Your Opinion Matters!

It's amazing how much exercise and a balanced diet benefits the body. I think, here in our Western society, we tend to expect instant results (and at no sacrafice). So when the exercise and diet aren't working instantly (or WE just aren't working), we give up. Kapow!!! Just like that. And it's easily justified.

But I have HAD to stick with this thing because I made a commitment to it. I've commited to being more disciplined. And even though right now that has not manifested into marathon training, 20 hours a week at the gym, or only eating raw vegetables, I am making great progress. Days are up and down - they will always be. But it seems easier to push through them now that I've got a momentum going. It seems easier to choose to eat healthier, without being too stubborn about it (or legalistic). It seems easier to wake up at 5am to go for a long hard walk or an easy jog (because that's where I'm at right now; again, not a marathon runner). It even seems easier to make sure I don't go a whole day without spending some time in the Word.

On top of this, I feel so much better! When I'm tired, I know it's because I'm actually tired...and not because I'm lazy or lathargic. I have more energy during the day, my mood is way better, my body feels more refreshed and lighter, and I even feel a lot more beautiful. It's only been, what? Three weeks? And I'm seeing the fruit of even just the physical aspect of it.

So now it leads me to step two: setting new goals. The first goal was just to begin creating discipline as a habit. Now that that has begun to happen, I need a challange. A really good, but obtainable challange. Folks, tell me: What are your suggestions?

Joy, Joy...Down In My Heart

I should be thankful...

...that whenever I say Jesus, my heart spasms with joy. When I think about prayer, my heart spasms with joy. When I remember even a pinch of what God has done in my life, my heart spasms with joy. Even knowing that there is so much I have to trust God with TODAY, my heart spasms with joy.

Do we really understand how fantastic, how incredible, how AMAZING it is that we are Christians? I have been reminded of this as of late. I mean - do you REALIZE how PRIVELIDGED you are that GOD CHOSE YOU TO ENTER INTO HIS GRACE AND MERCY SO THAT YOU MAY PARTAKE IN ENTERNAL LIFE?!?!?! I mean - that is...beyond words! That is...so undeserved. You did not deserve it. I did not deserve it.

Why...HOW...do we just take that for granted?! But we do. I do. All the time.

Brothers and sisters...are you experiencing joy? Because if you aren't, please - please pray that you do. Honestly, joy is amazing and it can be experienced whatever your circumstances. If you disagree with me, stop pitying yourself. God transcends all of our hardships. His love, his mercy, his kindness, his JOY...transcends any emotion, any frustration, any difficult...ANYTHING! And I am speaking out of PLENTY experience; trust me, I am. I know what it means to need healing; to be absolutely desperate; even to be poor. Granted, I have never been starving, and I have never been beaten within inches of my life. But I have been walked on, I have been taken advantage of on many horrible levels, I have been rejected countless times, and I have had so little that I can only live by the grace of God. I have been depressed, I have been in bondage, I have been harmed beyond my control. But God transcends everything.

But joy requires focusing our hearts on God - and removing the focus from ourselves.

That is all I have to say today - more for myself than anyone else, which is why I will not post this in a facebook message. So if you are meant to read it, you will find your way to it somehow.

May God bless you and fill you with everlasting joy through his Holy Spirit. And may you know the kindness and discipline of his unconditional love. Amen.