Joy's Blog

It's a Conspiracy!

2012-05-09T16:04:37Z

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.

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!

2012-04-09T22:18:39Z

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

2012-02-26T03:01:38Z

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.

Letting It Go - Lent Day 3

2012-02-25T02:00:00Z

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.

Seeing the Glory - Lent Day 2

2012-02-23T23:37:00Z

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.

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

2012-02-22T21:39:00Z

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.

1 Day for Forever

2011-12-25T11:04:00Z

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

2011-12-24T10:15:00Z

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

2011-12-23T05:25:00Z

^{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

2011-12-22T15:19:00Z

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.

A Day 5 Praise

2011-12-22T00:49:00Z

Philippians 2:11 And every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Have you given much thought to how you start your day? Do you simply start off running? Or do you have a relaxed start and begin with time for prayer and praise?

Recently, my love of sleep means that I get started later than what is ideal. I have big plans for getting up earlier and doing more before the day is truly started. The one thing that is now a part of just about every morning is my prayer and praise time.

A little more than a year ago, I decided that I had to add more prayer in my life and I have actually made a new habit. It didn't necessarily come easily. There are some mornings when opening my eyes is extremely hard. However, I can claim success. Having made this progress, I know I can pray and praise my way to more change.

My diet and exercise plan are the next to be transformed again. I've done it before and I will do it again. Since I love sleep, I'll have to make some other adjustments to my plan to get my sleep and my early start. My prayer and praise transformation let me know this too can change. Another reason for Praise!

Averting a Day 6 Crisis

2011-12-21T00:45:00Z

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Somehow, I managed to get almost to Christmas without doing any shopping. It wasn't really my plan. I just got caught up in a ton of other things. The problem with me getting caught up is that exercise wasn't on the top of the list of things I was doing. I did manage to eat relatively well, but I probably could have been doing that better as well.

Most to the time, I was pretty calm about the whole thing. Not that I'm say that my calmness was good. There should have been a sense of urgency a little earlier. Let me be clear, urgency is not necessarily panic. Avoiding panic is very important. However, I need to make sure that I am on course to reach my goals. To realign myself, I had to refocus.

In these time, I need to create the picture of the result and my arrival at that point in a manner that supports my continued growth and development. While I haven't perfected my approach, it is better and I am taking steps every day to reach all of my goals. At the moment, my gift getting and giving along with my exercising need my attention. I'm making progress and thinking and seeing such things working out well.

7 Days of Reflection

2011-12-19T14:29:00Z

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Focusing mind, body and spirit may not always prove easy. We are called to step out on faith and to what the Lord directs us to do. We are to prepare for each move with our focus on Christ. While the unknown is ahead of us, we must remember that we have received the good news and the God is always with us.

Of course, this is truly easy to say. Sometimes, it is hard to do. To move us from our own doubt and uncertainty, we need to reflect on the blessings we have received to date and remind ourselves how we have been victorious in similar situations. "Resting on the Lord," is an act that requires effort and practice.

As we reflect during the time our strength will be renewed and we will be better prepared for the challenge ahead of us. Imagine for a moment, how Mary and Joseph stepped into uncertainty for the most tremendous gift for the world. We, like them, may not be able to see far ahead. And just like the Mary and Joseph, we know that God will never leave nor forsake us.

8 Days of Christmas Connections

2011-12-19T01:46:00Z

Luke 2:16-17 ~ 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

I feel as if I spend a ton of time networking. It is mostly for professional reasons. I connect with one person then the next to help me make progress in with my career and for me to help others with theirs. It actually almost natural for me...on most days. I like talking to people. Learning from them and making further connections is usually fun too.

I had never thought about my connections with my Christian community in the same way. However, maybe I should. I may not be passing business cards in the same manner, but I do get valuable information from my Christian sisters and brothers and I share that information with others.

While there were probably no formal business cards involved, the message of the birth of Christ was shared through word-of-mouth connections. Keeping this great news to quite couldn't be done. It had to be shared then and now. We need to make sure we are doing our part and sharing the good news. Christ came to the world to give us abundant life and eternal life. Great news for all and too good not to share with our Christmas connections!

9 Days of Christmas Love

2011-12-17T12:16:00Z

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The crowds, the crazy traffic even in the parking lot, the extra long to-do lists are making my head spin. Not really, I haven't participated in the shopping craziness just yet. The thought of getting out there reminds me that there is way too much craziness out there. All the commotion can make me forget what I'm really supposed to be doing and what all of this is about.

God sent Jesus to us to love us supremely. In turn we need to love ourselves and each other. This is a serious calling. That should motivate us to act. While demonstrating love doesn't have to look like a present, I guess I'll get myself out in the crowd to buy a couple of things that are small trinkets to display my love for others. I will love all those along the way who hurriedly go about there business and cross my path.

A 10 Day Christmas Countdown

2011-12-16T13:02:00Z

Isaiah 40:31 but those who 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 be faint.

The days are getting shorter. It feels like there are fewer hours in the day when in reality it is only the day light hours that are shorter. Somehow, this little change makes sleeping easier and getting this done a little bit harder. Focusing on the goal in this holiday season can be a tougher than expected. There are so many things to do that take up so much time and yet there list of things still undone seems so very long.

The goal of Divine Health should never be far from what we do every day, but somehow it is. We have so many option all around us that will take us off the path. However, we can still make it to our goal because we are never going it alone...even when it feels like we are all by ourselves.

God came into the world and lives forever to save us and support us each and every day. Whether the goal can be easily seen or it seems so far off, God is near. We can make it to that end with the help of the Lord and our focus on the Cross.

11 Days of Christmas

2011-12-15T13:28:00Z

Matthew 1:23 "They shall call his name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

When you're getting close to the end of a challenge, there are moments when you have to show your determination and commitment to make it to the end. There have been so many moments when I've felt like simply giving in and just forgetting about sticking to my plan. There have been other times, when I look back, that I haven't held on to the course as closely as I should have.

I've found that the way to keep on track and make the future better than the past is to remember that God is with us. God is always with us. When I get out of my own way and focus on the goal and know that I have more power than I know because of the Lord, it makes the challenge seem doable. Of course, I should never forget that Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Even with this knowledge there will be days and moments that I need to force myself to remember that I know that this is true. It may not be easy. But with God with me, I can make it.

The 12 Days To Get The Christmas Story Straight

2011-12-14T21:48:00Z

Luke 2:10-11 ~ 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Apparently, there is confusion, discussion and disagreement about the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The first important point is that it starts on Christmas and moves forward for twelve days. It ends on January 6th in celebration of Epiphany. Those of us who are not Catholic may have never celebrated this holiday that is to commemorate the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi or as we commonly refer to them, the Kings. As for the Kings, the bible doesn't even mention 3 kings. The bible does mention 3 gifts in Luke 2:11 which is where the reference to 3 kings.

Now, back to our little popular song. There is some dispute as to the claim of its origin. Many believe that the words are symbols representing Godly references. Check out this link for more detail. I like this story and know that what the devil meant for evil, God will use for good. (Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (KJV))

I don't know about you, but I think is a good opportunity for us to celebrate and remember all the story.

The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus (the partridge will sacrifice its life to save its young).
Two turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments
Three French hens: Faith, hope, and charity, or the three gifts of the Wise Men
Four calling birds: The four Evangelists--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Five golden rings: The first five books of the Old Testament
Six geese a-laying: The six days of creation described in Genesis
Seven swans a-swimming: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord)
Eight maids a-milking: The eight Beatitudes
Nine ladies dancing: The nine choirs of angels (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and regular angels); or the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control).
Ten lords a-leaping: The Ten Commandments
Eleven pipers piping: The eleven faithful Apostles
Twelve drummers drumming: The twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed

(Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2000/12/The-Twelve-Days-Of-Christmas.aspx#ixzz1gdkumODt)

Dancing for 13 Days Until Christmas

2011-12-14T02:56:00Z

Ecclesiastes 3:4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance

I spent my evening at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at NY City Center. To witness the talent, the ease of movement and the joy that these well-toned bodies displayed is just incredible. I my mind, I think I can do what they do. In reality, I know I can't do most of it.

To be able to make such difficult dancing seem easy requires a serious amount of work. I've been in dance class before and my développé typically resulted in my leg extension that angled slightly down. Lifting my leg to heights were I could see it in my peripheral vision never happened and was only a dream. Flying through the air is really pure fantasy...for me. Just look a this picture! This is a split in mid-air. Check out all the definition on his body. All of that just doesn't happen after a little nap. There was some serious work going on in the appropriate time. Now, it is the time to perform and none in the audience were left disappointed.

While I don't have professional aspirations, I am considering going back to a dance class. I love the movement and the ability to improve my body in so many ways, especially my flexibility and balance. Until then, I will appreciate the professionals. If you're in New York, I highly recommend attending. It is over on January 1st. Get you tickets today! They do have

Being in ready for the task ahead of us is so important. We have to put the work in when it is time to do so and we will be ready when it is time execute. It is clear that there were many hours of working out to craft the smooth muscle in their bodies and to enable them to perform as they did.

Today, as we continue to get ready for Christmas, remember it is our time to prepare and we will be ready when the day comes to celebrate!

14 Days to Christmas Light

2011-12-12T20:23:00Z

John 8: 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

It is two weeks until Christmas! For those of us getting ready to celebrate in a big way, we don't have much time to get ready. If you're like me, you probably have a ton to do. I just pulled out my first Christmas decorations yesterday. Actually, even those only doing a little still only have 14 days.

The wonderful part of Christmas is that we take a moment to stop and recognize that in a moment the Christ child was born and the light of the world came for each and everyone of us. During this time, meditating on the Word will help us refocus as we prepare for the new year of challenges ahead of us.

We don't need to wait to make some positive changes. Making small steps today can lead to bigger steps tomorrow. I've been doing a good job on cutting down on my sugar intake. My real focus is to be conscious about every bit I put in my mouth. I happen to love second helpings and to adjust, I've been getting less the first time. This is part of my effort to retrain my brain.

When families sit around their Christmas trees, faith, family and fitness should all be kept in mind. Celebrating the birth of our Savior should be a wonderful experience that empowers us to be even better than we were before. While we should indulge in some of the best of everything, we should maintain control and not forget what healthy goals we have. Christmas Fitness is a commitment to mind, body and soul...and there only 14 days until the celebration begins.