A Finished Work Christmas
From before the foundation of the earth
Part of God’s plan was the virgin birth.
He had to become a man you see
To show what man was meant to be
The One that came forth from that manger bed,
Lived a perfect life in Adam’s stead.
He owed no debt for sin that was due
When He went to the cross, He went there as you.
What God couldn’t stand about you and me
He became that day, as He hung on the tree.
As your “old man”, He suffered and died
And descended to Hell til’ the Father cried;
“I’m satisfied; justice is done.”
Then up from the pit came the Pattern Son.
The First begotten of a brand new race
For all who believe and rest in His grace.
If as you, He suffered on the cross that day
And as you, in Hell the price did pay,
Then all your judgment is in the past.
In Christ “Praise God” you’re free at last.
In Him there is no condemnation.
You arose with Him as a New Creation
And now you’re seated in him on high
You’ve past through death, “You’ll never die.”
So, rejoice as we celebrate Christ’s birth,
As it is in Heaven, so it is on earth.
Bill Briggs - 2000
Every work of art began as a thought...MERRY CHRISTMAS!
20/20 Vision
20/20 Vision
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Every Good Gift
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Christmas time is often defined by the giving of gifts. There is a distinct feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air and there is an undeniable stirring inside that when left to evolve on its own burst out. Yes, that’s it. It’s that word called JOY. It is amazing how this one time each year we are focused on doing what ever is necessary to bring every thought into captivity that does not equate with Christmas. Preparations begin early, usually that crazy Friday following Thanksgiving. Planning for perfection is truly an art whether planning for that really special meal for our loved ones or the searching out of that one spectacular gift that will bring a smile to someone special.
I particularly am fond of the verse in James 1:17 -- it draws me away from the hurry, hurry, tick tock, one time a year concept of giving, to the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift.” I am drawn to this Giver who is constant and drawn to the way in which He gives – giving not just for one time a year but rather for every moment of everyday throughout the year. Consistent giving!
This journey that I am on, this fitness trail called “My Road,” I find pretty bumpy sometimes -- like one of those cobblestone streets. I start out the day knowing that this day has already been conquered only to find myself lying face down on the ground because I tripped over one of those cobblestones. If I keep lying there face down -- eventually an imprint of that cobblestone will place its mark on me. But, the Giver, who is constantly giving will not let me lay there – instead He says to me “look around, look side to side, look up my child but never look down but hold your head up– I have shed light all around your path and there is help all around. Partake of the everyday gifts I give and you will find the path will get easier.”
Jessica’s Journey is one of the daily gifts given to me on My Road. Jessica offers daily insights, shares her journey and other avenues that enhance my travels.
Then there is Jeff. Jeff is known to me as a Personal Fitness Trainer --I meet with him three times each week. He is my guide in this new world called fitness and it is the work he does that drew my attention to the term Fitness Trainer. I did an etymologic study of the word fitness only to discover some interesting facts. I find words are containers of power; they are the difference between communication and miscommunication, they imprison or they liberate but true understanding only comes through the true meaning of words. The word fitness: it is the quality and or the state of being fit. So, what about this term Fitness Trainer? I found that first of all a fitness trainer must be totally committed to their clients (that’s me). They help clients meet their goals and establish new goals. The fitness trainer provides an all encompassing plan that will lead to the desired finish. Fitness trainers are trained professionals with winning personalities! I can’t imagine the number of personalities that Jeff comes into contact with each day; mine is only one of those he encounters. Yet, he knows how to see through the outward facade and zero’s in on the real issue. That’s when the trainer becomes a coach. We all need coaching sometime. Notice that I didn’t say coaxing, although I’m pretty sure there are others like myself that need that as well. Coaching is different; coaching goes deep – it goes into the issues of the heart and flushes out everything that places limitations on your ability to be all that you were created to be. This is the role of a fitness trainer.
Then there is Bill; my loving husband, my encourager, my helpmeet, my partner and much, much more on this road to fitness. Bill is someone who knows me better than I know myself. He is always there and when I trip on one of those cobblestones – he simply picks me up, embraces me, and ever so gently reminds me that “God’s mercies are renewed daily” and I should most likely hold my head up, smile, and get ready to move on!
Christmas time is defined by the giving of gifts. There is a distinct feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air and there is an undeniable stirring inside that evolves and burst into JOY. And what about that amazing focus that says we will do what ever is necessary to bring every thought into captivity that does not equate with Christmas? What about those preparations beginning early? What about the planning of that special meal for our loved ones or the searching out of that one spectacular gift that will bring a smile to someone special? Christmas is a special.
It‘s special for many reasons but I want to be a reflector this season – a reflector of the Great Giver to the truly important people in my life. I want to see reflection of who they are in my eyes and what He does through them to and for me!
Christmas time is often defined by the giving of gifts. There is a distinct feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air and there is an undeniable stirring inside that when left to evolve on its own burst out. Yes, that’s it. It’s that word called JOY. It is amazing how this one time each year we are focused on doing what ever is necessary to bring every thought into captivity that does not equate with Christmas. Preparations begin early, usually that crazy Friday following Thanksgiving. Planning for perfection is truly an art whether planning for that really special meal for our loved ones or the searching out of that one spectacular gift that will bring a smile to someone special.
I particularly am fond of the verse in James 1:17 -- it draws me away from the hurry, hurry, tick tock, one time a year concept of giving, to the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift.” I am drawn to this Giver who is constant and drawn to the way in which He gives – giving not just for one time a year but rather for every moment of everyday throughout the year. Consistent giving!
This journey that I am on, this fitness trail called “My Road,” I find pretty bumpy sometimes -- like one of those cobblestone streets. I start out the day knowing that this day has already been conquered only to find myself lying face down on the ground because I tripped over one of those cobblestones. If I keep lying there face down -- eventually an imprint of that cobblestone will place its mark on me. But, the Giver, who is constantly giving will not let me lay there – instead He says to me “look around, look side to side, look up my child but never look down but hold your head up– I have shed light all around your path and there is help all around. Partake of the everyday gifts I give and you will find the path will get easier.”
Jessica’s Journey is one of the daily gifts given to me on My Road. Jessica offers daily insights, shares her journey and other avenues that enhance my travels.
Then there is Jeff. Jeff is known to me as a Personal Fitness Trainer --I meet with him three times each week. He is my guide in this new world called fitness and it is the work he does that drew my attention to the term Fitness Trainer. I did an etymologic study of the word fitness only to discover some interesting facts. I find words are containers of power; they are the difference between communication and miscommunication, they imprison or they liberate but true understanding only comes through the true meaning of words. The word fitness: it is the quality and or the state of being fit. So, what about this term Fitness Trainer? I found that first of all a fitness trainer must be totally committed to their clients (that’s me). They help clients meet their goals and establish new goals. The fitness trainer provides an all encompassing plan that will lead to the desired finish. Fitness trainers are trained professionals with winning personalities! I can’t imagine the number of personalities that Jeff comes into contact with each day; mine is only one of those he encounters. Yet, he knows how to see through the outward facade and zero’s in on the real issue. That’s when the trainer becomes a coach. We all need coaching sometime. Notice that I didn’t say coaxing, although I’m pretty sure there are others like myself that need that as well. Coaching is different; coaching goes deep – it goes into the issues of the heart and flushes out everything that places limitations on your ability to be all that you were created to be. This is the role of a fitness trainer.
Then there is Bill; my loving husband, my encourager, my helpmeet, my partner and much, much more on this road to fitness. Bill is someone who knows me better than I know myself. He is always there and when I trip on one of those cobblestones – he simply picks me up, embraces me, and ever so gently reminds me that “God’s mercies are renewed daily” and I should most likely hold my head up, smile, and get ready to move on!
Christmas time is defined by the giving of gifts. There is a distinct feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air and there is an undeniable stirring inside that evolves and burst into JOY. And what about that amazing focus that says we will do what ever is necessary to bring every thought into captivity that does not equate with Christmas? What about those preparations beginning early? What about the planning of that special meal for our loved ones or the searching out of that one spectacular gift that will bring a smile to someone special? Christmas is a special.
It‘s special for many reasons but I want to be a reflector this season – a reflector of the Great Giver to the truly important people in my life. I want to see reflection of who they are in my eyes and what He does through them to and for me!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
I Can
Philippans 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Oh, no that is what Chicken Little said but something is falling! Bill! Bill (that’s my husband)! What’s this all over my face? Something must be wrong!!! Being ever so kind and loving and being very careful to not let me see the smile on his face – hugged me and said “Honey its okay. That is what most folks call sweat.” Did I hear him correctly? Sweat, that’s something people do when they labor at construction sites or work really hard in the yard or… Oh, well, that’s what I did today – I worked really hard and I did SWEAT!
Jessica, I am really thankful for your BlogSpot. I was especially blessed by your victory day and the stats that you posted. Way 2 go girl!!! Encouragement seekers (like me) need that kind of stuff – it brightens the road I travel. I’m especially drawn to your title:” life according to us.” The inscription that follows, “little tidbits from our life to help us remember the small things that make our story” is so true.
Remember. That is a great word. Philippians says it like this “think on these things.” Those words “think on these things,” went through my head a hundred times this week. So to find why I was being drawn to these words -- I pulled up E-Sword (online Bible) and proceeded to read. God’s purpose for me this day was to simply REMEMBER. Remember what I had read on Jessica’s Journey. Remember what I was called to read in Philippians chapter four. Remember when challenges come -- to view this fitness road (my road) as a done deal. Remember that when Jeff pushes (no encourages) me to do things that I don’t think possible – to remember by thinking on these things: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. When I “think on these things”, these attributes of Christ, then the strength that He has placed within me rises up and says YES! Yes, you can do this because I left you my promise. I promise to be your strength.
Thanks Lord for your promise. Thanks Lord for Jeff and Your gift of wisdom and patience he uses to guide me. Thanks Lord for Jessica and her insights. Thanks Lord for this new family bound for fitness. Thank you for Bill, my wonderful partner on this road. Thank you for the limitless possibilities!!!!
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Oh, no that is what Chicken Little said but something is falling! Bill! Bill (that’s my husband)! What’s this all over my face? Something must be wrong!!! Being ever so kind and loving and being very careful to not let me see the smile on his face – hugged me and said “Honey its okay. That is what most folks call sweat.” Did I hear him correctly? Sweat, that’s something people do when they labor at construction sites or work really hard in the yard or… Oh, well, that’s what I did today – I worked really hard and I did SWEAT!
Jessica, I am really thankful for your BlogSpot. I was especially blessed by your victory day and the stats that you posted. Way 2 go girl!!! Encouragement seekers (like me) need that kind of stuff – it brightens the road I travel. I’m especially drawn to your title:” life according to us.” The inscription that follows, “little tidbits from our life to help us remember the small things that make our story” is so true.
Remember. That is a great word. Philippians says it like this “think on these things.” Those words “think on these things,” went through my head a hundred times this week. So to find why I was being drawn to these words -- I pulled up E-Sword (online Bible) and proceeded to read. God’s purpose for me this day was to simply REMEMBER. Remember what I had read on Jessica’s Journey. Remember what I was called to read in Philippians chapter four. Remember when challenges come -- to view this fitness road (my road) as a done deal. Remember that when Jeff pushes (no encourages) me to do things that I don’t think possible – to remember by thinking on these things: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. When I “think on these things”, these attributes of Christ, then the strength that He has placed within me rises up and says YES! Yes, you can do this because I left you my promise. I promise to be your strength.
Thanks Lord for your promise. Thanks Lord for Jeff and Your gift of wisdom and patience he uses to guide me. Thanks Lord for Jessica and her insights. Thanks Lord for this new family bound for fitness. Thank you for Bill, my wonderful partner on this road. Thank you for the limitless possibilities!!!!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The truth will set you free
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Garbage can syndrome… Yep! That’s what I said. Garbage can syndrome. I can assure you that you do not want to experience this malady. Its very nature is insidious, striking with vengeance. No warning – gripping with symptoms that you don’t even want to share company with again. The really frustrating thing is that Garbage Can Syndrome strikes after you have made some really good decisions. I made Thanksgiving with no restraints and still walked away knowing I had made really good decisions. I made the Friday workout knowing I did not have too. So, why am I sharing the Garbage Can Syndrome with you today? Because it happens -- it happened to me Sunday evening. I treated this wonderful, God given vessel like it was a Garbage can. Everything I could possibly think of was consumed. The munchies invaded and I did not take time to think about what I was doing – a bag of popcorn, a cup of hot chocolate…
Garbage Can Syndrome came; Garbage Can Syndrome went “But” it went because I chose not to give any credence to what happened. I chose to look unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith. I chose to seek out truth because it is truth which liberates. To be liberated is to be free forever from the weight is that so easily besets me. I have a framed print in my living room that has a curious picture: An eagle with wings unfurled and a strong Arabian stallion leaping off the ground but the Arabian is enmeshed in the wings of the eagle. The caption says, “Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice!” I can make choice. I can make a wrong choice. “But” it is what I do with that choice that takes my destiny off a dead end road and places my destiny where it belongs on the road called Victory!
The address for “My Road” is finishedworkfitness.blogspot.com -- the term “finished work fitness” was chosen to reflect the choice that I have made for my personal journey. You see, I’m not just training to remember all these different exercises but training these eyes to see beyond confines of this present time -- to see beyond to the real truth, the real me standing at the end of this road ready and equipped to take the next journey. I am victorious now and anyone reading this post is also victorious now! Hey, you know that little space under your nose and just above your upper lip? One of my fifth grade Sunday School students placed her finger in that spot on my face and said, “teacher did you know that’s ‘you’re done’ mark?” She went on to say that, “my Mom says that when God made us He looked at us and was so happy that He smiled and put His finger on us and said ‘you’re done.” Wow, what a Mom to be able to teach a child so young that we are fearfully and wonderfully made!
Garbage can syndrome… Yep! That’s what I said. Garbage can syndrome. I can assure you that you do not want to experience this malady. Its very nature is insidious, striking with vengeance. No warning – gripping with symptoms that you don’t even want to share company with again. The really frustrating thing is that Garbage Can Syndrome strikes after you have made some really good decisions. I made Thanksgiving with no restraints and still walked away knowing I had made really good decisions. I made the Friday workout knowing I did not have too. So, why am I sharing the Garbage Can Syndrome with you today? Because it happens -- it happened to me Sunday evening. I treated this wonderful, God given vessel like it was a Garbage can. Everything I could possibly think of was consumed. The munchies invaded and I did not take time to think about what I was doing – a bag of popcorn, a cup of hot chocolate…
Garbage Can Syndrome came; Garbage Can Syndrome went “But” it went because I chose not to give any credence to what happened. I chose to look unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith. I chose to seek out truth because it is truth which liberates. To be liberated is to be free forever from the weight is that so easily besets me. I have a framed print in my living room that has a curious picture: An eagle with wings unfurled and a strong Arabian stallion leaping off the ground but the Arabian is enmeshed in the wings of the eagle. The caption says, “Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice!” I can make choice. I can make a wrong choice. “But” it is what I do with that choice that takes my destiny off a dead end road and places my destiny where it belongs on the road called Victory!
The address for “My Road” is finishedworkfitness.blogspot.com -- the term “finished work fitness” was chosen to reflect the choice that I have made for my personal journey. You see, I’m not just training to remember all these different exercises but training these eyes to see beyond confines of this present time -- to see beyond to the real truth, the real me standing at the end of this road ready and equipped to take the next journey. I am victorious now and anyone reading this post is also victorious now! Hey, you know that little space under your nose and just above your upper lip? One of my fifth grade Sunday School students placed her finger in that spot on my face and said, “teacher did you know that’s ‘you’re done’ mark?” She went on to say that, “my Mom says that when God made us He looked at us and was so happy that He smiled and put His finger on us and said ‘you’re done.” Wow, what a Mom to be able to teach a child so young that we are fearfully and wonderfully made!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
My Road
(to Fitness)
Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Faith, what is faith anyway? Many say it is what carries you through the tough times and some say it is what makes the tough keep going. I was told by a very special lady that “Faith is simply believing without scheming”. Reflection on that statement has brought me comfort and courage – courage to do the things that over the years that have been what many folk would call tough. This particular time in my life would be impossible if it were not for faith. Right now I’ve made a decision. Right now I’m acting on that decision. Right now that decision
is not tough. What will I do when obstacles come – and they will! Will that decision stand in the light of the obstacles? Will I continue to act in agreement with the original decision or will I make adjustments that compensate for the obstacle? Will that obstacle be too great for me?
The truthful answer would be yes. Yes, it is too great for me to overcome – “But God” says, that if I have faith, if I doubt not -- then I can say to the obstacles, “Be thou removed” and it will be done. My road to fitness would not be complete if I leave out the spiritual side of me and for any one who should be reading this journey log the scriptures and references are what encourages me. I am learning that no matter what I see with my visible eyes as being impossible – my heart sees that God’s truth will always override the facts as I see them.
Visible fact one: I have been over weight all my life.
Visible fact two: I have read hundreds of books on weight loss.
Visible fact three: I have had success on every diet that I have utilized.
Visible fact four: I weigh more now that I ever have.
Visible fact five: I have limited mobility due to arthritis.
Visible fact six: I am a little older than I used to be.
My Road to fitness will be the mapping of these visible facts taking on what my heart sees.
I have chosen to place this journey into a daily log type of form. I am a wordy person and tend to write like I think and talk but there are times when I am more contemplative than others, you know when I’m not so talkative. However my pledge to my self is to be brutally honest with myself while recording the events. These first few days are being pulled up from my memory but the accuracy is there.
Did I mention that I signed my best friend (my loving spouse) up with me when I joined the gym? I didn’t even tell him until later that day. I am truly blessed to have the companion that I have been given. You know the old saying, “through thick or thin”? I swear God himself put blinders on this man because he loves me whether I have been thick or thin! OOP’S! My trainer and “The Fit Female Credo” says “NO BODY BASHING”!!!
Okay, here I go with my first few days and then I will talk later about an up coming decision that is to be made…
Day one:
This was decision day. I signed up with the silver sneakers program, learned about all the machines at the fitness center and met with a personal trainer. My gym gives you two weeks free with a personal trainer to determine if that is the route you would prefer or I could just use the equipment.
Day two:
I accepted the two weeks with the trainer and after a brief workout I was feeling pretty good. I walked out the door thinking; yeah this was a good choice. I drove to my house, got out of the car with a certain amount of difficulty (stiff muscles) and headed directly to the recliner where I proceeded to sleep for four hours!
Day three:
Bill was with me for day two but had to work this day. We do most everything together – where you see one you will usually see the other. I’m not quite as comfortable going places by myself these days so I had a decision. This was a Wednesday, I could choose to go by myself and maintain the three days this week with the trainer or I could wait and go on Friday with Bill. This was only a trial situation and there was no pressure to stay with the trainer if I didn’t want to – so, I’ll just wait until Friday and go with Bill. You know, after Bill left for work I could not be comfortable with that decision. I have been through this before and I know when the Holy Spirit is causing restlessness within me to move me forward. This is just a short side track but did you ever consider that God has connected us with hinges? Yeah, hinges that was designed for a peculiar kind of people for a particular kind of movement. Ever watched an old western on television and seen a wagon master or Calvary leader say “Forward Ho”? Now that is the command for which I am built. Yes, I know I can make myself walk backward but by design I am made to conquer that which is before me! I went to day three alone and that was a victory for me.
Day Four:
OMG! This was a big, big day for me. I not only had a huge workout – huge for me but some would call it minute. I got down to the floor! Our personal trainer, Jeff, is a really great guy and I know that God picked him out just for me, well Bill too. The second day at the gym, Jeff asked how I felt about getting on the floor. There was an exercise that he considered as appropriate for me – I declined stating it was difficult for me to get to the floor. He just smiled a knowing kind of smile and said okay let’s do something else. I was very relieved but little did I know that the smile I was seeing was not one of understanding the mobility difficulties of this old lady but the smile of true understanding that said silently “I know you can do this but I’ll wait until you know that you can do this”. Today was the day that I was told to get to the floor for the next exercise – I just looked to where on the floor he was pointing to and to the smile on his face. My mistake on day two when I declined to get on the floor, I use the excuse that I looked like a beached whale when I was trying to get down to the floor or up off the floor and I needed something to brace myself with in order to accomplish this feat. Well, today on day four my trainer was pointing to a place on the floor between two weight benches and so that I would not be uncomfortable down there by myself, in his professional discernment he assigned the same exercise to my husband! Now, I had not one support system in Jeff but my best friend was beside me to give encouragement. To step out of my comfort zone was a scary thing but I did get down to the floor, I did the exercise and I did get up off the floor. Imagine that!
In just four days of working with a trainer there is one truly important thing that I have been made aware of and that is this; I will not step out of my comfort zone to challenge myself. I need a professional trainer to safely guide me. Jeff sees beyond my physical mass standing before him to the physical mass that he knows that I can be if I will follow his leading. He does not allow me to body bash as I did about the beached whale and he is teaching me the importance of keeping positive people around me during this time and encourages me to no longer look at my weight but to focus on training and that will bring about the desired results. My last exercise for this day was to cool down with a slow walk on the treadmill. I stepped onto the treadmill and this really healthy looking lady on the next treadmill smiled and introduced herself to me then stated, “you know I weighed eighty pounds heavier when I first started here.” How’s that for a conformation regarding a decision?
Day four for me was really a challenge but it was also a day of encouragement. I really can’t help but think of the bible passage that says:
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(to Fitness)
Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Faith, what is faith anyway? Many say it is what carries you through the tough times and some say it is what makes the tough keep going. I was told by a very special lady that “Faith is simply believing without scheming”. Reflection on that statement has brought me comfort and courage – courage to do the things that over the years that have been what many folk would call tough. This particular time in my life would be impossible if it were not for faith. Right now I’ve made a decision. Right now I’m acting on that decision. Right now that decision
is not tough. What will I do when obstacles come – and they will! Will that decision stand in the light of the obstacles? Will I continue to act in agreement with the original decision or will I make adjustments that compensate for the obstacle? Will that obstacle be too great for me?
The truthful answer would be yes. Yes, it is too great for me to overcome – “But God” says, that if I have faith, if I doubt not -- then I can say to the obstacles, “Be thou removed” and it will be done. My road to fitness would not be complete if I leave out the spiritual side of me and for any one who should be reading this journey log the scriptures and references are what encourages me. I am learning that no matter what I see with my visible eyes as being impossible – my heart sees that God’s truth will always override the facts as I see them.
Visible fact one: I have been over weight all my life.
Visible fact two: I have read hundreds of books on weight loss.
Visible fact three: I have had success on every diet that I have utilized.
Visible fact four: I weigh more now that I ever have.
Visible fact five: I have limited mobility due to arthritis.
Visible fact six: I am a little older than I used to be.
My Road to fitness will be the mapping of these visible facts taking on what my heart sees.
I have chosen to place this journey into a daily log type of form. I am a wordy person and tend to write like I think and talk but there are times when I am more contemplative than others, you know when I’m not so talkative. However my pledge to my self is to be brutally honest with myself while recording the events. These first few days are being pulled up from my memory but the accuracy is there.
Did I mention that I signed my best friend (my loving spouse) up with me when I joined the gym? I didn’t even tell him until later that day. I am truly blessed to have the companion that I have been given. You know the old saying, “through thick or thin”? I swear God himself put blinders on this man because he loves me whether I have been thick or thin! OOP’S! My trainer and “The Fit Female Credo” says “NO BODY BASHING”!!!
Okay, here I go with my first few days and then I will talk later about an up coming decision that is to be made…
Day one:
This was decision day. I signed up with the silver sneakers program, learned about all the machines at the fitness center and met with a personal trainer. My gym gives you two weeks free with a personal trainer to determine if that is the route you would prefer or I could just use the equipment.
Day two:
I accepted the two weeks with the trainer and after a brief workout I was feeling pretty good. I walked out the door thinking; yeah this was a good choice. I drove to my house, got out of the car with a certain amount of difficulty (stiff muscles) and headed directly to the recliner where I proceeded to sleep for four hours!
Day three:
Bill was with me for day two but had to work this day. We do most everything together – where you see one you will usually see the other. I’m not quite as comfortable going places by myself these days so I had a decision. This was a Wednesday, I could choose to go by myself and maintain the three days this week with the trainer or I could wait and go on Friday with Bill. This was only a trial situation and there was no pressure to stay with the trainer if I didn’t want to – so, I’ll just wait until Friday and go with Bill. You know, after Bill left for work I could not be comfortable with that decision. I have been through this before and I know when the Holy Spirit is causing restlessness within me to move me forward. This is just a short side track but did you ever consider that God has connected us with hinges? Yeah, hinges that was designed for a peculiar kind of people for a particular kind of movement. Ever watched an old western on television and seen a wagon master or Calvary leader say “Forward Ho”? Now that is the command for which I am built. Yes, I know I can make myself walk backward but by design I am made to conquer that which is before me! I went to day three alone and that was a victory for me.
Day Four:
OMG! This was a big, big day for me. I not only had a huge workout – huge for me but some would call it minute. I got down to the floor! Our personal trainer, Jeff, is a really great guy and I know that God picked him out just for me, well Bill too. The second day at the gym, Jeff asked how I felt about getting on the floor. There was an exercise that he considered as appropriate for me – I declined stating it was difficult for me to get to the floor. He just smiled a knowing kind of smile and said okay let’s do something else. I was very relieved but little did I know that the smile I was seeing was not one of understanding the mobility difficulties of this old lady but the smile of true understanding that said silently “I know you can do this but I’ll wait until you know that you can do this”. Today was the day that I was told to get to the floor for the next exercise – I just looked to where on the floor he was pointing to and to the smile on his face. My mistake on day two when I declined to get on the floor, I use the excuse that I looked like a beached whale when I was trying to get down to the floor or up off the floor and I needed something to brace myself with in order to accomplish this feat. Well, today on day four my trainer was pointing to a place on the floor between two weight benches and so that I would not be uncomfortable down there by myself, in his professional discernment he assigned the same exercise to my husband! Now, I had not one support system in Jeff but my best friend was beside me to give encouragement. To step out of my comfort zone was a scary thing but I did get down to the floor, I did the exercise and I did get up off the floor. Imagine that!
In just four days of working with a trainer there is one truly important thing that I have been made aware of and that is this; I will not step out of my comfort zone to challenge myself. I need a professional trainer to safely guide me. Jeff sees beyond my physical mass standing before him to the physical mass that he knows that I can be if I will follow his leading. He does not allow me to body bash as I did about the beached whale and he is teaching me the importance of keeping positive people around me during this time and encourages me to no longer look at my weight but to focus on training and that will bring about the desired results. My last exercise for this day was to cool down with a slow walk on the treadmill. I stepped onto the treadmill and this really healthy looking lady on the next treadmill smiled and introduced herself to me then stated, “you know I weighed eighty pounds heavier when I first started here.” How’s that for a conformation regarding a decision?
Day four for me was really a challenge but it was also a day of encouragement. I really can’t help but think of the bible passage that says:
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
My Road to Fitness
My Road
( to Fitness)
Isa 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (31) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Two thousand pounds ago I felt really great! I was young, ambitious and ready to conquer any obstacle in my pathway. Amazing how far away those days can seem now as I reflect back on the adventures of this once “fair maiden.” My name is Phyllis --I am sixty five years of age (notice that I didn’t say old) and I weigh 256 pounds compounded by the fact that I am barely five foot one inch tall. My weight problems began day one when I entered into this dimension weighing in at nine pounds and eight ounces! This was quite a problem for my petite little mother but it was also the beginning of a very long relationship with food and those things called diets. Through the years of my life, I truly believe that I have lost and gained enough poundage to equate to those two thousand pounds previously mentioned.
I am a retired nurse. I’ve been in the medical profession as long as I can remember; I tell everyone “I was born at home (true) but raised in a hospital (also true)”. I have helped people in the food recovery processes, taught nutrition principals to my patients and helped people with special diets for nearly twenty years. Since I retired a few years ago my weight just kept creeping up, up, up and away. I found my self in denial so much that I avoided every full length mirror in the house and any one who had a camera in their hands. I don’t know truly how long this went on but one day I found myself barely able to walk across the room without huffing and puffing – I was far from comfortable with myself and I quietly said; “Lord, I don’t want to be like this – it just doesn’t agree with your promises for me. Help me!
Little things started happening: first I turned sixty five, second I started receiving all this junk mail from the entire list of Medicare insurance companies and third I actually signed up with one of them. When you do that they welcome you with two arm loads of books regarding their programs! I just put them into my do sometime in the future corner stack. The next thing, the fourth thing -- I found myself reading in the book of Isaiah and those very familiar words at the top of this page came alive. Let me share one thing with you first; I recently read a book by an old preacher who said “I live between the Holy buts.” Now this struck a cord with me when I read the passage from Isaiah – here I am feeling weak and this verse says “He gives power to the faint” and “to those who have no might He increases their strength” I noticed it said that even the youth shall faint and the young men shall utterly fall – do you see that first word in verse 31? There it is – the Holy but theory! You see, I was faint hearted, I was down cast, and I was many things but there was my answer: if I would cling to Him, I would receive new strength, and I would be lifted up and no longer faint or be weary because He will lift me above the obstacles. I can be like that young girl only this time I’ll not have to do things in my own power but through the power of the One who gives me permission to say to this mountain “be gone” and it shall utterly be removed!
Now, let me take you back to the Medicare thing I previously mentioned. It is called “Silver Sneakers” and this program became known to me shortly after reading the verses in Isaiah. I called, signed all the paper work and once again there is a young girl inside who is ready for a journey -- this journey. My Road to fitness begins here…
( to Fitness)
Isa 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (31) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Two thousand pounds ago I felt really great! I was young, ambitious and ready to conquer any obstacle in my pathway. Amazing how far away those days can seem now as I reflect back on the adventures of this once “fair maiden.” My name is Phyllis --I am sixty five years of age (notice that I didn’t say old) and I weigh 256 pounds compounded by the fact that I am barely five foot one inch tall. My weight problems began day one when I entered into this dimension weighing in at nine pounds and eight ounces! This was quite a problem for my petite little mother but it was also the beginning of a very long relationship with food and those things called diets. Through the years of my life, I truly believe that I have lost and gained enough poundage to equate to those two thousand pounds previously mentioned.
I am a retired nurse. I’ve been in the medical profession as long as I can remember; I tell everyone “I was born at home (true) but raised in a hospital (also true)”. I have helped people in the food recovery processes, taught nutrition principals to my patients and helped people with special diets for nearly twenty years. Since I retired a few years ago my weight just kept creeping up, up, up and away. I found my self in denial so much that I avoided every full length mirror in the house and any one who had a camera in their hands. I don’t know truly how long this went on but one day I found myself barely able to walk across the room without huffing and puffing – I was far from comfortable with myself and I quietly said; “Lord, I don’t want to be like this – it just doesn’t agree with your promises for me. Help me!
Little things started happening: first I turned sixty five, second I started receiving all this junk mail from the entire list of Medicare insurance companies and third I actually signed up with one of them. When you do that they welcome you with two arm loads of books regarding their programs! I just put them into my do sometime in the future corner stack. The next thing, the fourth thing -- I found myself reading in the book of Isaiah and those very familiar words at the top of this page came alive. Let me share one thing with you first; I recently read a book by an old preacher who said “I live between the Holy buts.” Now this struck a cord with me when I read the passage from Isaiah – here I am feeling weak and this verse says “He gives power to the faint” and “to those who have no might He increases their strength” I noticed it said that even the youth shall faint and the young men shall utterly fall – do you see that first word in verse 31? There it is – the Holy but theory! You see, I was faint hearted, I was down cast, and I was many things but there was my answer: if I would cling to Him, I would receive new strength, and I would be lifted up and no longer faint or be weary because He will lift me above the obstacles. I can be like that young girl only this time I’ll not have to do things in my own power but through the power of the One who gives me permission to say to this mountain “be gone” and it shall utterly be removed!
Now, let me take you back to the Medicare thing I previously mentioned. It is called “Silver Sneakers” and this program became known to me shortly after reading the verses in Isaiah. I called, signed all the paper work and once again there is a young girl inside who is ready for a journey -- this journey. My Road to fitness begins here…
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