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Since January, I've been working, slowly and steadily, to improve my physical health. I'm motivated for a few different reasons.
- My slower metabolism... You know how our bodies slow down as we age? Well, the belly bulge comes right along with it! (Men, aren't you glad you're here right now?)
- I'm a 44 year old mom to a 5 year old! When Ellie graduates high school -- in 13 years -- I'll be (big sigh) 57 years old. Age, though, is just a number. Eating healthy and exercising, I'll be able to keep up with her through it all. She deserves a healthy mom.
- I want to live a long and vibrant life to make a big difference for God's kingdom. I want to "finish the race" as Paul did... whatever God has planned.
- Of course, being honest, I want to look good too. More on that in a minute...
God has a lot to say about taking care of our bodies. I bet as I share this it's nothing new to you. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body." Simply put, when we take care of our bodies, we honor God. With healthy bodies we can do more, and that includes more for God.
Being healthy for the right reasons is something God will support. If we "get healthy" to look good to others, our motivation is temporary and external. It's not what God cares about. Consider God's admonition to Samuel, "Do not conisder his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7) Does your heart long for what God longs for? Does that include healthy living so you can go wherever He sends you and do whatever He asks?
Women face an uphill battle. Men are allowed to go gray. Their wrinkles are "distinguished." Women, on the other hand, are never supposed to age but to fight the gray and botox the wrinkles... at least if you pay attention to television and print ads. On top of that, there's fashion. Of course, it's not wrong to dress nicely, even the "Proverbs 31 woman" does that to honor her husband and family. (Proverbs 31:21-22) God insists that our "beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as... fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's eyes." (1 Peter 3:3-4).
As I've been exercising, eating healthier, drinking water, and spending time with God more intentionally (especially that exercising part), I realize I actually have more time to help others. I have more energy, too. I love how this new way of living is changing me -- but I don't want to keep it to myself (you know my big mouth). Life is better shared with good friends and blogger buddies. And that's where FIT Fridays comes in.
FIT Fridays give us all the opportunity to share with each other, to celebrate healthy successes and to pray for one another as we discover what it means to live in the body God gave us for this life. I'll share what's working for me and why. You know, we all do better when we understand why to do something -- or not do it. It won't just be exercise and recipes, though. Healthy living is a spiritual battle! We all know we should eat our veggies and not eat quite so much chocolate cake. Yet, we give in to the gluttony. You get the idea!
Each week I'll share scripture, areas for prayer, and concrete steps to take in eating and in exercise. Then we'll each live it out the best we can throughout the week. How's that sound?
If you'd like to join me on this journey to good health, please commit by commenting below. If you provide your email, I will add you to an email group for more tips and encouragement throughout the week. Easy enough, right?
Well, then... here's this week's "assignment."
Women face an uphill battle. Men are allowed to go gray. Their wrinkles are "distinguished." Women, on the other hand, are never supposed to age but to fight the gray and botox the wrinkles... at least if you pay attention to television and print ads. On top of that, there's fashion. Of course, it's not wrong to dress nicely, even the "Proverbs 31 woman" does that to honor her husband and family. (Proverbs 31:21-22) God insists that our "beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as... fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's eyes." (1 Peter 3:3-4).
As I've been exercising, eating healthier, drinking water, and spending time with God more intentionally (especially that exercising part), I realize I actually have more time to help others. I have more energy, too. I love how this new way of living is changing me -- but I don't want to keep it to myself (you know my big mouth). Life is better shared with good friends and blogger buddies. And that's where FIT Fridays comes in.
FIT Fridays give us all the opportunity to share with each other, to celebrate healthy successes and to pray for one another as we discover what it means to live in the body God gave us for this life. I'll share what's working for me and why. You know, we all do better when we understand why to do something -- or not do it. It won't just be exercise and recipes, though. Healthy living is a spiritual battle! We all know we should eat our veggies and not eat quite so much chocolate cake. Yet, we give in to the gluttony. You get the idea!
Each week I'll share scripture, areas for prayer, and concrete steps to take in eating and in exercise. Then we'll each live it out the best we can throughout the week. How's that sound?
If you'd like to join me on this journey to good health, please commit by commenting below. If you provide your email, I will add you to an email group for more tips and encouragement throughout the week. Easy enough, right?
Well, then... here's this week's "assignment."
- Don't change your eating habits this week! (YEP!!! You read that right and hopefully I caught you by surprise :D). Instead, eat what you normally do -- only before you sit down to eat it, measure out how much you're really eating. Honestly! You can't know where to begin until you know where you are. I think you'll surprise yourself.
- Every time you sit in front of your computer (except when reading this blog, of course) and/or the TV, ask yourself if what you're doing is helping you improve your life. Just think about it. Again, you can't change until you know where you are.
- Read these passages and pray. Ask God to show you the plans he has for your life. Ask him for strength to make wise decisions. Ask him to help you in the battle against food. Proverbs 4:6-7, Psalm 107:43, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 14:1, and Jeremiah 29:11.
That's it. Are you ready?
*NOTE: I am not a physician or a nutritionist. Do not change your diet or exercise habits just because of what I write here. If you are under a doctor's care, you should make sure you can participate in exercise and/or modify your diet.*
With prayers for good health!
In Christian love,
Karen
With prayers for good health!
In Christian love,
Karen
9 comments:
You are just wonderful! Congratulations to you on your effort. I will be sure to follow along to see what tips I can gather for eternal use.
Thank you for sharing
Lisa
Love this new feature on the blog! I'll be following. :-)
Love it!! I've been working since Jan to get more healthy and lost weight. I've lost 20lbs so far! The past few months of stress have put it on hold, and I know that I need my energy back. I'm so glad that you started this:O) I would love to join you. Besides, moving to HI has a way of making a girl want to get in better shape, lol! Sign me up for the email at wjheckert@hotmail.com
Karen, You are an amazing women! I have been thinking along the same lines as your blog. I definitely will be following you and the exercise thing. I have been praying for motivation and guidance on how to go about it, and you may be my answer. I was thinking about starting a walking or exercise group, but you may have the right idea. Count me in my friend and if you need anything, I'm here for you.
Thank you for being you.
Hugs
jodi@blankenboat.com
Jodi,
You know you can still invite your friends to join you. It's so much more fun to get fit with friends!!!! Send them a link to the post and ask them to get fit with us, or just start your walking group...
To borrow from a well-known shoe company, "JUST DO IT!!!" Love ya!
Me :)
I had found out that getting on my knees before God, saying, "I can't do this w/o You! Help me!"
I grew to have a heart set, so that I may have a MIND SET! I have studied, & still study fitness & nutrition. 80% of it is nutrition. 10% genetics, & 10% exercise.
I am slowly studying to be a personal trainer. I have found, just based upon my personality that I enjoy working out myself, I do not need a buddy. Now, some people do.
The Lord has shown me how to discipline myself, & how not too push myself too hard.
I have learned how not to go to extremes, & keep balanced. I do not consume sugar, or processed foods. I will at times use RAW Agave, & once in a while Raw Honey to sweeten any recipe. Raw Agave (darker) is low glycemic, so it is safe for those whom have any diagnosis of Diabetes. It will not raise your insulin levels. Most of my nutritional education has come from Dr. Don Colbert. He has his newest book out called, "I Can Do This". This book has the most recent research in it.
I really needed this post today! During the testing month (and a half) I slackd off significantly with following weight watchers and exercising. I've maintained my weight, but haven't lost any more... and I *know* that I need to lose at least 20-30 more pounds to look and feel my best.
A great idea! I think most of us need encouragement in the area of nutrition, exercise, etc. And accountability helps so much.
I would just encourage women to think about the whole aging thing. Our culture has brainwashed us into thinking that there is something undesirable about aging and graying. It's God's way: we wrinkle, gray, and our mid-sections thicken! IMO, being healthier doesn't necessarily mean looking younger.
I'd like to see more women who accept and embrace aging .... maybe because I'M now gray and would like some company! LOL.
I agree completely, Barb. I do think that getting healthy the right way helps accept aging -- because then we do it gracefully!
Feeling tired all the time, eating junk food without really thinking about it, living the life of a couch potato doesn't help any woman age gracefully.
I think the most important component of this whole thing, at least for me so far, is discovering AND EMBRACING who I am in God's eyes. It's not about the flat belly and perfect curves... it's about being physically fit and grateful for it!
Love you -- you are one of the most beautiful people I know... I think you already know the "secret" of aging gracefully :)
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