FIT Fridays: ATTITUDE

Hello FIT Friday friends,
How was your first week?

• Did you discover that you eat more than you thought??? That 3/4 cup serving of cereal isn't as big as we tend to think it is!
• How about exercise? "You got to move it!" I was amazed a few months ago when I realized how much time I spent on the computer and watching TV compared to moving... moving... moving.
• What about those verses on wisdom? Do you believe that God has a plan for you, other than feeling tired all the time? Did one verse really speak to you?

John Maxwell wrote, "Your attitude and your potential go hand in hand." He explains in his book, Attitude 101, that what we believe is reflected in what we do. Why do we eat when we're stressed? Or lay on the couch watching TV when we know we should be moving?

It boils down to self-worth. Not in a new-age kind of way, but in an appreciation for who God made each of us to be. He made me -- and you -- to live with energy, excitement, and passion for everything good and wonderful in this world. Including kids and housework! He made me a woman with a heart to love. He wants me to love myself too.

It's all about love!

That's tough for a lot of women. We carry hurts the same way we carry extra weight, silently and sadly. We suffer past pains over and over again -- it's like satan wants to make sure we never realize how special we are. We don't forgive -- sometimes we think we can't. Sometimes we're stubborn and we won't. All that pain makes it hard to appreciate ourselves for who we are in Christ.

If you carry baggage that weighs you down, ask God for the strength to forgive. Ask Him to show you have very special you really are to him. If you don't know where to begin, here are some verses:

Forgiveness:

• Proverbs 20:22
• Matthew 5:44-45
• Matthew 6:9-15
• Mark 11:25
• Luke 7:47-48
• Ephesians 1:7
• Colossians 3:13

Your identity in Christ:

• John 1:12
• John 15:15
• Romans 5:1
• 1 Corinthians 6:17
• 1 Corinthians 12:27
• Ephesians 1:3-8
• Colossians 2:9-10

That's step one, clearing out the spiritual junk that weighs us down. With God's help it can happen. 

The second step, involves cutting some calories and taking a step toward healthier living, but only by 25%. For example, if you eat 3000 calories per day, cutting to 1200-1400 calories (as many diets suggest) would leave you feeling starved! Instead, cut down to 2,100. For most people, that means substituting water for the sodas and sweet tea and cutting portions just a little. Maybe a bit less butter on the potatoes? Cutting just 25% this week is manageable. It's a great start. Really!

Finally, get moving! Set a goal of ten minutes per day. That might be a walk around the block, or wii fit, or dancing with the kids. If you belong to a pool swim for ten minutes. Laying on the pool float doesn't count! ;-) Just ten minutes...

Are you ready? Have fun!

Dear God,

You created me to be a wife, a mom, a friend. Thank you for the life you have given me. Help me to remain strong in my quest for health. When I think it's too hard, remind me that you made my body to move. Remind me that you created me so that certain foods would strengthen me and give me energy to be me! Help me forgive others when they hurt me, intentionally or unintentionally. Help me let go of the lifelong hurts that weigh me down so I can live the life you planned for me. Thank you for giving me your word and your spirit so I don't have to do this alone.

In your son's name I pray,

AMEN