The Struggle is Real

1 Samuel 17:32 “David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.’” ESV

Today I struggled on the elliptical. My husband was leaving for an overnight business trip, and have I mentioned….I’m bored here? I wanted to see him off, yet I knew that in order to get everything accomplished for the day that I needed to get my workout done early. I did my running, lifted my weights, did my cycling, and all I had left to do was 20 minutes on the elliptical. Around minute 2 though, I started the bargaining in my head…

”I’ve done enough.”

“I can make it up tomorrow.”

“I’m tired.”

“Last night we jumped for an hour at the trampoline park. That had to have burned off some calories.”

The struggle was real. Every day it seems that I have bargaining conversations with myself. Some days it’s a physically challenging for me to keep on keeping on with my workout. Every day a new excuse pops into my head, telling me that I really don’t need to complete this. And even when I’m feeling on top of the work physically, a mental battle ensues telling me that I just don’t have enough time to complete this. There is just too much to do. When I start a new challenge or a new exercise, I tell myself that I just am not strong enough to do this. I just can’t do it. When I’m side by side on the treadmill line with an athletic jock sprinting while I’m jogging at my comfortable 4.5, I tell myself I’m not good enough and I must look completely stupid. The struggle is real…but it’s only mental.

I’ve often thought about the story of David and Goliath and what made David so much better than the other thousands of Israelites who could’ve done the exact same thing as David...and much more quickly. Every day for 40 days, the Israelites would line up to face the Philistines only to hear Goliath taunt them every single day. The Israelites were afraid. Saul was afraid. Every day it seemed that their confidence was fading just a little bit more.

And then comes David. David wasn’t really there to fight. He was just sent on an errand by his father and realized what was happening. He had confidence. He knew that if he could fight a bear and a lion in order to save his sheep that he could face a mere man. But the true source of his confidence was revealed in v. 37, “The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

The Lord was able. And because the Lord was able…David was able.

The struggle is real when we face challenges of life. They may be physical challenges. But they may be financial challenges. They may be relationship challenges. They may be vocational or educational challenges. But God is able. And because God is able….we are able.

The same God that’s delivered us time and time again will deliver us now. He’s still the same God today that delivered the giant Goliath into the hands of a little shepherd boy.

What challenges do you face today? Are you focusing on the circumstance while your fear deepens day by day? Or are you focusing on the track record of Almighty God?

Encouragement for Today

2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’” ESV

Phillippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” ESV

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Breathing

John 20:21-22 “He spoke to them again, and said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ then he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you refuse to forgive them, they are unforgiven.” NLT

Acts 2:2 “Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” NLT

Genesis 2:7 “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” NLT

I’ve always had a tendency to hold my breath. Whether I’m waiting on something exciting to happen or I’m moving heavy furniture, for some unknown reason, It’s a natural instinct for me to hold my breath. But anyone who exercises regularly knows the importance of breathing deeply.

When I first started cycling, I realized quickly that if I simply focused on my breathing that I would be rejuvenated and energized. When I start to feel fatigued while running and lifting weights, if I remember to even out my breathing, I can keep going. It’s always amazing to me how much more physical activity I can perform if I’m simply focused on breathing. I can do things better, longer, and perform at a deeper level when my oxygen level is just right.

When God formed Adam, the Scripture says he took the dust of the ground and formed man with His very own hand. And then, God breathed into Adam the breath of life. I’ve always had sort of a CPR position pictured in my head, but nevertheless, it is only then that Adam comes to life. It is only when God’s air, His very breath runs through Adam that he begins to live. 

In pretty much every single instance in Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments, every time the word breath or Spirit is used, we can trace them back to the same Greek and Hebrew original words. It’s as if the word “breath” and “Spirit” are interchangeable. Think about the instances of the Holy Spirit coming in John 20 and Acts 2. In John 20, we read that He breathed on them the Holy Spirit, and then in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came like a mighty rushing wind. 

Our very lives come from God. We know this in the physical sense, and also in the spiritual sense, but have you stopped to consider that the very air we breathe is spiritual in nature? What this means for us is that our physical breath is but a symbol of our real lives in Christ. Every time we breathe in, and breathe out, we should be reminded of the Holy Spirit’s work in and through us. He’s here.

I never really started living until I met Jesus. It’s a well known fact that the human body can only go around 40 days without food, 3-4 days without water, but only 3-4 minutes without breathing. Why do you think God designed us that way? It is but a reminder that we cannot go through life without God working through us.

The other fact I want to point out is that only when the disciples received the Holy Spirit did their ministries really take off. Jesus tells them in John 20 that they are being sent out to preach the Gospel, and then in Acts 2, the same is true. When they begin to minister by the Holy Spirit, they can do more for the Kingdom of God than they ever thought possible. Thousands were saved, and we are here too because of their obedience and commitment to serve Him.

When we are filled with and led by the Spirit, we are empowered to serve Him in a supernatural way. He can work through us to accomplish His mission, works that are greater than we could ever dream of.

In our physical sense, when just simply breathe, we can go further and be stronger than we ever thought possible. God is up to something; we must simply breathe.

What’s God trying to do in and through your life? In what ways can you allow Him to work through you? Take a deep breath and listen to what He has to say to you today.

Encouragement for Today

Acts 2:41 “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day--about 3000 in all.” NLT

Job 34:14-15 “If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath, all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust.” NLT

How to Lose Weight on Vacation

Psalm 121:8 “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” NLT

We were going to Disney World. Ahhh!!!! I was definitely excited, but I was also definitely nervous. I’d been to Disney World before, and the highlight of that trip had been the food. If you’ve never been, the food there is not your typical theme park food. There are professional chefs at all of the restaurants, and we were on the dining plan! That meant that we could eat to our heart’s content. There were no limits. And what’s more, I am frugal. Having paid so much money, I only felt it reasonable to eat what we had paid for. What would I do? This was my first vacation trip and I was very apprehensive about how I would balance my frugality with my healthy eating habits.

Preparation was key. Once again, I went online to find out as much information as possible on the restaurants we would be visiting. I planned my meals, my snacks, and lucky for me, there are plenty of healthy options at Disney World. I also wore a pedometer, so that I could accurately log my activity and ensure that I was on track with my nutrition. The only setback was that we were flying, and extended travel always makes me retain water. That wasn’t a big deal as I would lose that added weight once we got home.

We did go on our trip, and magically (just like Disney), I managed to lose 3 pounds while we were on vacation! I couldn’t believe it myself. It was possible, and it definitely is doable. 

While there are definite challenges to eating healthy while on vacation and traveling in general, it is absolutely possible. With a little preparation and a lot of careful choosing, you can stick to a healthy diet. What’s more, when you eat healthy food, you feel better and have more energy to do all of the fun things that you’ve planned.

The Psalmist here uses word pictures to assure the pilgrims spoken of here of the Lord’s presence with them. Their help comes from the Lord, the one who created the heavens and the earth, as well as us, His people. He watches over them and every move they make, especially in times of trouble. The Creator stands beside them, guarding them forever.

It’s a beautiful Psalm, full of compassion, love, and care for Israel. It’s the same compassion, love, and care that God feels for all of us too. He cares about every move we make, our protection, our health, and even our choices we make. If we let Him, He will stand beside us, guarding us even from temptation and trouble.

Do you trust Him to take care of you and to keep you healthy even when everyone else would tell you it’s okay to make bad choices? How serious are you about changing your life? Will you allow Him to guard you?

Read through the entire Psalm today. You’ll be glad you did.

Psalm 91:11 “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” NLT

Psalm 139:9-10 “If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” NLT

Picky Eaters

1 Corinthians 9:27 “I disciple my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” NLT

“I know I need to lose some weight, but I don’t like all of...that,” my co-worker waved her hand at my plate. This particular co-worker had watched me lose the last 20 pounds and she was getting curious. Every day, she would ask me questions, but she would always refute my answers with reasons why she couldn’t do it too. Today, her excuse was that she was a picky eater. So, I asked her, “What are two fruits that you like?” She told me that she liked bananas and apples and went on to share that she ate beans and corn. I came up with a few options for her off the top of my head, but I honestly thought that she just wasn’t ready.

Picky eaters will struggle in areas of nutrition when trying to lose weight. Things that picky eaters enjoy usually tend to be starchy and full of carbs. I also enjoyed starchy foods and I still struggle with my bread consumption. But there are always options, even for the pickiest of eaters to consume. After all, the picky eaters I know typically eat the same things over and over anyway. 

When I started my weightloss journey, I read countless blogs and articles of the benefits of certain foods. I wanted to know what would help me lose weight, feel full, and add to my overall health. There are foods that I regularly consume today that I never ate before I started this journey. Without this lifestyle change and research, I never would’ve discovered that I like greek yogurt, green tea, or almonds. But on the flipside, there are things that I had to learn to enjoy. I always thought that raspberries tasted like soap before, but now, they’re a regular part of my diet. Avocados were only to be used for guacamole, but now I use them along with greek yogurt as a base for chicken salad and sandwich spread. Asparagus had never been present in my mouth before, but now it is a weekly occurrence in my home.

While I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a picky eater, I am indeed a picky exerciser. I am physically incapable of playing most team sports because of my birth defect, and I absolutely despise pushups. I can do them if I force myself, but it’s just not something I enjoy. I certainly didn’t enjoy running at first either, but now is a different story. Picky eaters may find themselves having to discipline themselves to eat certain things for their health, and they may actually find that in time, they start to enjoy new foods.

Paul writes in the last part of 1 Corinthians 9 about the historic Isthmian games, an Olympic type event, held in Corinth every two years. He illustrates his point of spiritual discipline is much like athletic training. If we were to compete in an athletic event, we would prepare rigorously so as to win the prize. If we’re not planning to win, why play the game, right? In the same way, strict self-discipline is required if we are to grow as believers in Him. We must press on in our Bible Study and in prayer. We must submit to obeying Christ in all things, so as to win the prize of salvation, eternal life in Christ. 

Paul goes onto express his fear of being disqualified. He expresses his concern that after he has taught others how to obtain the prize, he might not get it himself. Therefore, he has disciplined himself in such as a way so that he would not fall away from Christ.

As we transition ourselves into living a healthy lifestyle, we often find that changes are hard. We are accustomed to living one way only to change several things at one time. Those changes may be uncomfortable, but we press on, knowing that our discipline will win us the prize in the end!

Enjoy some time today reading through 1 Corinthians 9-10 and see how Paul explained food consumption and discipline. It’s quite enlightening and encouraging!

Encouragement for Today

1 Corinthians 8:8 “It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.” NlT

1 Timothy 4:4-5 “Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.” NLT

Matthew 4:4 “‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” NLT

Banking Your Weight Loss

Ok. I admit it. I'm a bit of a nerd. I enjoy all things banking, and I enjoy weight-loss. I think the reason I like these things so well is because banking and weight loss both fit into a nice little neat package and it all just boils down to the math. If you follow the rules, great things will follow. So, I've created this nice little post to help you understand how to lose weight by banking.

1) Always balance your checkbook. It goes without saying, that if you're going to keep an accurate picture of your bank account, you must keep a checkbook register. Most people don't write checks anymore, but I am astonished at the number of people who settle for just glancing at their online banking. There are TONS of transactions that pend for days at a time, only clearing after you've mistakenly spent money that you really didn't have. This results in high overdraft fees and trying to dig your way out of temporary debt. These fees can be avoided if you simply keep a register. 
How does this apply to weight loss? You must keep an accurate accounting of your nutritional deposits and withdrawals just like in a bank account. There are free websites and apps that will help you get (and stay) organized. Fitday.com is my favorite, but myfitnesspal.com also boasts great helps. These handy little things will give you an accurate picture of what exactly you've ingested that day, and if you enter your activities and exercises, it will automatically calculate your calorie burn. Weight management simply boils down to calories in/calories out. Logging your food intake and activities to keep you from having to pay back any "overdraft fees" from overspending on your calorie budget.

2) Diversify your investments. When you want to invest money in order to get a great return, you need to diversify your investments. You wouldn't want to put all of your savings into one stock. What if that stock does poorly? You've lost your entire savings! You want to invest in different stocks, bonds, IRAs, CDs, and other options in order to target the best area for investing. This allows you to have little risk and to maximize on profit!
How does this apply to weight loss? Over time, your body tends to get too accustomed to the same workouts. If you're only walking and not doing any other kind of workout, how is that helping your arms? If you're only lifting weights, how is that helping your bum? If you're only riding a bicycle, over time, your muscles that are used to peddle that bicycle will become tone, but the rest of your body will be neglected. It's best to do multiple activities and to change them up a bit whenever you can. Your body will become overall more healthy if you diversify.

3) Don't borrow more than you can afford. Everyone knows that it's not a good decision to borrow money that you are unable to pay back. Why put yourself in a financial bind when it's not necessary? Sure that new car may smell and look wonderful. It may be fun to drive, and it may be nice and clean. But what's going to happen a few months from now when you have to decide whether to pay the mortgage or that car loan note? Wouldn't it have been better to have bought something you could afford so you could actually enjoy your purchase instead of regret it?
How does this apply to weight loss? Don't think for a minute that you can walk that piece of cake off after dinner. Don't fool yourself into thinking that just because you ate at Subway you can afford to add the cookie. One cookie has just as many calories as that healthy sandwich. Yes, it does. Look it up. AND, it will take you over 45 minutes to walk off ONE cookie. Now, was that 2 minutes of pleasure worth the 45 minutes of sweat...for ONE (1), UNO cookie? Now, if you've been disciplined all day, and if you have logged your calories and activities and see that yes, you CAN afford the cookie, then go for it! You deserve the reward. But don't think that everything will just work itself out, if you really can't afford the calorie payment. It's harder to repay than you think.

4) Keep your pin number and debit card secure. There are thieves out there prowling around looking for ways to steal your money. They will watch you at the ATM and at the Point of Sale Terminal just to watch your fingers. If they can get their hands (or their eyes) on your information, they will wipe you out faster than you can say, "skinny."Yes, and they will make your bank account skinny too. When you buy something on the internet, be sure that you're shopping on a reputable website that keeps your information safe and secure. It's your money, and they want it. You've earned it. They haven't.
How does this apply to weight loss? There are thieves out there just waiting for you to fail at weight loss because they themselves haven't done it. They haven't disciplined themselves, and quite frankly they're jealous. A person at work will bring you a cupcake...everyday. Yes, yes it happened to me. They will purposely bake things on holidays and birthdays to try to make you fail. Even though you've obviously lost the equivalent of an elementary school child since you've seen the loved one, they will purposely not say a thing. They will say and do things like that to steal your excitement and joy of your accomplishment. Don't let them. Keep it secure. It's your's. You've earned it. They're jealous.

I hope this little post has entertained (and helped) you in some way. May you never think about banking or weight loss in quite the same way!