know the pair, you haven't worn them for so long that people will think they are new when you wear them. Well, they fit fine now. Actually, I need a belt. However, these aren't really my skinny jeans. I put on my belt which doesn't have the normal belt tooth, for lack of a better word. The movable piece that holds the belt together, just won't stay closed. I didn't just buy this belt. I've had it for years. Somehow, I thought I should be able to wear it today. Not so much. Clearly, I'm not the size I was before. I'm not even sure when I comfortably wore this thing. I remember I did. I wonder how long I've really been kidding myself.
I do have co-conspirators in my weight gain delusion. There is a ground swell of people who want to tell us it is not about the pounds or about the size. While it might not be about either of those things, if you don't keep track you're likely to slowly grow heavier and bigger. Not only am I going to pay more attention to my weight and size, I'm pulling out the tape measure. My waist size is a clear indicator in the state of my heart. It should be less than half my height. I'm pressing the outer bounds and my belt is telling me the truth while I've been telling myself something else. It is good to begin my Ash Wednesday journey with the truth.
I'm also focused on faith building. The point of mustard seed faith is not for it to stay there. It is for that mustard seed to grow. I'm feeling that I need a little reinforcement. So, Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” My current problem is that I think I have not been telling the mountain to move. While in my head I know this is true, I haven't really been acting enough to make it so. I've been holding myself back and I need to be more bold and act with the faith that has carried me to the cross before and has gotten me the victory.
To sum up my Lent focus, I'd say it is my time to face the truth and grow in the path that the Lord wants me to go. This is a good beginning. Not easy, but good.
To sum up my Lent focus, I'd say it is my time to face the truth and grow in the path that the Lord wants me to go. This is a good beginning. Not easy, but good.
1 Day for Forever
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
There are those moments that change lives forever. Sometimes we recognize it when it happens. In other instances, we only mark those moments by looking back. The birth of Jesus gives us a little of both. In that moment, those who knew that Jesus had entered the world knew that something wonderful and beyond comprehension had occurred and that the course of time was about to change.
Those of us who came after, can only look back at that time and imagine. We know that the birth of Jesus provided the opportunity for so much to change including how we count our days. What is most important is the that we each receive Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. In this simply and dramatic action, we can change our present and our eternities. Those of us who already know Jesus as Lord can recommit ourselves to His purpose and focus on living the GospelFit life.
Merry Christmas! The child that the Old Testament told was coming, did. Today and forever, we celebrate!
2 Days of Getting Ready for Birth
Luke 1:31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.
The Lord coming into the world was the beginning of a dramatic change. Jesus' life continues to transform multitudes every day. His crucification and resurrection impact our eternity.
We are preparing for the celebration of His birth, a time for transformation. Our celebration is a chance for us to be closer to the Lord and our families. This is more than sharing wrapped presents, we can share the gifts that God has given us.
Get ready for our celebration for the day! Get ready for the change in our lives...forever.
A 3-Peat of Sorts for Day 3
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
God came into the world as Jesus and when He left us a comforter behind when Jesus left the earth. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost ensures that there is never a moment when we could possibly be without God.
The fact that the Lord actually came down to earth and started His journey on the earth as a baby just like us is pretty incredible. The love of the Trinity for us is tremendous and should remind us each and every day that we are loved. As we get ready to celebrate the birth of Christ during Christmas, celebrate being loved and the ability to love...then make sure someone feels loved. Your simply act might be the one that touches someone so much that they are forever changed. It will also remind you how God loved each and every one of us.
4 Days of Following
Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Everybody wants to be a leader. Well, actually everyone doesn't want to lead. However, we talk about leadership all the time. It is important that we step up when we should. What is more important is that we know when to be followers. Even as leaders we need to be following something to guide us on the path. I say, we should be following God.
There are times when we might need to remind ourselves that we are following God and not the leader who is ahead. We are not blindly following our pastors, employers or the president. We need to test and approve to ensure we are in line. This needs to be directed by love as Christ loved us. Sometimes we need to stay in our lane and other times we need to make a detour. The goal is to stay on the path and become closer to the Lord every day.