Joy's Blog

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.

15 Days to An Amazing Christmas

2011-12-12T00:18:00Z

Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

What God has promised it true! We are truly blessed. God sent his only son to the world to be our Savior and to give us life more abundantly. It is amazing! Have we fully embraced this? Are we looking forward to our future as those saved by Jesus?

I sat in church today and listened to my pastor ask similar questions. While I think I'm doing pretty well, I think I could be doing better. An amazing Christmas is around the corner. I need to prepare not just for the celebration, but focus on the meaning and how it should look in my life.

Really, we are all challenged. The question to face with each challenge is do we approach our challenge knowing that God is with us? Do we count on the victory? Do we know that God never fails and delivers on His promise. The birth of Jesus is the evidence of God's commitment. As we share in the Christmas time, remember this is so amazing and we can live amazing lives. Praise the Lord! The Christ child is born!

16 Days of Working for Christmas Fitness

2011-12-11T00:47:00Z

Psalm 118:21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.

I ran today...inside. I had none of the itching that I had outside yesterday and I really got a serious workout. There was still a mental game that I had to tell myself. Every minute of the workout was mental and physical. There was more effort required to keep me going than I would have liked. However, I did get through the workout.

My body is a little sore because I did push myself. My legs held up fine. My breathing was good and could be a little better. The only way to make this easier is to do it again. I need to work at it. Mental and physical effort are required. Sometimes, there is a ton of emotional effort necessary.

Some days are easy and good. The days that are not require commitment and discipline. The Lord had the ultimate commitment and discipline for each one of us. In this Christmas season, let us remember the blessings that we have as we press toward the goal of each and every day. Let us remember that the symbols of Christmas should point us toward the cross. Our Christmas fitness is for our bodies, minds and souls.

I getting ready for tomorrow and prepared for more work to bring me closer to my goals. The first of those goals is to be closer to the Lord as part of my Christmas Fitness. Clearly, I have work to do.

Trust Building for 17 Days of Christmas

2011-12-09T20:45:35Z

Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

I went to the track today. I haven't been an awhile and I really don't like starting again. I have an unusual reaction the first few times outside. Itching! My legs will start itching and scratching brings no relief. In fact, scratching only makes it worse and seems to make the itching spread. However, not scratching is almost impossible. This problem only happens the first few times when I start again and start outside. Itching doesn't happen when I run inside. Also, after I'm back in the groove, all the itching goes away. You would think that I never stop my outdoor runs. Too bad, I didn't manage to keep the running up this time. This itching is so out of my control.

If this has never happened to you, you probably think I'm strange. If you've experienced this once, you know the agony that I suffer. My family and some friends suffer from this and we've actually been searching for answers. We believe it is an allergy and antihistamine can kill the uncomfortable itching. Unfortunately, I forgot to pop a pill today. Since I'm not really a pill person and I don't really have other allergies, I don't think about this much. Except when the itching happens, I think I'm going to loose my mind.

This annoyance is enough to make someone stop even trying. I can't simply stop. I need to focus on the goal and trust in the process. My own understanding of this discomfort isn't enough. I have to rest on the Lord and know that I will become a better runner. I've done it before. Even if this time is more challenging, I can do it with God as my leader and ultimate partner.

Now, I'm planning for tomorrow. I'm hoping to be stronger and to have the itching subside. If it does or doesn't, I'll have a little run with the Lord. I'll be singing his praises every step of the way. I may be asking for His help for each step, especially to make sure the antihistamine works.

Believing for 18 Days of Christmas

2011-12-09T02:32:00Z

Psalm 86:5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

In the rush of the day, do you take time to take in the scenery and appreciate the things around you? Even the trips to the mall have moments to appreciate. It can be so easy to just get caught up and not really see what is around you. During holiday rush, make sure you take a breadth. Truly see what surrounds you. Look for the message that is just for you. Enjoy the time and know that you believe in the reason for the season. You may just look up and see that you truly believe.

19 Days of Looking for the Lord

2011-12-07T22:56:00Z

Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Take a good look at those cookies. This is not a professional shot. My phone took that picture. Those cookies were calling my name. I resisted. Praise the Lord! If I'm cutting down on my sugar and at every opportunity some well-meaning person is passing around sugar and trying to compel me to eat it, my fight is so much more difficult.

At this meeting, I took a moment to think about my goal -- my Divine Health and Fitness. There have been so many moments where I only thought about the moment and how tasty the food was going to be. Thinking about a flatter stomach was a helpful thing. I also had a short little prayer, "Lord, help." From lunch on, the cookies were always there in background. I stayed in my seat. I focused on the meeting and almost forgot about those brownies and cookies...almost. I can be successful in little things and larger things with the help of the Lord. I have to remember in all things seek the Lord. Christmas should be the time where I truly focus on seeking Jesus as my north star.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ~Matthew 6:33

Building Blessings for 20 Days of Christmas

2011-12-06T13:51:00Z

Jeremiah 17:7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.

We often think of the Christmas season as a time of eating. Many of us actually put off any idea of eating what is healthy and good for us until the New Year. At every opportunity, we indulge with the excuse that we shouldn't even try during this season. We often throw in the towel before we begin.

Really, we have this all wrong. This is a time for us to get our minds right. We need to be telling ourselves a helpful story during this time. To start we need to recognized that we are so blessed that we often take these blessings for granted. Being loved no matter our current circumstance is such a blessing that can lift our mood and motivate our actions. Our next step is to help us build healthy habits. We can have treats, just not all the treats or all the time.

If we focus on modifying our diets and exercise plan during this holiday time, we will end the season and enter the New Year with additional health blessings that can propel us forward for the year.

A couple of ways to improve during the holiday.

Remember to read the labels and choose the low sugar option
When desserts are an option and you just can't say no - have only one serving and make it a smaller one.
Start your day with a protein option
Exercise, a power walk is very helpful and a stroll can help clear your mind

Make a positive move today that will help you recognize your blessings tomorrow.

21 Days of Trusting for Christmas

2011-12-05T13:10:00Z

Psalm 37: 3-6 ~ 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

On the challenge of today, remember to trust. Trust in the Lord! It is so easy to say. Sometimes, however, we are truly challenged to truly trust. There are days when the circumstance looks impossible, when it feels just so bad, when there are no words of encouragement and when it feels like there is no one else at all to help.

We know the truth is that God is always there. God should be our north star. We must find ways to rest on that truth and to trust. Sometimes there are actions that we need to do while we trust and we must push ahead. However, it is the trusting in the Lord that we must do each and every day and each and every moment.

There are times when we are trusting in our food for comfort or trusting in our beds for warmth. The healthy approach is to trust in the Lord and act as if we know that he is going to deliver us in all things. The big things and the small things impact us each day. As we face out daily circumstance, we need to build healthy habits that also draw us closer to the Lord.

A few things to do to help build our trust.

Pray and pray more
Read the Word
Count your blessings
Fellowship with fellow believers
Join a Bible Study class
Praise the Lord
Worship

During this holiday time, so many of us find ourselves not truly embracing the reason for the season. Some of us have fractured relationships and personal circumstances that even lead to sadness and depression. If we find ourselves in such a situation, we need to focus on the hope the birth of Jesus is to bring to us and the world. Building the healthy habit of trusting in the Lord and acting with faith, may be more challenging for some of us. It is a habit worthwhile. Our vindication will be like the noonday sun.

Hearing 22 Beats for Christmas!

2011-12-04T21:00:00Z

Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

We have made it to the start of a new week. My plan is to be brand new this week. The goal is to take a fresh look at whatever is in front of me and to think about how I typically approach the challenge and what I should do differently along with what I am doing well.

Sometimes, I think I forget to give myself credit for the good things I do. Things are usually pretty good. I have made some positive adjustments and increased my motivation and effort toward all of my goals.

One of the things I'm working on this season is cutting back on the sugar. There is so much sugar in the things I've been mindlessly eating. Even the good foods have sugar. Focusing on exactly what I put in my mouth helps me to put more of the best and to not give myself as many excuses for not eating as well as I should.

I typically read labels. Now, I really paying attention to every line of the label before I eat or drink the item. My sugar cravings a ton less. I do have to admit they are not completely gone. However, I have successfully passed up brownies, red velvet cake, cheese cake, chocolate and other sweets. I haven't even had ice cream in some time. Some folks think I really can't give up ice cream. While the point is not to eliminate these good things from my diet forever, I can take a little break. I'm sure I'll have something during this holiday season...without overindulging at every opportunity.

If I'm focused on the reason for the season -- Jesus! -- I know that our savior was born to give me life more abundantly and to help me achieve the desires of my heart. As I listen to the music of the holiday season, the beat of the holiday tunes should help me to gain an even better focus which will lead to better execution.

Singing 23 Days to Christmas

2011-12-04T02:35:00Z

Psalm 105: 1 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

I was driving around from store to store on a mission to pick up an electronics item that seems to be unavailable and the sales help has little idea when it will be shipped to the store next. No worries for me. After driving to the first two stores, I decided to call some others from my car. No item.

It did give me a good amount of time to spend with myself. First, I listened to the weather and traffic report. Next, I listened and sang with the radio. I was having a good ole time. So good, I had to have a real conversation with myself. It is really fortunate that we have hands free cell phones. My guess is that those folks driving around me thought that I was talking on the phone as I was doing earlier rather than talking to myself. I'm not sure if I really care, but this way it is my business to tell or not.

My conversation with myself was in preparation for a chat I might have in the coming week. I just wanted to make sure that I covered all the points of some past successes. To hear myself tell the story out loud caused me to remember that there are even more positive pieces to my story. Good things have happened in my past. Praise him! Tons of good things when I didn't think it was possible. I know that with the help of God, I can make bricks without straw and be delivered from the situation (Exodus 5). I also know that we each have the power to do even more than Jesus and we can take five loaves of bread and two fish and make more than enough.

I know this is true, not just from reading. My own life has been blessed in such moments. My talk to myself today, reminded me to Praise the Lord even more and to encourage myself. While I don't know much beyond the next step, I do know that God is with me and empowers me. I've written about encouraging yourself before even as far back as January 2009. Check it out, if you need a little review. The song I referenced came to mind on my little drive which I had to start singing even as the radio played something else. It is simply titled "Encourage Yourself," by Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers. Let me just tell you this, "I am speaking over myself and celebrating."

24 Days of Christmas Fitness...And Counting

2011-12-02T14:55:13Z

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

I successfully made it through Day One. Only 24 days to go. I'm celebrating and giving thanks.

I went to an event with a reception last night. These kind of things happen all holiday season long and can be quite challenging. One of the ways to keep to your goal is to make a plan before you go. The first step in your plan is to commit to yourself not to go to anything hungry. If you walk out of your door even a little hungry, you may be completely starving by the time you arrive. In those moments of starvation, your brain doesn't have time to adjust to all the food you've stuffed in your mouth before it realizes that your not on empty anymore. I don't know about you, but I know that I've eaten more mindless calories when I'm just about to get a hunger headache than most other times. (If there is ice cream around, all bets are off and I may simply forget about calories altogether.)

To fight the pre-event hunger eat something. You don't have to eat a complete meal. A few nuts, a piece of fruit, a piece of cheese are all good options. You really have to focus on your long-term goal in those short-term moments. Sometimes, it is as if the eating objective is to eat everything in sight forgetting about who hard your body is going to have to work to fight off the pounds. Stop giving yourself a pass. You've done that so many times before and it really isn't ok. Has this strategy gotten you closer to your goal?

A new strategy is one that considers that you are celebrating and giving thanks while prepare for the future. You have to pick and choose. Last night I chose to only drink water and to ignore the cookie & brownie plate. There were plenty of other options and there will be other chances to have cookies and brownies, if I decide to have them. The Christmas season has just gotten under way. I felt good about my choices. I had some grilled vegetables, cheese, hummus, a couple of crackers and a few berries. Since I wanted to minimize the carbs, I used my vegetables for my hummus dip. Very tasty.

I also didn't eat until I was stuffed. I had two small plates and called it a night. I wasn't really hunger at any point. One evening of success can lead to another. I'm counting on success today...in advance.