I have had a very hard time coming back to you in this forum. I suppose it’s because I didn’t know what more I could say that could be relevant. I have probably had the biggest writers block of the century which wasn’t helped by detours that have occurred along the way. For one reason or another, I am again writing today for me. Writing because I have something to say. Writing because I need to hear what I have to say and writing because maybe you’ll eavesdrop on what it is that I’m saying and possibly be helped by it as well.
Recently I and several others have been participating in what’s called the Burning Bridges 8 week Weight Loss Challenge. I wanted to do this challenge in order to inspire others to action through accountability and group support. While I am not competing in this challenge, I am participating in it. I figured that I needed the help as well. What has happened has been very humbling to me. My actions haven’t matched my intentions. Maybe you can relate. I definitely see that I am the poster child for people struggling with a commitment to weight loss. This can either be seen one of two ways by those watching me….. Either they see me as a hypocrite or they see me as one of their own. But what do I see in all of this? I see that I am stopping myself from succeeding. I can imagine a number on a scale that would gratify me so very much. A number that would finally prove that I came the whole way….. That I mastered this struggle over my weight. Unfortunately the problem is that I realize that I can have that number on the scale but I won’t allow myself to have it. I am in my own way. Why? Because I can’t truly see myself at that number!!!!! I can’t see Heather at 135lbs.
Your surroundings home, personal care, pets, clothing, and body are all reflections of how you see and express yourself. Do these reflect your true self?
-Christiane Northrup, M.D.
As I look back over my life I can see how my outer surroundings reflected how I saw myself…. Good and Bad! As I have lost my weight over the years…. It naturally came as I began to see myself as more beautiful and worthy of it. As I inched my way toward new numbers I seemed to vacillate for awhile in each weight class, almost like trying it on for comfort to make sure it felt right. I can distinctly remember stalling around the 200’s then again at the 190’s and 180’s and for a very long time at the 170‘s. I think I stayed at the 170’s for such a long time because I carried that weight for many different stages of my life. It seems that 170 was perfectly suited to how I imagined myself. It was as good as I could see for me (even though I wasn‘t happy there). But after sometime and some inner growth, I was able to raise my vision of myself and my weight corresponded. I am now steadily rooted in the low160’s. I may travel into the 150’s for a short time but I won’t stay there because I know I don’t truly feel comfortable there yet. My guess is that as I raise my vision again and dwell on myself in that new light…. I will naturally slide into the 150’s and so on. My only hope is that I can do this faster than I‘ve done so far. But I don’t want faster if I am not able to really believe the final number. Otherwise I will go right back to the number I truly believe about myself. Who wants to get excited about losing weight only to put it right back on. It’s like getting a chance to touch the golden ring and then have to give it right back….. Painful! I’m sure many of you out there can relate to this.
It’s so sad because if I was looking at me objectively like I look at all of you, I would tell myself to see the magnificence in me. I would say…. “Heather, allow yourself to move on.” I would want to pour truth into my thoughts by telling myself who I really am and not what I have believed I am. This is probably why I want to do it for all of you. It helps me to hear the words as well. I find healing in showing you how beautiful and powerful you are in creating the good in your life. I find strength in breathing my encouragement in your direction. I may not be the vision of what I want yet….. But helping you allows me to catch a glimpse of it.
Won’t you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see YOU!
-Richard B. Sheridan
My wish for you and me is that we will begin to raise our vision for ourselves. That we will begin to love ourselves in a way that opens room for that vision to take root. Realize that who you really are is not what you see in the mirror. Find ways to see yourself the way you were created. Once you can fix your eyes on who you really are….. You will see that person in the flesh. Right in front of you, in your reflection. Don’t let that mirror tell you who you really are right now because that’s just the image of your belief about you. Let’s lift up our eyes to see why the roses think we’re so beautiful. When we do…. We will reflect it!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Speak and Understand Your Bodies Language
One of the hardest things I struggle with is truly understanding the language of my body. What do I mean by that? Well sometimes I am craving really bad foods like cookies, pastries, bread with butter slathered all over it, etc. I feel like they speak to me. After eating these things, I feel tired and lethargic and depressed. Later I find myself craving these things all over again.... it's a cycle that never ends.
I found an article in a Christian magazine that was written by a Christian doctor on the physiological affects of food on your body. This article was so easy to understand and it makes it extremely clear as to what happens with certain foods in relation to gaining weight and losing it. I will reprint it below for you to read as well. My hope is that if you understand why you should or shouldn't eat certain foods, you will be able to make educated decisions when choosing your next meal. You can win the battle of the bulge and learn to speak your bodies most effective language.
The Battle of the Bulge... A War You Can Win
by Don Colbert, M.D.
If you've struggled with obesity all your life, you may not even be able to imagine yourself free from the bondage of unwanted fat. But God can. The God who created the entire universe is able to help you overcome all of your personal bondages, including being overweight.
A Deadly Problem
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. Approximately one in every three adults is now considered obese. Anyone that is more than 20% above their ideal weight for their height is considered obese. Judging by this standard, one in five children in the U.S. is also considered obese. Tragically, an estimated 300,000 deaths each year are attributed to this problem!
Bring Glory To God In Your Body
The way you eat, drink and care for your body can and should bring glory to God. If you've been struggling with excess weight your whole life, you probably realize you need more help than a good diet plan. You need the strength and discipline it takes to change a lifetime of poor eating habits and stick with it. Gaining new power in your battle against obesity must begin with gaining fresh understanding of the the things that cause it.
Why We Bulge
Being overweight has many causes. Some are biological. For instance, you might be predisposed to obesity through genetics and a slow metabolism. Another significant factor contributing to excess weight in America is our sedentary lifestyle- a daily routine involving mainly sitting and very little exercise. In many cases emotional dependence on food is the cause of obesity. In other words, obesity is a result of depending on food for comfort in times of stress, crisis, loneliness and a host of other unhealthy emotions.
I believe one of the greatest causes for the epidemic of obesity in America is our high intake of refined sugars and starches. Increased consumption of white bread, sugar processed cereals and pasta is largely responsible for the epidemic proportions of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity.
Sugar And Your Body
Overconsumption of carbohydrates, starches and sugars stimulates your body's production of insulin- the body's fat storage hormone. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels when they are too high by causing the body to store fat. For example, when you eat foods high in carbohydrates, such as breads, pasta, potatoes, corn and rice, the insulin levels in your body increase. The carbohydrate is then changed into blood sugar. In the presence of insulin the blood sugar is converted into blood fat by the liver. The fat in the blood is then stored away in fat cells.
If you consume a lot of starch and sugar, your insulin levels remain high, and fat is then locked into your fat cells. This makes it very easy to gain weight and extremely difficult to lose it. Elevated insulin levels prevent the body from burning stored body fat for energy.
Eating too many refined sugars and starches results in secreting so much insulin that you then develop low blood sugar within a few hours, causing shakiness, irritability, headaches and fatigue. Your body then responds with an extreme craving for more sugar and starch to raise blood sugar levels- it becomes a vicious cycle.
The Way Out
In order to break free of this cycle, the first thing you must do is decrease the number of times you consume sugar and starches each day. By doing this you can lower your insulin levels and turn off the main trigger that is telling the body to store fat and not release it.
The next important thing to do is learn to eat the correct amount of protein in a meal, along with the proper balance of fats and carbohydrates. This will stimulate the release of glucagon in your body. Glucagon is another hormone that works totally opposite of insulin. While insulin is a fat-storing hormone, glucagon is a fat-releasing hormone. It enables you to release stored body fat to use as energy.
When the level of insulin is high in the body, the level of glucagon is low. When the level of glucagon is high, insulin is low. If you eat a lot of sugar and starch, you raise your insulin level and lower your glucagon level, thus preventing fat from being released to be used as fuel. But when you stabilize your blood sugar, you can keep your glucagon level elevated, enabling your body to burn off the extra fat. Thus, you'll begin to realize a more energetic, slimmer you!
The Glycemic Index
The rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed into the bloodstream is called the glycemic index. It measures how quickly foods will raise blood sugar levels. The lower the number is the better. A low glycemic index indicates that your body will have more time to handle the sugar in your bloodstream.
The long-term results of eating too many high glycemic foods can be devastating to your health. The consequences are much graver than mere obesity. They can actually lead to diabetes and heart disease. As a doctor, I have watched too many people suffer the painful effects of these diseases. The saddest part is that the pain and suffering are needless.
By combining small amounts of high glycemic foods, such as breads, pasta and potatoes, with balanced portions of proteins and fats, you enable your body to absorb the carbohydrates slowly. At the same time, you are maximizing the use of stored fat for energy, resulting in the decrease of body fat. The end result is not just a loss of weight but a healthier body, which is well worth any effort it takes. With God's help you can make the decision to triumph in you battle of the bulge and begin eating right today!
I found an article in a Christian magazine that was written by a Christian doctor on the physiological affects of food on your body. This article was so easy to understand and it makes it extremely clear as to what happens with certain foods in relation to gaining weight and losing it. I will reprint it below for you to read as well. My hope is that if you understand why you should or shouldn't eat certain foods, you will be able to make educated decisions when choosing your next meal. You can win the battle of the bulge and learn to speak your bodies most effective language.
The Battle of the Bulge... A War You Can Win
by Don Colbert, M.D.
If you've struggled with obesity all your life, you may not even be able to imagine yourself free from the bondage of unwanted fat. But God can. The God who created the entire universe is able to help you overcome all of your personal bondages, including being overweight.
A Deadly Problem
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. Approximately one in every three adults is now considered obese. Anyone that is more than 20% above their ideal weight for their height is considered obese. Judging by this standard, one in five children in the U.S. is also considered obese. Tragically, an estimated 300,000 deaths each year are attributed to this problem!
Bring Glory To God In Your Body
The way you eat, drink and care for your body can and should bring glory to God. If you've been struggling with excess weight your whole life, you probably realize you need more help than a good diet plan. You need the strength and discipline it takes to change a lifetime of poor eating habits and stick with it. Gaining new power in your battle against obesity must begin with gaining fresh understanding of the the things that cause it.
Why We Bulge
Being overweight has many causes. Some are biological. For instance, you might be predisposed to obesity through genetics and a slow metabolism. Another significant factor contributing to excess weight in America is our sedentary lifestyle- a daily routine involving mainly sitting and very little exercise. In many cases emotional dependence on food is the cause of obesity. In other words, obesity is a result of depending on food for comfort in times of stress, crisis, loneliness and a host of other unhealthy emotions.
I believe one of the greatest causes for the epidemic of obesity in America is our high intake of refined sugars and starches. Increased consumption of white bread, sugar processed cereals and pasta is largely responsible for the epidemic proportions of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity.
Sugar And Your Body
Overconsumption of carbohydrates, starches and sugars stimulates your body's production of insulin- the body's fat storage hormone. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels when they are too high by causing the body to store fat. For example, when you eat foods high in carbohydrates, such as breads, pasta, potatoes, corn and rice, the insulin levels in your body increase. The carbohydrate is then changed into blood sugar. In the presence of insulin the blood sugar is converted into blood fat by the liver. The fat in the blood is then stored away in fat cells.
If you consume a lot of starch and sugar, your insulin levels remain high, and fat is then locked into your fat cells. This makes it very easy to gain weight and extremely difficult to lose it. Elevated insulin levels prevent the body from burning stored body fat for energy.
Eating too many refined sugars and starches results in secreting so much insulin that you then develop low blood sugar within a few hours, causing shakiness, irritability, headaches and fatigue. Your body then responds with an extreme craving for more sugar and starch to raise blood sugar levels- it becomes a vicious cycle.
The Way Out
In order to break free of this cycle, the first thing you must do is decrease the number of times you consume sugar and starches each day. By doing this you can lower your insulin levels and turn off the main trigger that is telling the body to store fat and not release it.
The next important thing to do is learn to eat the correct amount of protein in a meal, along with the proper balance of fats and carbohydrates. This will stimulate the release of glucagon in your body. Glucagon is another hormone that works totally opposite of insulin. While insulin is a fat-storing hormone, glucagon is a fat-releasing hormone. It enables you to release stored body fat to use as energy.
When the level of insulin is high in the body, the level of glucagon is low. When the level of glucagon is high, insulin is low. If you eat a lot of sugar and starch, you raise your insulin level and lower your glucagon level, thus preventing fat from being released to be used as fuel. But when you stabilize your blood sugar, you can keep your glucagon level elevated, enabling your body to burn off the extra fat. Thus, you'll begin to realize a more energetic, slimmer you!
The Glycemic Index
The rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed into the bloodstream is called the glycemic index. It measures how quickly foods will raise blood sugar levels. The lower the number is the better. A low glycemic index indicates that your body will have more time to handle the sugar in your bloodstream.
The long-term results of eating too many high glycemic foods can be devastating to your health. The consequences are much graver than mere obesity. They can actually lead to diabetes and heart disease. As a doctor, I have watched too many people suffer the painful effects of these diseases. The saddest part is that the pain and suffering are needless.
By combining small amounts of high glycemic foods, such as breads, pasta and potatoes, with balanced portions of proteins and fats, you enable your body to absorb the carbohydrates slowly. At the same time, you are maximizing the use of stored fat for energy, resulting in the decrease of body fat. The end result is not just a loss of weight but a healthier body, which is well worth any effort it takes. With God's help you can make the decision to triumph in you battle of the bulge and begin eating right today!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Don't be a foolish driver
I have been one busy little bee. I've been gone on vacation to California. Between visiting family and Disneyland, I have been completely out of a normal rhythm. With that being said, we all find ourselves out of step from time to time. This feeling can cause stress and anxiety because we are creatures of habit or routine. Coming back to a steady pace can be difficult if we do not purposely seek it.
In weight loss, positive habitual routines are necessary for success. I have seen so many people take a decline when their weight loss & exercise regimen becomes interrupted by unscheduled life events or vacations. These scenarios create a chaotic environment that can overthrow the steady day to day building blocks of positive habits already created.
Why am I discussing this? Because, I am the poster child for it right now. I have seen how my positive eating habits and positive exercise routines have been replaced with lack of discipline and commitment. Each day that I allow to go by with these negative routines, I am setting up bad habits again. It's incredibly disheartening. This is why I feel I must purge and write about it, in hopes to realign myself and speak to any of you who can relate.
It is said that it takes 21 days to establish a habit, good or bad. However, when addictive habits are lying under the surface, I believe it takes less time to go back to these destructive habits that once ruled your life. Therefore we must not allow much time at all in backsliding into our addictive tendencies.
So how do you get back to going in the right direction instead of the wrong one? I believe you could use the same method you would for getting lost in your car. When you get lost you would be smart to follow simple guidelines to correct your course. These guidelines make sense if you think about it terms of driving but they also make sense in terms of weight loss.
STOP, DETERMINE YOUR CURRENT LOCATION, ASK FOR DIRECTIONS, GET A NEW PLAN, STAY ON THE COURSE (NO DETOURS).
Let's break those down.
1. STOP. When you know you are lost but you keep driving your car, looking for the right direction, you can get further off course. Therefore you must STOP your car. The same goes for you when you find yourself off track in your weight loss/exercise regimen. You keep starting each day with the intent to get back on track, but you never really came to a stop first. You must stop in order to start again. This is a very necessary first step.
2. DETERMINE YOUR CURRENT LOCATION. Now that you've stopped, you can clearly access where you are. You are able to truly focus on the whereabouts of your location and what got you there. When you do this for your weight loss plan, you need to do some investigative work. You need to see what you aren't seeing. You need to look at what you did positive before that you aren't doing now. You need to see where you have been taking detours that you didn't take before. This step is necessary in educating yourself accordingly as well as being brutally honest with yourself, otherwise you will keep going in circles.
3. ASK FOR DIRECTIONS. This is a step that men are known to have "skipped." But let's face it, we women have also fallen into the trap of trying to figure it out before we've succumbed to asking. I believe this is where we should be turning it over to a Higher Power. This is where we tap into a strength and guidance superior to our own rational or understanding. This is when we lay our own might down and truly surrender to receiving help. It's ridiculous to think we can "figure it out" on our own, since "on our own" we got lost to begin with. When you let a power help you that guides your steps, you will feel more secure and able to find your way back.
4. GET A NEW PLAN. Now that you've gotten good directions from a source that knows the territory better than you, you can formulate a much better plan. You can chart a course that takes you in the right direction. Similarly, in getting your weight loss efforts back on track, using the above steps you should be at a point where you feel fresh and able to come up with a new plan. If you do not do this step, you will never reach your desired destination. You are foolish because you must know what you are going to need to do each day, with exact precision. You cannot think you will succeed without a clear plan. If you look back to your past successes you will see that you did this. You must do it again but only after completing the prior steps above. You need to stop, look at where you are and what got you there, ask for a help greater than your own and then make a new plan. I will warn you, while skipping the planning step will hinder your success, so will skipping the others and just making a plan. They all must be done to get back on track.
5. STAY ON THE COURSE (NO DETOURS). It would be silly for you to have gone through all that you have to get back on course and then start sight seeing or taking detours or short cuts. If you were the passenger in a car and the driver starting doing this after everything you've already both been through, you would want to strangle them. However, this is exactly what you do when you don't stick to the plan that you've made. This is exactly what you do when you don't take that plan seriously and think that you can deviate in some way. You need to realize that each day you successfully finish is like digging a groove of positive habits. The deeper that groove gets, the easier it is to fall into it. But if you don't purposely dig a positive groove then I promise you will fall back into the already established one just to the side of it. Why not make it easy on yourself by establishing that good groove with repetitive, positive behavior. Each day that you stick to the plan, you are making it easier and easier to get to your destination. It's starts with one good day. Make it your priority. Don't look ahead. Just pretend you only have 1 day for the rest of your life. You have just 24 hours to conquer. This day is really all you have, anyway. Tomorrow is not a sure thing. Focus on finishing this only day you have, with no detours.
I will do these steps also! Enjoy the drive!
In weight loss, positive habitual routines are necessary for success. I have seen so many people take a decline when their weight loss & exercise regimen becomes interrupted by unscheduled life events or vacations. These scenarios create a chaotic environment that can overthrow the steady day to day building blocks of positive habits already created.
Why am I discussing this? Because, I am the poster child for it right now. I have seen how my positive eating habits and positive exercise routines have been replaced with lack of discipline and commitment. Each day that I allow to go by with these negative routines, I am setting up bad habits again. It's incredibly disheartening. This is why I feel I must purge and write about it, in hopes to realign myself and speak to any of you who can relate.
It is said that it takes 21 days to establish a habit, good or bad. However, when addictive habits are lying under the surface, I believe it takes less time to go back to these destructive habits that once ruled your life. Therefore we must not allow much time at all in backsliding into our addictive tendencies.
So how do you get back to going in the right direction instead of the wrong one? I believe you could use the same method you would for getting lost in your car. When you get lost you would be smart to follow simple guidelines to correct your course. These guidelines make sense if you think about it terms of driving but they also make sense in terms of weight loss.
STOP, DETERMINE YOUR CURRENT LOCATION, ASK FOR DIRECTIONS, GET A NEW PLAN, STAY ON THE COURSE (NO DETOURS).
Let's break those down.
1. STOP. When you know you are lost but you keep driving your car, looking for the right direction, you can get further off course. Therefore you must STOP your car. The same goes for you when you find yourself off track in your weight loss/exercise regimen. You keep starting each day with the intent to get back on track, but you never really came to a stop first. You must stop in order to start again. This is a very necessary first step.
2. DETERMINE YOUR CURRENT LOCATION. Now that you've stopped, you can clearly access where you are. You are able to truly focus on the whereabouts of your location and what got you there. When you do this for your weight loss plan, you need to do some investigative work. You need to see what you aren't seeing. You need to look at what you did positive before that you aren't doing now. You need to see where you have been taking detours that you didn't take before. This step is necessary in educating yourself accordingly as well as being brutally honest with yourself, otherwise you will keep going in circles.
3. ASK FOR DIRECTIONS. This is a step that men are known to have "skipped." But let's face it, we women have also fallen into the trap of trying to figure it out before we've succumbed to asking. I believe this is where we should be turning it over to a Higher Power. This is where we tap into a strength and guidance superior to our own rational or understanding. This is when we lay our own might down and truly surrender to receiving help. It's ridiculous to think we can "figure it out" on our own, since "on our own" we got lost to begin with. When you let a power help you that guides your steps, you will feel more secure and able to find your way back.
4. GET A NEW PLAN. Now that you've gotten good directions from a source that knows the territory better than you, you can formulate a much better plan. You can chart a course that takes you in the right direction. Similarly, in getting your weight loss efforts back on track, using the above steps you should be at a point where you feel fresh and able to come up with a new plan. If you do not do this step, you will never reach your desired destination. You are foolish because you must know what you are going to need to do each day, with exact precision. You cannot think you will succeed without a clear plan. If you look back to your past successes you will see that you did this. You must do it again but only after completing the prior steps above. You need to stop, look at where you are and what got you there, ask for a help greater than your own and then make a new plan. I will warn you, while skipping the planning step will hinder your success, so will skipping the others and just making a plan. They all must be done to get back on track.
5. STAY ON THE COURSE (NO DETOURS). It would be silly for you to have gone through all that you have to get back on course and then start sight seeing or taking detours or short cuts. If you were the passenger in a car and the driver starting doing this after everything you've already both been through, you would want to strangle them. However, this is exactly what you do when you don't stick to the plan that you've made. This is exactly what you do when you don't take that plan seriously and think that you can deviate in some way. You need to realize that each day you successfully finish is like digging a groove of positive habits. The deeper that groove gets, the easier it is to fall into it. But if you don't purposely dig a positive groove then I promise you will fall back into the already established one just to the side of it. Why not make it easy on yourself by establishing that good groove with repetitive, positive behavior. Each day that you stick to the plan, you are making it easier and easier to get to your destination. It's starts with one good day. Make it your priority. Don't look ahead. Just pretend you only have 1 day for the rest of your life. You have just 24 hours to conquer. This day is really all you have, anyway. Tomorrow is not a sure thing. Focus on finishing this only day you have, with no detours.
I will do these steps also! Enjoy the drive!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My Pageant Movie Ending
When I watch a movie, I typically choose the romantic comedies or inspirational sports stories. I do this because I love to leave the movie on a high or a happy note. I want to experience the joy that comes with seeing everything turn out wonderful. I usually don't like to see a movie with a bad or realistic ending. I have said many times that life has enough "reality" so why would I want to spend two hours of my life to get more of it. I want to experience the power of love, the exhilaration in overcoming the insurmountable or the magic that comes with laughter. I want to partake in the best qualities of the human spirit.
Sometimes endings are unforeseen. Sometimes I have watched endings that I wouldn't have chosen. I leave with the sense of misunderstanding. But many times in reflection I can see the importance of that outcome. I feel somehow touched or inspired by the experience anyway. I "get" that it depicted the multitude of all emotions and through that message I was able to see my own life story and truths. It completes a beautiful message through that necessary ending and I know that it was the perfect choice.
I participated in a Pageant last week. The Mrs. Utah America Pageant. In many ways my experience was like watching a movie. This was the kind of movie I would have picked to watch. All the human emotions were displayed. This was a chick flick and I loved it. I would have hoped that the main character, whom I had identified with, would win. But this movie would be one of those different kind of endings. Not the one anticipated but the necessary one.
I started this process to prove something to myself and to others like me. To show woman that they can overcome obstacles. I also saw it as an opportunity. Winning would open up doors but participating might crack them. Allowing me to spread my message. This is my dream!
As I began the process, I had false labels attached to it. I believed many who participate in these pageants to be shallow and vain. I ended the process with my eyes wide open and full of tears. Not the bad kind of tears, but the good kind. Tears of understanding and acceptance. Tears of gratitude and appreciation. Tears of victory and overcoming! I saw the beauty and weakness in the human spirit. I saw women who wore the faces of all of us. While their bodies weren't like mine, they had their own walls to climb. Their stories were powerful nonetheless. The heroin in their story or movie was just as important as mine was. I saw beauty in such a different way and I saw that my inner acceptance was far from being complete. This process broke me down and built me back up again. I needed it so desperately because I was in denial about my own self love and truth. Part of being beautiful though, is admitting your fears and weaknesses while you celebrate your victories and strengths. I was so worried about showing the insecure side of myself to these other women for fear of judgment or condemnation. It was almost like reliving my high school years all over again. I felt inferior because of my body and I couldn't let them have the power of knowing. I thought I had gotten past that. No. Life will teach you the same lessons until you advance, apparently I hadn't advanced. The difference between now and then, is that these women were part of my healing process. When I finally began to admit my fears and open up, I saw their acceptance and love. In turn, I saw their worries and fears. It became a sisterhood of honesty. Everyone loving and helping each other. All wanting the same ending but only one receiving it.
I didn't become the next Mrs. Utah or place in the top 5 contestants, but I did receive the Director's Award. This award was given to me because I inspired the director with my story. This award and it's meaning are the perfect ending to my Pageant movie. It encapsulates the essence of my participation and purpose here on this planet. I am to inspire and help people, bottom line! I am to encourage others to get up and face their giants! I am here to help people star in their own movie and revel in whatever ending is necessary for their growth!
Please don't be afraid of your endings. Don't stop yourself from experiencing the important journeys. It is the only way to find the true meaning in your life. I encourage you to step out of your box and expand your horizons. You will never believe what happens until you do.
I am on to my next movie ending..... anythings possible!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
A 5k lesson about life & weight loss!
Today I want to encourage you with a recent experience in my life. Not because I am so extraordinary, but the complete opposite, I'm very ordinary! I am nothing supernatural or exciting, but in spite of this truth I have found a strength that I know I didn't possess on my own.
Yesterday on the fourth of July, I ran my first 5k. I know I have discussed the fact that I was training for this, but to know that I actually accomplished it, humbles me and teaches me in ways that I won't forget. Today I want to pass on some of the insights that I have had in reflection of this experience.
The first thing you need to know is that I didn't train at all in the two weeks leading up to the run. This is not something I recommend. I have been so preoccupied with preparations for the pageant that I completely put my 5k preparations on the back burner. I seriously remembered about running in the 5k, two days before I had to do it. This fact leads me to the next thing to tell you.
Because I wasn't even thinking about the run, I forgot to pre-register and now would have to pay the full amount on the day of. This was so frustrating to me because of my procrastination, which has been a problem for me over my life. But I was determined to do this 5k, so with lack of training and having to pay more money, I would show up and participate anyway.
The day of the run, I woke up later than I normally do. I was completely frazzled by this and the little time I had to get ready to go. I jumped in my car and flew over to the event. I ran up to the registration table with less than 5 minutes before it would start. I asked them if I could still register to run. The woman said that it was too late to register, but I could run unofficially. This means I wouldn't get an official time. I certainly wasn't trying to run this in a certain time frame, it was to participate and finish. However, I was kind of let down with the fact that I wasn't officially "in" the race. I walked over to where all the runners were and waited for the start.
As I stood there waiting for the countdown to start, I looked around me at the other runners. Most people were in pairs or groups together. I saw just one or two isolated runners by themselves in my area. I felt out of my element and alone. I felt like a fish out of water. Everything about the last two weeks with the lack of running, the pre-registration procrastination, the waking up late that morning and the inability to be officially entered, made me feel so discouraged and defeated. However, I didn't have much time to dwell on that because I heard them say 30 seconds to go.
The shot went off and we started to run. I was determined not to try to go faster than I normally would just because others were around. I didn't want to get too tired, too fast. After about 1 minute, I noticed how everyone was passing me. When I was training for this, I had no idea how fast I was going because I was all by myself, but I thought I was faster than it looked to me right now. I didn't look behind, but I felt like I was in the back of the pack. This was disheartening to say the least. Next, I noticed how fatigued I was getting right away. I never got tired this quick when I was training, but I hadn't run in two weeks, so I knew why. There was a hill right in the beginning of the run. I wasn't sure how I would make it all the way through this considering how winded I already felt. If I would have given up running and just walked, it would have been understandable.... but I wouldn't have seen what happened next. I wouldn't have learned a valuable lesson.
My perceptions of the discouraging events leading up to the run as well as the fatigue and hindering thoughts were so real to me... but I still ran. I pushed through it. The whole time, I was praying to God to help. He answered my prayer and did just that. A little bit past the hill and the descent, I began to pass people. I couldn't understand it. I was so tired already but I was passing one person, after another, after another. I saw people stopping to walk or get water, but as much as I wanted to do that too, I couldn't! I had to run the whole way. No giving up. I have rationalized myself into giving up, my whole life! No, I kept running. I was so tired, but I kept saying "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!" I just kept going!
I was all by myself out there and I remember saying to the Lord, "it's just you and me." I felt comfort in that!
As I saw the finish line off in the distance, I was exhausted. I wanted to walk so bad. I noticed people starting to walk here and there. I wanted to call out to them and tell them to push themselves... they were so close. I was so tempted to just walk for a second, but I couldn't. That would reinforce my life's story! I huffed and puffed myself all the way to the end. As I passed through the finish, the big clock said 50 minutes almost exactly. I don't know if that was good or bad for my first try, but I was happy with it nonetheless. I am so grateful I pushed through all the hurdles and finished! I feel blessed by the whole experience.
So many important lessons to be learned.
1. Preparation makes your plans easier to accomplish.
2. Procrastination complicates situations and creates stress.
3. Bad decisions don't necessarily mean a dead end.
4. When things look uphill and dismal at first, don't give up.
5. Trust God and ask Him to help. (This would be a good one to start with)
6. When the task gets long and tedious....remember that the victory is almost there.
7. Give thanks and reflect on the blessings.
I think this will help me in many areas of life if I remember to remember them. I can also see the connections to losing weight. I hope you will remember to remember them as well!
*************************************************************************************
On another note, if anyone is interested in attending the 2009 Mrs. Utah Pageant that I will be participating in, you are more than welcome to come. It will be next Friday, July 10th at the Covey Center for the Performing Arts in Provo. It starts at 7pm and tickets at the door will be $40 per person. If you buy them in advance of the event, they are $30 per person. You can contact the Covey Center Box Office at 801-852-7007 if you are interested.
Also if you would like to check out my picture along with the other contestants, you can go to www.mrsutahamerica.com and click on the "contestants" tab at the top of the home page.
I'll let you know next week how it went. Say a prayer :)
Yesterday on the fourth of July, I ran my first 5k. I know I have discussed the fact that I was training for this, but to know that I actually accomplished it, humbles me and teaches me in ways that I won't forget. Today I want to pass on some of the insights that I have had in reflection of this experience.
The first thing you need to know is that I didn't train at all in the two weeks leading up to the run. This is not something I recommend. I have been so preoccupied with preparations for the pageant that I completely put my 5k preparations on the back burner. I seriously remembered about running in the 5k, two days before I had to do it. This fact leads me to the next thing to tell you.
Because I wasn't even thinking about the run, I forgot to pre-register and now would have to pay the full amount on the day of. This was so frustrating to me because of my procrastination, which has been a problem for me over my life. But I was determined to do this 5k, so with lack of training and having to pay more money, I would show up and participate anyway.
The day of the run, I woke up later than I normally do. I was completely frazzled by this and the little time I had to get ready to go. I jumped in my car and flew over to the event. I ran up to the registration table with less than 5 minutes before it would start. I asked them if I could still register to run. The woman said that it was too late to register, but I could run unofficially. This means I wouldn't get an official time. I certainly wasn't trying to run this in a certain time frame, it was to participate and finish. However, I was kind of let down with the fact that I wasn't officially "in" the race. I walked over to where all the runners were and waited for the start.
As I stood there waiting for the countdown to start, I looked around me at the other runners. Most people were in pairs or groups together. I saw just one or two isolated runners by themselves in my area. I felt out of my element and alone. I felt like a fish out of water. Everything about the last two weeks with the lack of running, the pre-registration procrastination, the waking up late that morning and the inability to be officially entered, made me feel so discouraged and defeated. However, I didn't have much time to dwell on that because I heard them say 30 seconds to go.
The shot went off and we started to run. I was determined not to try to go faster than I normally would just because others were around. I didn't want to get too tired, too fast. After about 1 minute, I noticed how everyone was passing me. When I was training for this, I had no idea how fast I was going because I was all by myself, but I thought I was faster than it looked to me right now. I didn't look behind, but I felt like I was in the back of the pack. This was disheartening to say the least. Next, I noticed how fatigued I was getting right away. I never got tired this quick when I was training, but I hadn't run in two weeks, so I knew why. There was a hill right in the beginning of the run. I wasn't sure how I would make it all the way through this considering how winded I already felt. If I would have given up running and just walked, it would have been understandable.... but I wouldn't have seen what happened next. I wouldn't have learned a valuable lesson.
My perceptions of the discouraging events leading up to the run as well as the fatigue and hindering thoughts were so real to me... but I still ran. I pushed through it. The whole time, I was praying to God to help. He answered my prayer and did just that. A little bit past the hill and the descent, I began to pass people. I couldn't understand it. I was so tired already but I was passing one person, after another, after another. I saw people stopping to walk or get water, but as much as I wanted to do that too, I couldn't! I had to run the whole way. No giving up. I have rationalized myself into giving up, my whole life! No, I kept running. I was so tired, but I kept saying "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!" I just kept going!
I was all by myself out there and I remember saying to the Lord, "it's just you and me." I felt comfort in that!
As I saw the finish line off in the distance, I was exhausted. I wanted to walk so bad. I noticed people starting to walk here and there. I wanted to call out to them and tell them to push themselves... they were so close. I was so tempted to just walk for a second, but I couldn't. That would reinforce my life's story! I huffed and puffed myself all the way to the end. As I passed through the finish, the big clock said 50 minutes almost exactly. I don't know if that was good or bad for my first try, but I was happy with it nonetheless. I am so grateful I pushed through all the hurdles and finished! I feel blessed by the whole experience.
So many important lessons to be learned.
1. Preparation makes your plans easier to accomplish.
2. Procrastination complicates situations and creates stress.
3. Bad decisions don't necessarily mean a dead end.
4. When things look uphill and dismal at first, don't give up.
5. Trust God and ask Him to help. (This would be a good one to start with)
6. When the task gets long and tedious....remember that the victory is almost there.
7. Give thanks and reflect on the blessings.
I think this will help me in many areas of life if I remember to remember them. I can also see the connections to losing weight. I hope you will remember to remember them as well!
*************************************************************************************
On another note, if anyone is interested in attending the 2009 Mrs. Utah Pageant that I will be participating in, you are more than welcome to come. It will be next Friday, July 10th at the Covey Center for the Performing Arts in Provo. It starts at 7pm and tickets at the door will be $40 per person. If you buy them in advance of the event, they are $30 per person. You can contact the Covey Center Box Office at 801-852-7007 if you are interested.
Also if you would like to check out my picture along with the other contestants, you can go to www.mrsutahamerica.com and click on the "contestants" tab at the top of the home page.
I'll let you know next week how it went. Say a prayer :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Act and receive
I want to talk about taking our faith, hopes, desires and dreams to the next level. Many of us fall short of reaching the things that we say and believe we want. Many times we fail ourselves or circumstances don't provide the opportunity. I believe that there is a vital step that needs to happen in order for us to really see our desires take life. That step is action.
The kind of action I'm talking about isn't the same old actions that you've always taken. Not the actions that you feel comfortable with like leaning on your own thinking and ability to make something happen. The logical path. No, the action I'm talking about usually is uncomfortable, scary & definitely uncertain. It's the kind of action that trusts in a higher power to help you. It's the "faith" kind of action. It's stepping out of the boat and attempting to walk on water (like Peter did in belief that he would walk over to Jesus). Everything in your mind would rationalize that you know you can't walk on water... you'll sink. But nonetheless you take that first step. You ACT on your belief.
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. -James 2:18 NIV
Let me share an example of this in my own life. When I worked as the manager for that weight loss center, I had a desire to one day work independently from home. I wanted to take the emphasis off "selling things to people" and put it on healing them. I was tired of the pressures I was getting from the people above me. This wonderful idea came but was immediately dismissed by me as being ridiculous. I could see no way that it could happen without a lot of opposition and difficulty. I went on with my life. Several months later a center near mine, shut down. It was a smaller center with much less clientele. It had struggled in it's revenue for a very long time and the decision wasn't a surprise. After this happened that buried desire popped back up into my mind. The thought was more detailed this time. I had a feeling that my center may close down as well. But the next thought was the dismissal thought. I couldn't see how that would happen. Our revenue was decent. Sure we were in a bit of a slump, but not to the level of shutting our doors. It didn't seem possible. I let it go. However, this time the thought kept coming back almost in a nagging fashion. I couldn't let it go even though it seemed insane. I finally believed it was divine inspiration and decided to stop fighting it. At this point I really got excited about starting my own business. I continued to be committed to my job at work and do all that was required of me to bring revenue in and help clients, but I secretly pondered my freedom. I began to visualize it and speak about it to my husband but I saw no movement in the direction of my hopes. I started to think I was believing for something that was not going to ever happen. It was discouraging. But the nagging inspiration was still there. I felt deep in my heart that my journey was going in that direction... so I kept believing anyway. I'll tell you where it all came to a head.
One day it hit me that I needed to back my faith up with some action. I definitely was exercising my faith muscle by believing in the dream but I was reminded that the Lord wants to really see if I will step out of the boat. I did 3 pivotal things to show Him I was serious about this desire that I believed He put in my heart and head. First, I started to organize my house to get it ready to receive clients. Next, I knew that I was getting close to needing a newer car. If I had no faith I would have trusted that there was plenty of time to do that in the future. But because I did have faith in what was coming, I decided to take advantage of having a pay stub to show income, which would be more difficult when self employed. This decision had two opportunities for faith. It showed the Lord that I believed I would be self employed soon and it also showed Him that I trusted Him to prosper my newly formed business in order to help me support a newer vehicle. I believe if He didn't think the car was a good idea, he would have botched up the deal in advance (I know that sounds crazy to a lot of you... but I still have the car to this day and we're able to sustain it). I stepped out of the boat and showed Him I was serious in a big way. The third thing I did was to design my business website and order my business cards. I wanted to act "as if" it were here. I knew I needed to have those tools for my business when the time did arrive. Just 2 weeks after I did that last step.... I got a call out of the blue. My boss let me know that the company wasn't just shutting my doors... but the whole Utah market. I was in a state of shock! I had mixed emotions for myself and everyone involved. Joy, Gratitude, Sadness and fear. I knew employees and clients would be thrown into a state of chaos with this news. But I also know that the Lord's timing is perfect. He wouldn't have done it for me if it wouldn't have been the right path for everyone involved. I believe He put that idea back into my head so that I could have the opportunity to trust Him before the closure of the center. He wanted to allow me to learn this lesson of faith and action. I am truly grateful!
Ask yourself what you want. Then ask God to help you. If it's not right for your life... He will probably show you something better and you will get inspired. That inspiration won't go away. Trust that. Then believe it came from Him and lean on that belief. Don't let discouragement or impatience shut you down. Then take your belief to the next level. Act on your faith. Do something that signifies your expectancy of your desired outcome. When you do this... you are stepping off the boat. You are moving and acting in faith. As you can see from my story above... it didn't happen with just one act of faith on my part... it took several before I showed perseverance to the Lord. You must be persistent with Him. Show Him you believe. When you do this... you will have the desires He put in your heart!!!
The kind of action I'm talking about isn't the same old actions that you've always taken. Not the actions that you feel comfortable with like leaning on your own thinking and ability to make something happen. The logical path. No, the action I'm talking about usually is uncomfortable, scary & definitely uncertain. It's the kind of action that trusts in a higher power to help you. It's the "faith" kind of action. It's stepping out of the boat and attempting to walk on water (like Peter did in belief that he would walk over to Jesus). Everything in your mind would rationalize that you know you can't walk on water... you'll sink. But nonetheless you take that first step. You ACT on your belief.
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. -James 2:18 NIV
Let me share an example of this in my own life. When I worked as the manager for that weight loss center, I had a desire to one day work independently from home. I wanted to take the emphasis off "selling things to people" and put it on healing them. I was tired of the pressures I was getting from the people above me. This wonderful idea came but was immediately dismissed by me as being ridiculous. I could see no way that it could happen without a lot of opposition and difficulty. I went on with my life. Several months later a center near mine, shut down. It was a smaller center with much less clientele. It had struggled in it's revenue for a very long time and the decision wasn't a surprise. After this happened that buried desire popped back up into my mind. The thought was more detailed this time. I had a feeling that my center may close down as well. But the next thought was the dismissal thought. I couldn't see how that would happen. Our revenue was decent. Sure we were in a bit of a slump, but not to the level of shutting our doors. It didn't seem possible. I let it go. However, this time the thought kept coming back almost in a nagging fashion. I couldn't let it go even though it seemed insane. I finally believed it was divine inspiration and decided to stop fighting it. At this point I really got excited about starting my own business. I continued to be committed to my job at work and do all that was required of me to bring revenue in and help clients, but I secretly pondered my freedom. I began to visualize it and speak about it to my husband but I saw no movement in the direction of my hopes. I started to think I was believing for something that was not going to ever happen. It was discouraging. But the nagging inspiration was still there. I felt deep in my heart that my journey was going in that direction... so I kept believing anyway. I'll tell you where it all came to a head.
One day it hit me that I needed to back my faith up with some action. I definitely was exercising my faith muscle by believing in the dream but I was reminded that the Lord wants to really see if I will step out of the boat. I did 3 pivotal things to show Him I was serious about this desire that I believed He put in my heart and head. First, I started to organize my house to get it ready to receive clients. Next, I knew that I was getting close to needing a newer car. If I had no faith I would have trusted that there was plenty of time to do that in the future. But because I did have faith in what was coming, I decided to take advantage of having a pay stub to show income, which would be more difficult when self employed. This decision had two opportunities for faith. It showed the Lord that I believed I would be self employed soon and it also showed Him that I trusted Him to prosper my newly formed business in order to help me support a newer vehicle. I believe if He didn't think the car was a good idea, he would have botched up the deal in advance (I know that sounds crazy to a lot of you... but I still have the car to this day and we're able to sustain it). I stepped out of the boat and showed Him I was serious in a big way. The third thing I did was to design my business website and order my business cards. I wanted to act "as if" it were here. I knew I needed to have those tools for my business when the time did arrive. Just 2 weeks after I did that last step.... I got a call out of the blue. My boss let me know that the company wasn't just shutting my doors... but the whole Utah market. I was in a state of shock! I had mixed emotions for myself and everyone involved. Joy, Gratitude, Sadness and fear. I knew employees and clients would be thrown into a state of chaos with this news. But I also know that the Lord's timing is perfect. He wouldn't have done it for me if it wouldn't have been the right path for everyone involved. I believe He put that idea back into my head so that I could have the opportunity to trust Him before the closure of the center. He wanted to allow me to learn this lesson of faith and action. I am truly grateful!
Ask yourself what you want. Then ask God to help you. If it's not right for your life... He will probably show you something better and you will get inspired. That inspiration won't go away. Trust that. Then believe it came from Him and lean on that belief. Don't let discouragement or impatience shut you down. Then take your belief to the next level. Act on your faith. Do something that signifies your expectancy of your desired outcome. When you do this... you are stepping off the boat. You are moving and acting in faith. As you can see from my story above... it didn't happen with just one act of faith on my part... it took several before I showed perseverance to the Lord. You must be persistent with Him. Show Him you believe. When you do this... you will have the desires He put in your heart!!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Freedom is available... if you choose it
When I write my newsletters I obviously write them from a "Christ centered" perspective. I assume that if you take the time to read my messages, you must be a believer in Christ as well. While many of us have variations in our beliefs, I hope we can come together to agree on some basic fundamentals. This is my sincere hope and goal when writing to all of you. If you carry these core beliefs, then I believe you must put them into practice when dealing with this or any other struggle you may have. Today I want you to question whether or not you are truly allowing that God given power, to help you overcome any surmounting difficulty that you are facing.
Let me show you something that it says in the Bible about overcoming any challenges (body, money, relationships, etc.). If you believe in Christ, then you need to truly understand the power of what he did for you and the power that is available to help you. Please read this next part carefully and ask the Lord to help you internalize it into your heart. I have asked Him to do the same for me. It's a bit long, but I believe it will help you tremendously, if you will read it to the end.
In my last newsletter, I mentioned that Christ came to amend the Law of Moses. What does this mean? It means that the Law was in place to help the people gain a righteousness through these laws. They did that by observing specific practices. By keeping these laws, they were able to approach God & live in His favor. However, the time came for God to send His Son to be the living sacrifice for our sins. This ultimate sacrifice of God's Son was done so that we could approach God willingly and without restriction and receive the power He promised to His heirs. Why do I tell you all of this? Because when we continually lean on our own strength to handle our weaknesses, we negate the point for which Christ came and died for us. We are trying to get ahead by our own righteousness or greatness when it comes to gaining control over our bodies.
It says in Galatians 3:22-25 NIV- But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
What is faith again? Hebrews 11:1 KJV-
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is not living by what we can tangibly see and do ourselves. It comes through believing in something that we can't see or do completely for ourselves.
When we believe in what Christ did for us, we are now free to receive God's inheritance because we are heirs. Children of the Father. Able to approach Him freely and intimately. Before Christ, we couldn't do that.
Galatians 3:26-29 NIV- You are all sons (and daughters) of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Stay with me. I want you to read all of this so that you understand it completely. The Apostle Paul continues explaining this principle in Galatians 4:3-7 NIV- So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, Born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (and daughters). Because you are sons (and daughters), God sent the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are a son (and daughter), God has made you also an heir. Before you were grafted into "Son-ship" through Christ's sacrifice, you were in bondage to the world and all the things that enslave us in this world, your body being one of them. But now because you are a joint heir with Christ in God's power (His Spirit), you have freedom from the things that oppress you in this world.
The power of His spirit is residing within you to help you.... if you will allow it to!
Paul continues clarifying this principle in Galatians 4:8-9 NIV- Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God- or rather are known by God- how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
That is so big!!! When we don't rely on the power of the Spirit to help us... we are turning back to a much WEAKER approach. That "weaker approach" is leaning on our own efforts to overcome our weaknesses.
Paul continues the teaching in Galatians 5:1 NIV- It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
"Standing Firm" comes across to me as not letting ourselves be knocked down. When we "lean" on something we don't fall because the object holds us up. Leaning on God's Spirit, helps us Stand Firm!!!
In conclusion, Paul advises us on "how" to live by the Spirit in Galatians 5:16-25 NIV- So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under (the former) law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
In regards to the sinful nature I emphasized idolatry, drunkenness, orgies and the like. I singled out idolatry because I believe that when we are putting food above God, we are in essence worshiping an idol. We are making it god over our lives, rather than the true God. I also emphasized "the like" part of "drunkenness, orgies and the like." I did that because I believe it is pointing out lack of control over the appetites of the flesh. Any thing that allows the appetites of the flesh to take over, is out of harmony with the Spirit and is a part of our sinful nature.
In the fruits of the Spirit. I emphasized love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness and self-control. I believe these traits can be better cultivated in getting control over our weight. When we turn towards the Spirit, we will receive help in loving ourselves and others, it will give us the ability to feel joyful and happy with ourselves and toward others, the Spirit will allow us to be at peace with ourselves and with others, it will enable us to have patience with ourselves and with others, the Spirit of God will strengthen our faith in Him, which we need to continuously help us in ALL things. The enormous strength of the Spirit will empower us to master self-control over our bodies, which is what all of us here desperately seek.
I pray that we can all remember to exercise our faith in God when it comes to overcoming our weaknesses and when we do that, we will take advantage of what Christ did for us!!!! We cannot live by our own power to get this done.... we need to lean on the Spirit of God and His power! Only then will we truly be FREE in the way we were intended to be!!!!
Let me show you something that it says in the Bible about overcoming any challenges (body, money, relationships, etc.). If you believe in Christ, then you need to truly understand the power of what he did for you and the power that is available to help you. Please read this next part carefully and ask the Lord to help you internalize it into your heart. I have asked Him to do the same for me. It's a bit long, but I believe it will help you tremendously, if you will read it to the end.
In my last newsletter, I mentioned that Christ came to amend the Law of Moses. What does this mean? It means that the Law was in place to help the people gain a righteousness through these laws. They did that by observing specific practices. By keeping these laws, they were able to approach God & live in His favor. However, the time came for God to send His Son to be the living sacrifice for our sins. This ultimate sacrifice of God's Son was done so that we could approach God willingly and without restriction and receive the power He promised to His heirs. Why do I tell you all of this? Because when we continually lean on our own strength to handle our weaknesses, we negate the point for which Christ came and died for us. We are trying to get ahead by our own righteousness or greatness when it comes to gaining control over our bodies.
It says in Galatians 3:22-25 NIV- But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
What is faith again? Hebrews 11:1 KJV-
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is not living by what we can tangibly see and do ourselves. It comes through believing in something that we can't see or do completely for ourselves.
When we believe in what Christ did for us, we are now free to receive God's inheritance because we are heirs. Children of the Father. Able to approach Him freely and intimately. Before Christ, we couldn't do that.
Galatians 3:26-29 NIV- You are all sons (and daughters) of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Stay with me. I want you to read all of this so that you understand it completely. The Apostle Paul continues explaining this principle in Galatians 4:3-7 NIV- So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, Born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (and daughters). Because you are sons (and daughters), God sent the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are a son (and daughter), God has made you also an heir. Before you were grafted into "Son-ship" through Christ's sacrifice, you were in bondage to the world and all the things that enslave us in this world, your body being one of them. But now because you are a joint heir with Christ in God's power (His Spirit), you have freedom from the things that oppress you in this world.
The power of His spirit is residing within you to help you.... if you will allow it to!
Paul continues clarifying this principle in Galatians 4:8-9 NIV- Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God- or rather are known by God- how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
That is so big!!! When we don't rely on the power of the Spirit to help us... we are turning back to a much WEAKER approach. That "weaker approach" is leaning on our own efforts to overcome our weaknesses.
Paul continues the teaching in Galatians 5:1 NIV- It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
"Standing Firm" comes across to me as not letting ourselves be knocked down. When we "lean" on something we don't fall because the object holds us up. Leaning on God's Spirit, helps us Stand Firm!!!
In conclusion, Paul advises us on "how" to live by the Spirit in Galatians 5:16-25 NIV- So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under (the former) law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
In regards to the sinful nature I emphasized idolatry, drunkenness, orgies and the like. I singled out idolatry because I believe that when we are putting food above God, we are in essence worshiping an idol. We are making it god over our lives, rather than the true God. I also emphasized "the like" part of "drunkenness, orgies and the like." I did that because I believe it is pointing out lack of control over the appetites of the flesh. Any thing that allows the appetites of the flesh to take over, is out of harmony with the Spirit and is a part of our sinful nature.
In the fruits of the Spirit. I emphasized love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness and self-control. I believe these traits can be better cultivated in getting control over our weight. When we turn towards the Spirit, we will receive help in loving ourselves and others, it will give us the ability to feel joyful and happy with ourselves and toward others, the Spirit will allow us to be at peace with ourselves and with others, it will enable us to have patience with ourselves and with others, the Spirit of God will strengthen our faith in Him, which we need to continuously help us in ALL things. The enormous strength of the Spirit will empower us to master self-control over our bodies, which is what all of us here desperately seek.
I pray that we can all remember to exercise our faith in God when it comes to overcoming our weaknesses and when we do that, we will take advantage of what Christ did for us!!!! We cannot live by our own power to get this done.... we need to lean on the Spirit of God and His power! Only then will we truly be FREE in the way we were intended to be!!!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Food is not an enemy!
If you read my newsletter then you will probably agree that food is definitely a temptation in your life. There are so many great things to eat out there. For the food addict, eating certain foods brings on a euphoric high, much like a drug addict with drugs. The problem with being a food addict is that you can never just walk away from food. Food addicts must constantly fight the battle. I used to use the analogy that being a recovering food addict is like learning how to tame the monster and live next door to it for the rest of your life. There's truth to that statement. But I'm here to say that you can! Like all my newsletters, I believe in the ability to do this with the help of a Higher Power.
I understand the mentality to NEVER eat certain foods which can trigger you into eating more. I have proclaimed that mindset for myself and others from time to time. But I've learned that adhering to that philosophy is dangerous and I'll tell you why. "Never" and "Always" are strong words to use in dealing with anything. The enemy loves words like that. Back in the Bible, Jesus came to rescue us from "laws" and "rules." He didn't abolish these laws, he just came to open our eyes to living a higher law. Living by the spirit of the law vs. the letter of it, was his example. With this in mind, when you set out to avoid fattening foods because of fear or weakness toward them, you walk a tight rope that Satan will use to torment you. Eventually, you may feel so restricted that you will give into the very things you tried to avoid.
The scriptures say "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is constructive." 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV. What this says to me is that you CAN eat what you like, but the higher law, or the spirit of the law would tell you to consider WHAT you are putting into your body. Abstaining is not the answer necessarily, but moderation and understanding "why" you want to stop yourself, is the answer. I'm not advocating you eat everything in moderation all of the time, I'm simply warning against "always" and "never" stand points. If you keep a balanced approach to food, you will be wise. God allowed all these foods to exist. He is in control. Just like anything, if we abuse any of it, it can rule over our lives. "Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." 1 Corinthians 10:25-26 NIV. In this passage, Paul is speaking about spiritual laws that surrounded food in his day. I relate it to our current day. All food is NOT off limits. We must understand that this way of thinking is a trap. Food isn't the enemy. We CAN enjoy all different foods. We CAN partake. We just need to remember that when we do "partake", we must be wise and ask ourselves whether this will be beneficial to us. If the answer is "NO" and you still want to eat it, then prayerfully ask your Father to keep you in control while enjoying the taste of it. He will give you the ability to control yourself!
I just want to encourage you to relax with food. If you keep thinking you are to be so strict for the rest of your life, then you will undoubtedly feel like a slave to this philosophy. When you begin to feel in bondage to food (either by eating too much or too limited), you will indeed be a slave again to that master. The Lord wants to always be your Master. He wants to be #1. Food is just food, when God is in control of your life. Food has no power if God has the power! Please always remember that!
I understand the mentality to NEVER eat certain foods which can trigger you into eating more. I have proclaimed that mindset for myself and others from time to time. But I've learned that adhering to that philosophy is dangerous and I'll tell you why. "Never" and "Always" are strong words to use in dealing with anything. The enemy loves words like that. Back in the Bible, Jesus came to rescue us from "laws" and "rules." He didn't abolish these laws, he just came to open our eyes to living a higher law. Living by the spirit of the law vs. the letter of it, was his example. With this in mind, when you set out to avoid fattening foods because of fear or weakness toward them, you walk a tight rope that Satan will use to torment you. Eventually, you may feel so restricted that you will give into the very things you tried to avoid.
The scriptures say "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is constructive." 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV. What this says to me is that you CAN eat what you like, but the higher law, or the spirit of the law would tell you to consider WHAT you are putting into your body. Abstaining is not the answer necessarily, but moderation and understanding "why" you want to stop yourself, is the answer. I'm not advocating you eat everything in moderation all of the time, I'm simply warning against "always" and "never" stand points. If you keep a balanced approach to food, you will be wise. God allowed all these foods to exist. He is in control. Just like anything, if we abuse any of it, it can rule over our lives. "Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." 1 Corinthians 10:25-26 NIV. In this passage, Paul is speaking about spiritual laws that surrounded food in his day. I relate it to our current day. All food is NOT off limits. We must understand that this way of thinking is a trap. Food isn't the enemy. We CAN enjoy all different foods. We CAN partake. We just need to remember that when we do "partake", we must be wise and ask ourselves whether this will be beneficial to us. If the answer is "NO" and you still want to eat it, then prayerfully ask your Father to keep you in control while enjoying the taste of it. He will give you the ability to control yourself!
I just want to encourage you to relax with food. If you keep thinking you are to be so strict for the rest of your life, then you will undoubtedly feel like a slave to this philosophy. When you begin to feel in bondage to food (either by eating too much or too limited), you will indeed be a slave again to that master. The Lord wants to always be your Master. He wants to be #1. Food is just food, when God is in control of your life. Food has no power if God has the power! Please always remember that!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Becoming a Masterpiece
I acknowledge that those of you reading this newsletter are all at different levels when it comes to your weight. Some have a lot to lose while others have less and still others are simply trying to maintain what they've already lost. I realize that we are all in a similar boat when it comes to the battle. We are all in the brotherhood because we know the struggle. We understand the pain. We share the hope.
In reflection, I have pondered my experiences while heavier and thinner. I felt proud of my accomplishments, yet stifled by my lack of fulfillment in finishing the journey. You already know that I've come a long way. However, the golden ring still eluded me. I was stuck in accepting mediocrity and I was good at it. The pain of shame wasn't so much a problem anymore because I could get away with hiding my flaws in clothes. It's no wonder that my favorite season is Fall. One of the reasons is because when the weather gets colder, I could wear more clothes. But here comes Summer. My dreaded season. I love the sun but hate the clothes. Bathing suits, shorts, etc. I can't hide in the Summer.
This way of thinking was the norm for me but that's wrong! I was built to become a masterpiece. I was created for greatness and so were you! We should let everything about us SHINE! We are God's creation. In 1 Corinthians 11:7 it says, "A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man." We are made in His GLORIOUS image. That means we are to be magnifying that glory! When we accept mediocrity in how we approach our appearance, we fail to show off God's creation. We fail to shine! I'm not saying that the Lord is all about looks, not at all. I believe God wants our whole lives to shine. Matthew 5:16 says "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." The Lord is interested in molding us and refining us into a work of art, in every aspect for everyone to see. Because when we truly shine on the inside and out, our lives become very attractive to others. They will want what we've got. We will be an instrument for the Lord to influence other people's lives.
As you know, I will be competing in the Mrs. Utah Pageant this summer, but I have also been training to run my first 5K on the 4th of July. I decided to do that before the Pageant was even in the picture because I wanted to prove something to myself. I was already feeling the need to grow in a fresh new way in my life and then the Pageant came and really forced me to stretch myself and my faith. I truly believe God is using these opportunity's to put me in a position to polish up my act. Not only has it humbled me and had me lean on Him in a way that I have never experienced spiritually, but it has me reaching new heights physically. I feel like the raw clay and my Heavenly Father is the sculptor. He is turning me into His masterpiece and I am in reverence of His love for me. He wants to do the same for you!
Don't accept less than the best for yourself! Become shiny for the Lord in every way. Push yourself to get out of your comfort zone. Do something that forces you to stretch. Commit yourself to something that you can't back out of. This sets you up to really exercise some genuine faith in your Father.
I realized early on that I couldn't back out of both of these commitments. My true integrity is hanging in the balance. Because of this knowledge... I am leaning hard on God's wisdom, strength and my efforts to back that up. What I first thought insane, has become my saving grace. I pray that you will allow the Lord to polish you up, too. That you will let Him take your life and truly create the masterpiece that you were meant to be!!!!
In reflection, I have pondered my experiences while heavier and thinner. I felt proud of my accomplishments, yet stifled by my lack of fulfillment in finishing the journey. You already know that I've come a long way. However, the golden ring still eluded me. I was stuck in accepting mediocrity and I was good at it. The pain of shame wasn't so much a problem anymore because I could get away with hiding my flaws in clothes. It's no wonder that my favorite season is Fall. One of the reasons is because when the weather gets colder, I could wear more clothes. But here comes Summer. My dreaded season. I love the sun but hate the clothes. Bathing suits, shorts, etc. I can't hide in the Summer.
This way of thinking was the norm for me but that's wrong! I was built to become a masterpiece. I was created for greatness and so were you! We should let everything about us SHINE! We are God's creation. In 1 Corinthians 11:7 it says, "A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man." We are made in His GLORIOUS image. That means we are to be magnifying that glory! When we accept mediocrity in how we approach our appearance, we fail to show off God's creation. We fail to shine! I'm not saying that the Lord is all about looks, not at all. I believe God wants our whole lives to shine. Matthew 5:16 says "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." The Lord is interested in molding us and refining us into a work of art, in every aspect for everyone to see. Because when we truly shine on the inside and out, our lives become very attractive to others. They will want what we've got. We will be an instrument for the Lord to influence other people's lives.
As you know, I will be competing in the Mrs. Utah Pageant this summer, but I have also been training to run my first 5K on the 4th of July. I decided to do that before the Pageant was even in the picture because I wanted to prove something to myself. I was already feeling the need to grow in a fresh new way in my life and then the Pageant came and really forced me to stretch myself and my faith. I truly believe God is using these opportunity's to put me in a position to polish up my act. Not only has it humbled me and had me lean on Him in a way that I have never experienced spiritually, but it has me reaching new heights physically. I feel like the raw clay and my Heavenly Father is the sculptor. He is turning me into His masterpiece and I am in reverence of His love for me. He wants to do the same for you!
Don't accept less than the best for yourself! Become shiny for the Lord in every way. Push yourself to get out of your comfort zone. Do something that forces you to stretch. Commit yourself to something that you can't back out of. This sets you up to really exercise some genuine faith in your Father.
I realized early on that I couldn't back out of both of these commitments. My true integrity is hanging in the balance. Because of this knowledge... I am leaning hard on God's wisdom, strength and my efforts to back that up. What I first thought insane, has become my saving grace. I pray that you will allow the Lord to polish you up, too. That you will let Him take your life and truly create the masterpiece that you were meant to be!!!!
Monday, May 4, 2009
What's holding you back???
Let me ask you a question. What things get in your way when losing weight? Could it be restricted eating, exercise, prepping foods, planning meals, no support from family, slow metabolism, your medications hinder it, difficult when eating out, too many social events on your calendar, a vacation, a crazy schedule.....
I have heard every single one of those things and I've said a lot of them myself. But have you ever lost weight in spite of many of those same challenges? I can speak from a place of expertise on this when I say that I have been on both sides of that fence. Doing it through the struggles and also not doing it because of the struggles.
Let me switch gears for a moment. Have you ever heard about the Placebo Effect? The Placebo Effect happens when they test out medications to see the effectiveness. They have one group take the real medication and they have a different group take a pill that contains just sugar. Both groups think they are getting the medication that will heal what they've got. In study after study the sugar pill cured around 30% of the recipients. Do you realize how amazing that is? Let's say they were testing a new medicine for chronic headaches, 30% of the recipients were cured from nothing more than a little sugar pill. Their CHRONIC headaches were now totally gone. They believed it was the medicine and they believed the medicine would work. THEY GOT WHAT THEY BELIEVED!!!!!
Maybe you can connect where I'm going with all of this. One of the biggest problems I face in helping people (including helping myself) is in self limiting beliefs. I know this is hard for you to swallow, but it's true! When I asked what things do you think get in your way when losing weight, I really want you to think about what things you think get in your way. Make a list. When you're done... look at it and then realize, that YOU are putting those things in your way! Those things will be huge road blocks to your success if you don't change the way you think about them.
I have had clients in the past who were told by doctors that because of their medical condition they would have a very difficult, if not impossible time losing any weight. How horrible. When I hear stories like that it makes me want to cringe!!! The first thing I say to people like that is to forget what they heard! I tell them that they have the power to think differently about their circumstances. I can think of one client who was told by a doctor she would never go below 200 on the scale because of her fibromyalgia and it was coming true with countless failed attempts. I told her to trust me and believe that her mind and the right eating would do the trick. She did and last time I saw her she was around 170 pounds! You see... you can climb over those limiting walls if you think you can!
Ask yourself these 5 questions when redefining your limiting beliefs.
1. Is this goal desirable and worthwhile?
2. Have others with similar circumstances to mine, accomplished this goal?
3. Is it POSSIBLE for me? (pay attention to your inner voice right now... what negative things is it saying? Now think of your true capabilities)
4. Is what it takes to achieve this goal appropriate and reasonable?
5. Do I think I truly deserve it? (Think about that and search your heart... you may not think you do)
After asking yourself all those questions, then remember that you can redefine anything with a new thought and feeling.
What if you now say & believe that losing weight can be easy because you know there are people out there who say that, believe it and it does become easy? What if you can love eating healthy foods because you focus on the way your body feels after you eat them? What if you can say you love to exercise because you love how much energy you have when you're done? What if you can love planning and prepping foods in advance because you understand how easy it makes your life after its prepared? What if you go out to eat and think of yourself like a naturally thin person because you know that naturally thin people make their companions the main attraction, not the food? What if you choose to say that you have a faster metabolism because you simply believe it and know that it can be sped up with eating healthy food combinations frequently? Do you see? Get your head around and rationalize a higher meaning for change and then buy into the belief!!!! This will work! Test it! I want you all to stop limiting yourself today! I know you are capable of amazing things!
I have heard every single one of those things and I've said a lot of them myself. But have you ever lost weight in spite of many of those same challenges? I can speak from a place of expertise on this when I say that I have been on both sides of that fence. Doing it through the struggles and also not doing it because of the struggles.
Let me switch gears for a moment. Have you ever heard about the Placebo Effect? The Placebo Effect happens when they test out medications to see the effectiveness. They have one group take the real medication and they have a different group take a pill that contains just sugar. Both groups think they are getting the medication that will heal what they've got. In study after study the sugar pill cured around 30% of the recipients. Do you realize how amazing that is? Let's say they were testing a new medicine for chronic headaches, 30% of the recipients were cured from nothing more than a little sugar pill. Their CHRONIC headaches were now totally gone. They believed it was the medicine and they believed the medicine would work. THEY GOT WHAT THEY BELIEVED!!!!!
Maybe you can connect where I'm going with all of this. One of the biggest problems I face in helping people (including helping myself) is in self limiting beliefs. I know this is hard for you to swallow, but it's true! When I asked what things do you think get in your way when losing weight, I really want you to think about what things you think get in your way. Make a list. When you're done... look at it and then realize, that YOU are putting those things in your way! Those things will be huge road blocks to your success if you don't change the way you think about them.
I have had clients in the past who were told by doctors that because of their medical condition they would have a very difficult, if not impossible time losing any weight. How horrible. When I hear stories like that it makes me want to cringe!!! The first thing I say to people like that is to forget what they heard! I tell them that they have the power to think differently about their circumstances. I can think of one client who was told by a doctor she would never go below 200 on the scale because of her fibromyalgia and it was coming true with countless failed attempts. I told her to trust me and believe that her mind and the right eating would do the trick. She did and last time I saw her she was around 170 pounds! You see... you can climb over those limiting walls if you think you can!
Ask yourself these 5 questions when redefining your limiting beliefs.
1. Is this goal desirable and worthwhile?
2. Have others with similar circumstances to mine, accomplished this goal?
3. Is it POSSIBLE for me? (pay attention to your inner voice right now... what negative things is it saying? Now think of your true capabilities)
4. Is what it takes to achieve this goal appropriate and reasonable?
5. Do I think I truly deserve it? (Think about that and search your heart... you may not think you do)
After asking yourself all those questions, then remember that you can redefine anything with a new thought and feeling.
What if you now say & believe that losing weight can be easy because you know there are people out there who say that, believe it and it does become easy? What if you can love eating healthy foods because you focus on the way your body feels after you eat them? What if you can say you love to exercise because you love how much energy you have when you're done? What if you can love planning and prepping foods in advance because you understand how easy it makes your life after its prepared? What if you go out to eat and think of yourself like a naturally thin person because you know that naturally thin people make their companions the main attraction, not the food? What if you choose to say that you have a faster metabolism because you simply believe it and know that it can be sped up with eating healthy food combinations frequently? Do you see? Get your head around and rationalize a higher meaning for change and then buy into the belief!!!! This will work! Test it! I want you all to stop limiting yourself today! I know you are capable of amazing things!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Food for thought
This week I wanted to share a few of my eating tips with you.
I do want to stress the fact that I do not believe in focusing on a diet to get thin. The diet is just the tool to use in the process. The main emphasis should be on the mind and spirit for lasting change. However, I want to give some really good tips to help you see results.
1. To raise your metabolism it is very important to eat every 2 to 3 hours. Preferably something healthy or balanced like protein, fruits, vegetables, & whole grains, etc. If you keep your serving sizes to the size of the palm of your hand or a small orange, you will be safe. This will fuel your body sufficiently and speed up your burning potential.
2. Try to eat within an hour of waking up. Your body has been fasting for about 8-10 hours and therefore your metabolism needs a boost. The longer you put off eating the slower your burning rate will be for the entire day. Get something in your body to start your metabolism going again and you will indeed break the fast (breakfast).
3. Drink water! Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Not only does it flush the body of burned calories but it also speeds up your metabolism...so drink!!!
4. Try to eat a balanced diet. Develop a plan that would work if you were going to implement it for the rest of your life. If you eat some crazy fad diet to get fast results but know that you will not stick to it long term... you are asking for trouble. Start eating like you would be able to eat for the rest of your life. This is why a balanced diet makes more sense. The food groups are proteins, starches, fruits, dairy, fats & vegetables. Keep a balance of those foods in every meal if possible. You will feel good and you will see results!
5. If you exercise over an hour each day of heightened cardiovascular activity then you need to eat more. You can't underestimate the importance of fueling your body for burning. If you don't eat enough of the right fuel... your body will stop losing correctly! This is a very hard fact to swallow but it's true. Eat more food and your body will let go of more weight.... otherwise stop exercising so much! It's one or the other!
These are just a few body/diet tricks to help you. I want you to succeed so much! I know that if you have your heart and mind in the right place that you can overcome any temptation that comes your way! Keep on trying every day! I believe you can do anything that you believe you can!!!!!
I do want to stress the fact that I do not believe in focusing on a diet to get thin. The diet is just the tool to use in the process. The main emphasis should be on the mind and spirit for lasting change. However, I want to give some really good tips to help you see results.
1. To raise your metabolism it is very important to eat every 2 to 3 hours. Preferably something healthy or balanced like protein, fruits, vegetables, & whole grains, etc. If you keep your serving sizes to the size of the palm of your hand or a small orange, you will be safe. This will fuel your body sufficiently and speed up your burning potential.
2. Try to eat within an hour of waking up. Your body has been fasting for about 8-10 hours and therefore your metabolism needs a boost. The longer you put off eating the slower your burning rate will be for the entire day. Get something in your body to start your metabolism going again and you will indeed break the fast (breakfast).
3. Drink water! Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Not only does it flush the body of burned calories but it also speeds up your metabolism...so drink!!!
4. Try to eat a balanced diet. Develop a plan that would work if you were going to implement it for the rest of your life. If you eat some crazy fad diet to get fast results but know that you will not stick to it long term... you are asking for trouble. Start eating like you would be able to eat for the rest of your life. This is why a balanced diet makes more sense. The food groups are proteins, starches, fruits, dairy, fats & vegetables. Keep a balance of those foods in every meal if possible. You will feel good and you will see results!
5. If you exercise over an hour each day of heightened cardiovascular activity then you need to eat more. You can't underestimate the importance of fueling your body for burning. If you don't eat enough of the right fuel... your body will stop losing correctly! This is a very hard fact to swallow but it's true. Eat more food and your body will let go of more weight.... otherwise stop exercising so much! It's one or the other!
These are just a few body/diet tricks to help you. I want you to succeed so much! I know that if you have your heart and mind in the right place that you can overcome any temptation that comes your way! Keep on trying every day! I believe you can do anything that you believe you can!!!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Big Seven
I have thought about this subject on and off over the years. I never really researched it until now, even though I was attracted to the overall meaning.
I know that the Catholic religion is predominately known for this teaching, even though I was surprised to read that they weren't the ones that originally taught it. Regardless of who supports it or brought it forward, it bears great wisdom and insight for all of us to think about, which is why I am going to discuss it this week.
The subject is on the Seven Deadly Sins.
Let me list them for you in no order of importance.
1. Pride
2. Gluttony
3. Greed
4. Lust
5. Sloth
6. Wrath
7. Envy
For a better explanation of each one of these, I encourage you to click on this wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Deadly_Sins#Pride_.28Latin.2C_superbia.29
This is a great resource into understanding each one and the history about how they came into existence.
I think it's probably obvious why I am attracted to this teaching. It combines all that I have been trying to explain in my newsletters.
It's labeled the Seven Deadly Sins for a reason. These vices can kill us internally and can cause us external death as well, in one way or another. In thinking about this principle I connected it to the purpose of the Ten Commandments. I used to think the Ten Commandments were God's way of boxing me in and giving me rules. I really did. I looked at them as if they were a way for God to judge me. While there is some truth to that, I realize now that the Commandments were put in place to protect us and in essence, Free Us! Which brings true happiness!
Paying attention to these seven areas of concern can protect us from our human nature. I guess in other words, they protect us from ourselves. When we participate in these behaviors, we typically minimize the effects they will have on us. We justify our actions and stubbornly engage. However, the end of most of those roads...run us, smack dab into a wall of regret, pain and sorrow. Much of the time they produce addictions to the body or mind, which enslave us. Making themselves god over our lives and deny us of our freedom.
I believe, if you look at the list of deadly behaviors, you will be able to see most of what's wrong with our world. For this reason, instead of looking at the list with a feeling of moral obligation, look at it as wisdom. In one of my messages, I talked about the importance of gaining wisdom and understanding it in an attempt to change the course of your life. These seven deadly areas provide a wise instruction for all of us to absorb!
First of all, gluttony (or over-indulgence) is the big issue that's had an impact on all of us in this forum!
I completely understand why this would be on the list. I understand how it kills! It destroys lives! It masquerades as a mild issue, especially when you compare it to some of the others on the list. But over-indulgence is an emotional and physical nightmare that turns into a complete life altering problem. These results are the consequences that occur because of it. I am always amazed at how people don't connect over-indulgence and spiritual consequences. You cannot over-indulge in food and have it isolated to just a mind and body consequence.... it effects the spirit. Our desecration of the body is our desecration of God's temple. Our body houses the Holy Spirit of God (as stated in the Bible). We have to remember this point. It's vital to the balance of life, which is the balance between Mind, Body and Spirit! If one is out of balance, then the other two are effected. You cannot negate any point of the triangle. You can try, but you will eventually have to come to terms with this. I am not trying to condemn or convict anyone... I am just trying to open your eyes to this disconnection.
The good news is that we can change!
When I was reading about this on Wikipedia, they also listed the 7 corresponding virtues that the Catholic religion teaches in correspondence with the 7 Deadly Sins. You can understand them more thoroughly by linking to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Virtues.
Here they are:
Vice & Virtue
Lust Chastity
Glutton Temperance
Greed Charity
Sloth Diligence
Wrath Patience
Envy Kindness
Pride Humility
I understand the importance of adhering to these principles and I agree with them wholeheartedly. Many of these are obvious opposites, but I like that they have shown us the specific behavior to magnify in order to stay to the right course.
I urge you to study the links I provided. I believe it will give you more understanding. Being aware of the pitfalls in the road, make falling into them harder. That's why we must see how these things are absolutely deadly to us!
Getting gluttony under control will absolutely come when we attain proper self love. We won't over-indulge because we can't. They oppose each other. They don't match. Pouring a strong dose of God's light into our hearts will undoubtedly affect the way we act and treat ourselves and others.
You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then lust after someone. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then over-indulge in food or drink. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then be greedy. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then be lazy. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then lose your temper. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then envy someone. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then operate in pride. You just can't!!!
I know that we all have light. Good people can still struggle with some of these things (I know I do). But if we keep pouring more and more of God's Word and His love into our hearts, we will eventually minimize and hopefully push all of those ugly behaviors out, because we can't tolerate light and dark at the same time. It says in the scriptures that a house divided against itself will fall. Therefore, we will either choose to fall or stand. Turning completely into the light, is STANDING! This isn't perfection we are talking about, this is wisdom. This is choosing good and straight paths so we don't stumble!
So keep your eye on those seven vices and virtues in your life. Be aware and then be purposeful in your decisions regarding them. When you are full of light & centered love for yourself and others, you will indeed....BE FREE!
I know that the Catholic religion is predominately known for this teaching, even though I was surprised to read that they weren't the ones that originally taught it. Regardless of who supports it or brought it forward, it bears great wisdom and insight for all of us to think about, which is why I am going to discuss it this week.
The subject is on the Seven Deadly Sins.
Let me list them for you in no order of importance.
1. Pride
2. Gluttony
3. Greed
4. Lust
5. Sloth
6. Wrath
7. Envy
For a better explanation of each one of these, I encourage you to click on this wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Deadly_Sins#Pride_.28Latin.2C_superbia.29
This is a great resource into understanding each one and the history about how they came into existence.
I think it's probably obvious why I am attracted to this teaching. It combines all that I have been trying to explain in my newsletters.
It's labeled the Seven Deadly Sins for a reason. These vices can kill us internally and can cause us external death as well, in one way or another. In thinking about this principle I connected it to the purpose of the Ten Commandments. I used to think the Ten Commandments were God's way of boxing me in and giving me rules. I really did. I looked at them as if they were a way for God to judge me. While there is some truth to that, I realize now that the Commandments were put in place to protect us and in essence, Free Us! Which brings true happiness!
Paying attention to these seven areas of concern can protect us from our human nature. I guess in other words, they protect us from ourselves. When we participate in these behaviors, we typically minimize the effects they will have on us. We justify our actions and stubbornly engage. However, the end of most of those roads...run us, smack dab into a wall of regret, pain and sorrow. Much of the time they produce addictions to the body or mind, which enslave us. Making themselves god over our lives and deny us of our freedom.
I believe, if you look at the list of deadly behaviors, you will be able to see most of what's wrong with our world. For this reason, instead of looking at the list with a feeling of moral obligation, look at it as wisdom. In one of my messages, I talked about the importance of gaining wisdom and understanding it in an attempt to change the course of your life. These seven deadly areas provide a wise instruction for all of us to absorb!
First of all, gluttony (or over-indulgence) is the big issue that's had an impact on all of us in this forum!
I completely understand why this would be on the list. I understand how it kills! It destroys lives! It masquerades as a mild issue, especially when you compare it to some of the others on the list. But over-indulgence is an emotional and physical nightmare that turns into a complete life altering problem. These results are the consequences that occur because of it. I am always amazed at how people don't connect over-indulgence and spiritual consequences. You cannot over-indulge in food and have it isolated to just a mind and body consequence.... it effects the spirit. Our desecration of the body is our desecration of God's temple. Our body houses the Holy Spirit of God (as stated in the Bible). We have to remember this point. It's vital to the balance of life, which is the balance between Mind, Body and Spirit! If one is out of balance, then the other two are effected. You cannot negate any point of the triangle. You can try, but you will eventually have to come to terms with this. I am not trying to condemn or convict anyone... I am just trying to open your eyes to this disconnection.
The good news is that we can change!
When I was reading about this on Wikipedia, they also listed the 7 corresponding virtues that the Catholic religion teaches in correspondence with the 7 Deadly Sins. You can understand them more thoroughly by linking to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Virtues.
Here they are:
Vice & Virtue
Lust Chastity
Glutton Temperance
Greed Charity
Sloth Diligence
Wrath Patience
Envy Kindness
Pride Humility
I understand the importance of adhering to these principles and I agree with them wholeheartedly. Many of these are obvious opposites, but I like that they have shown us the specific behavior to magnify in order to stay to the right course.
I urge you to study the links I provided. I believe it will give you more understanding. Being aware of the pitfalls in the road, make falling into them harder. That's why we must see how these things are absolutely deadly to us!
Getting gluttony under control will absolutely come when we attain proper self love. We won't over-indulge because we can't. They oppose each other. They don't match. Pouring a strong dose of God's light into our hearts will undoubtedly affect the way we act and treat ourselves and others.
You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then lust after someone. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then over-indulge in food or drink. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then be greedy. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then be lazy. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then lose your temper. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then envy someone. You can't be full of light & centered love for yourself and others & then operate in pride. You just can't!!!
I know that we all have light. Good people can still struggle with some of these things (I know I do). But if we keep pouring more and more of God's Word and His love into our hearts, we will eventually minimize and hopefully push all of those ugly behaviors out, because we can't tolerate light and dark at the same time. It says in the scriptures that a house divided against itself will fall. Therefore, we will either choose to fall or stand. Turning completely into the light, is STANDING! This isn't perfection we are talking about, this is wisdom. This is choosing good and straight paths so we don't stumble!
So keep your eye on those seven vices and virtues in your life. Be aware and then be purposeful in your decisions regarding them. When you are full of light & centered love for yourself and others, you will indeed....BE FREE!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The story of me and my body
One thing that I have come to realize is how much our history with weight gain or loss can reflect on who we are as a person. Our bodies reflect a constant story that we tell. A reflection into our souls. A mirror of our life and state of mind.
My journey is so clear when I look back now, but at the time it was just a frustrating set of events. I can really see how my roller coaster ride up and down with my weight was reflecting my self image. I think I lost and gained a significant amount of weight during my first marriage about 4 different times over a 13 year period of time. I have often told people that I have been overweight more than thinner. This is very true. But why did I put it back on after losing it every time? I used to think it had to do with having babies or moving or something like that. While that is the surface truth it wasn't the real reason that I have come to understand now.
My first marriage proved to be a school of learning for me. I want to explain that I went into that marriage with very unrealistic expectations. I didn't really love myself and I looked to him to fill in that void. No human being can do that for someone else completely. When I still felt my needs were unmet by him, I coped with food (unknowingly). I was not the best wife but I wasn't the worst either. I could have done a lot of things better but I was stuck. Stuck between my own unhappiness and the nonacceptance I felt from him. I always felt like he was a better person than me. I felt like I was the screw up and it didn't help that he eventually reinforced my fears by his comments and disapproving nature. All of these things led eventually to the divorce.
During and after the divorce I began to lose weight, but very slowly. It's been about 4 years since that divorce and I have lost about 70 pounds total. The thing that has amazed me the most is that I haven't gained it back. I never maintained weight loss in my past. I lost it and maybe maintained it for a few months but always began to gain again. Why now? What's different? That is what I have thought and thought about and the answer is so obvious to me now. It's because my self image is different! When I was married for all those years I had a very low self image. I saw myself as ugly and fat and lazy. I lived up to that image, over and over again. When I got away from that situation, I began to redefine myself without even knowing. It certainly took awhile, but as good people came into my life and spoke words of belief into me, it lifted. When I began to read positive books and scriptures, it lifted. When I accomplished things that I never thought I could, it lifted and consequently my weight matched my self image. I never put weight back on because it wouldn't match the way I see myself internally. Does that mean that I don't ever gain any weight? No! My weight fluctuates up a bit here and there, but I don't let it get out of hand. Without being aware of all the undertones, I pull in the reins and eat less instinctively. It's almost bizarre to me how subtle all of it is.
An illustration of your body naturally matching your self image is when you hear people say that their body seems to gravitate toward a certain weight. They think it's because their body feels comfortable at that number. What I believe is that they gravitate toward that number because it is as comfortable as they feel about themselves. They can't see themselves as thinner in their mind and they certainly don't have the esteem to support more. Passing that weight feels foreign to them and the sabotaging begins until that person get's to a place that is too far in the other direction and their self image and self esteem kick in to stop them from overeating anymore.
The point I'm making is that you must change your self image before you can change your body for good. You may lose all your weight but you won't keep it off if your self image and self esteem don't support it. The way to change your self image comes in changing your subconscious mind. Your subconscious mind is what makes up your belief systems about anything and it is what governs your long term patterns or actions. It records everything that your conscious mind is taking in. When you keep having recurring thoughts about yourself or situations it develops into a belief system internalized into your subconscious mind. The way to reprogram your subconscious is to pour new information about yourself in. Start reading good positive books like "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Begin to read the Word of God which tells you how the Lord thinks about you. Listen to great speakers on CD while your driving, etc. Surround yourself with people who believe the best about you and tell you. Then you need to get a new image fixated into your mind. Really see yourself as you want to be. Get very clear about this image because that is a necessary ingredient in matching your body.
Pour new truth into your heart and head and over time your conscious reprogramming will begin to change your subconscious. Then and only then will you get the body you really want because you will feel like you fit into it! You will feel worthy to receive it naturally. It will just happen!
My journey is so clear when I look back now, but at the time it was just a frustrating set of events. I can really see how my roller coaster ride up and down with my weight was reflecting my self image. I think I lost and gained a significant amount of weight during my first marriage about 4 different times over a 13 year period of time. I have often told people that I have been overweight more than thinner. This is very true. But why did I put it back on after losing it every time? I used to think it had to do with having babies or moving or something like that. While that is the surface truth it wasn't the real reason that I have come to understand now.
My first marriage proved to be a school of learning for me. I want to explain that I went into that marriage with very unrealistic expectations. I didn't really love myself and I looked to him to fill in that void. No human being can do that for someone else completely. When I still felt my needs were unmet by him, I coped with food (unknowingly). I was not the best wife but I wasn't the worst either. I could have done a lot of things better but I was stuck. Stuck between my own unhappiness and the nonacceptance I felt from him. I always felt like he was a better person than me. I felt like I was the screw up and it didn't help that he eventually reinforced my fears by his comments and disapproving nature. All of these things led eventually to the divorce.
During and after the divorce I began to lose weight, but very slowly. It's been about 4 years since that divorce and I have lost about 70 pounds total. The thing that has amazed me the most is that I haven't gained it back. I never maintained weight loss in my past. I lost it and maybe maintained it for a few months but always began to gain again. Why now? What's different? That is what I have thought and thought about and the answer is so obvious to me now. It's because my self image is different! When I was married for all those years I had a very low self image. I saw myself as ugly and fat and lazy. I lived up to that image, over and over again. When I got away from that situation, I began to redefine myself without even knowing. It certainly took awhile, but as good people came into my life and spoke words of belief into me, it lifted. When I began to read positive books and scriptures, it lifted. When I accomplished things that I never thought I could, it lifted and consequently my weight matched my self image. I never put weight back on because it wouldn't match the way I see myself internally. Does that mean that I don't ever gain any weight? No! My weight fluctuates up a bit here and there, but I don't let it get out of hand. Without being aware of all the undertones, I pull in the reins and eat less instinctively. It's almost bizarre to me how subtle all of it is.
An illustration of your body naturally matching your self image is when you hear people say that their body seems to gravitate toward a certain weight. They think it's because their body feels comfortable at that number. What I believe is that they gravitate toward that number because it is as comfortable as they feel about themselves. They can't see themselves as thinner in their mind and they certainly don't have the esteem to support more. Passing that weight feels foreign to them and the sabotaging begins until that person get's to a place that is too far in the other direction and their self image and self esteem kick in to stop them from overeating anymore.
The point I'm making is that you must change your self image before you can change your body for good. You may lose all your weight but you won't keep it off if your self image and self esteem don't support it. The way to change your self image comes in changing your subconscious mind. Your subconscious mind is what makes up your belief systems about anything and it is what governs your long term patterns or actions. It records everything that your conscious mind is taking in. When you keep having recurring thoughts about yourself or situations it develops into a belief system internalized into your subconscious mind. The way to reprogram your subconscious is to pour new information about yourself in. Start reading good positive books like "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Begin to read the Word of God which tells you how the Lord thinks about you. Listen to great speakers on CD while your driving, etc. Surround yourself with people who believe the best about you and tell you. Then you need to get a new image fixated into your mind. Really see yourself as you want to be. Get very clear about this image because that is a necessary ingredient in matching your body.
Pour new truth into your heart and head and over time your conscious reprogramming will begin to change your subconscious. Then and only then will you get the body you really want because you will feel like you fit into it! You will feel worthy to receive it naturally. It will just happen!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Mind Focus - What motivates you?
One thing that I think we can all agree on is that to lose weight, we need to get motivated and stay motivated. But knowing that and doing that are two completely different things. Why is it so hard to get and keep motivated sometimes? That’s a good question. One that I have asked myself many times, as well. I wanted to write about it this week for that very reason. I wanted to dig deeper and do some research into what motivates people. What I found was very informative and helpful and I intend to use it to help me.
The two factors that I recognize a lot within weight loss are Intrinsic Motivation and Extrinsic Motivation.
Intrinsic Motivation: Internal desires to perform a particular task, people do certain activities because it gives them pleasure, develops a particular skill, or it’s morally the right thing to do.
Extrinsic Motivation: This is external inducement, such as rewards, grades, recognition, or money. Factors external to the individual and unrelated to the task they are performing.
Maybe you can already see how this plays a factor into the different motivations used in weight loss. My first impressions were of the differences between the lasting success of clients and the temporary success.
Clients who develop lasting success usually develop some sort of internal shift. The shift wasn’t motivated by reaching a finish line anymore. They gained a sense of inner growth and understanding, which cannot be measured by a final outcome. This wasn’t about getting thinner anymore, it was prompted by a higher motive. For some it‘s related to mortality and longevity. They wanted to live longer & embrace the freedom that comes with good physical health. Weight Loss is a means to an end. In a newsletter several months ago, I mentioned Marylou Henner, the actress. I talked about how she had an awakening in regards to her own health and weight. She witnessed the struggle her parents had with diabetes and because of her own battle with weight, she became determined to learn more about health and nutrition. Her motivation became Intrinsic because she did it out of moral reasons. It became a mission for her to fully understand and a life shift occurred internally. She remains transformed today because her motivations were never planted on a external outcome, which when reached, gives a temporary reward.
Now let’s talk about Extrinsic Motivation and weight loss. This is where most of us put our motivation. It’s not that Extrinsic motivating factors don’t work, it’s that they don’t last unless shifted at some point to an Intrinsic motivating factor. The weight loss industry is notorious for putting the emphasis on these external motivations. Getting into a smaller size or looking good for a high school reunion or a wedding are some examples. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using external motivators to help you along your way, but if you are putting your end goal as an extrinsic motivation, then you probably won’t be satisfied for long. You can only do something that you wouldn’t normally do for awhile before you’ll abandon it for what you would rather be doing. The change has to come from the core. It has to come from the heart. I referenced this in my last newsletter when I discussed developing higher motives. Even an athlete can regress back into a sedentary lifestyle if their motives were just about winning. They will not live the life of a true champion until they change their motives to a higher reason for continuing that lifestyle.
To sum it up, I urge you to think about what your motivations have been. Reflect on what long term successes you have had in your life and I’m not talking about weight loss. I want you to look at situations that really produced a lasting change for you. Analyze your motives in those cases. My suspicion is that you will see that you had an Intrinsic motivation not Extrinsic. A personal example of this is with my studying the scriptures and reading. I used to struggle so bad with this. I knew I should read the scriptures and I knew I should read books, but every time I set out to accomplish a new goal in these areas, I found myself stopping. It wasn’t until I went through some painful experiences that I WANTED TO LEARN from the scriptures. I needed them like water to quench my thirst. I absorbed them willingly and found comfort and wisdom there. Likewise with my choice of encouraging books. Now I get up early every morning to pursue this because I have a motivation that comes from a deeper place. I don’t do it because I am told that I should. I really love doing it.
One more thing. Even if you try something for the wrong reasons, you might end with the right ones, so never stop trying to accomplish a worthwhile task, no matter what it is. Higher purposes can be revealed to you along the journey. Keep your eyes open and alert to finding higher motives in any worthy pursuit and then try to develop them into your whole being. This will produce the results you desire. I promise!!!
The two factors that I recognize a lot within weight loss are Intrinsic Motivation and Extrinsic Motivation.
Intrinsic Motivation: Internal desires to perform a particular task, people do certain activities because it gives them pleasure, develops a particular skill, or it’s morally the right thing to do.
Extrinsic Motivation: This is external inducement, such as rewards, grades, recognition, or money. Factors external to the individual and unrelated to the task they are performing.
Maybe you can already see how this plays a factor into the different motivations used in weight loss. My first impressions were of the differences between the lasting success of clients and the temporary success.
Clients who develop lasting success usually develop some sort of internal shift. The shift wasn’t motivated by reaching a finish line anymore. They gained a sense of inner growth and understanding, which cannot be measured by a final outcome. This wasn’t about getting thinner anymore, it was prompted by a higher motive. For some it‘s related to mortality and longevity. They wanted to live longer & embrace the freedom that comes with good physical health. Weight Loss is a means to an end. In a newsletter several months ago, I mentioned Marylou Henner, the actress. I talked about how she had an awakening in regards to her own health and weight. She witnessed the struggle her parents had with diabetes and because of her own battle with weight, she became determined to learn more about health and nutrition. Her motivation became Intrinsic because she did it out of moral reasons. It became a mission for her to fully understand and a life shift occurred internally. She remains transformed today because her motivations were never planted on a external outcome, which when reached, gives a temporary reward.
Now let’s talk about Extrinsic Motivation and weight loss. This is where most of us put our motivation. It’s not that Extrinsic motivating factors don’t work, it’s that they don’t last unless shifted at some point to an Intrinsic motivating factor. The weight loss industry is notorious for putting the emphasis on these external motivations. Getting into a smaller size or looking good for a high school reunion or a wedding are some examples. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using external motivators to help you along your way, but if you are putting your end goal as an extrinsic motivation, then you probably won’t be satisfied for long. You can only do something that you wouldn’t normally do for awhile before you’ll abandon it for what you would rather be doing. The change has to come from the core. It has to come from the heart. I referenced this in my last newsletter when I discussed developing higher motives. Even an athlete can regress back into a sedentary lifestyle if their motives were just about winning. They will not live the life of a true champion until they change their motives to a higher reason for continuing that lifestyle.
To sum it up, I urge you to think about what your motivations have been. Reflect on what long term successes you have had in your life and I’m not talking about weight loss. I want you to look at situations that really produced a lasting change for you. Analyze your motives in those cases. My suspicion is that you will see that you had an Intrinsic motivation not Extrinsic. A personal example of this is with my studying the scriptures and reading. I used to struggle so bad with this. I knew I should read the scriptures and I knew I should read books, but every time I set out to accomplish a new goal in these areas, I found myself stopping. It wasn’t until I went through some painful experiences that I WANTED TO LEARN from the scriptures. I needed them like water to quench my thirst. I absorbed them willingly and found comfort and wisdom there. Likewise with my choice of encouraging books. Now I get up early every morning to pursue this because I have a motivation that comes from a deeper place. I don’t do it because I am told that I should. I really love doing it.
One more thing. Even if you try something for the wrong reasons, you might end with the right ones, so never stop trying to accomplish a worthwhile task, no matter what it is. Higher purposes can be revealed to you along the journey. Keep your eyes open and alert to finding higher motives in any worthy pursuit and then try to develop them into your whole being. This will produce the results you desire. I promise!!!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Race
I have always loved movies about inspirational sports stories. I guess because it embodies everything that I admire and want to embrace personally. I even watched one last night. “The Comebacks.“ I loved it! This weeks newsletter is about a race.
Before I begin, I want to outline the focus of my future Newsletters.
I will be embracing the Mind, Body, Spirit approach. This isn‘t completely new, however I’ve been teaching a lot from the Spirit subjects lately. There is nothing wrong with that, but balance is a necessary element for growth. I believe strongly in the role that the Mind plays in creating our lives as well as the power of mastering our Bodies, like eating strategies and physical activity. My knowledge of “food for fuel” is extensive and I want to share this with you, as well as other insights I might have learned.
Each week I will rotate the focus (Mind topics, Body topics and Spirit topics). This week I will kick it off by incorporating all 3 into the message. This message actually came to me several months ago, but I didn’t feel it was the right time to share it. I believe now is the perfect time and I stand in awe at how the Lord works.
One more thing, I want to thank a special client for reminding me of one important ingredient when writing my newsletters. She said “Write something YOU need to hear.” She didn’t realize how profound her statement was. These were absolutely the perfect words to align me. “The Race” is a message that I need right now in my life! I hope it speaks to you as well!
******************************************************************************************
This “Race” is written about in the New Testament. The apostle Paul was the author.
It’s taken from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. When I first read this passage, I was overcome with insight. I know Paul wasn’t writing about weight loss, but I could see the amazing parallels!
I want to share them with you now. First, the scripture passage and then the metaphorical insights that if applied, can dramatically change the outcome of your race.
Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
First of all, lets talk about the first question. “Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?” This question asks what kind of a runner are you? It cuts to the chase. It has you check your motivation and your work ethic. It asks if you have the heart of a champion? It asks if you have what it takes to get the prize? So the first thing to do is DEFINE YOUR LEVEL OF COMMITMENT.
Next it says in answer to the first question, “Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Basically that means, if you say you want to win, then you must behave differently. You need to think like an eagle not a chicken. You now must do what others aren’t willing to do. Any great sports movie shows us this example. Don’t think about past failures, because many runners have come back from failure and used it to help them win. You have to act and be a winner in your mind or you won‘t have what it takes to train for and then win the race. So the second thing to do is GO BEYOND THE AVERAGE.
Then we read, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” Okay, this is huge! This part has you define what your motives are. Do you want to be skinny for the world’s reasons or do you want to be the disciplined person that God intended you to be… free from bondage? Diets and exercise programs are a dime a dozen. This is why the Weight Loss industry is a 60 billion dollar enterprise. Most people go into a diet or exercise program with intensity and some sort of resolve, but do they get to the finish line of their race? Do they reach their goal weight and size? Sometimes. Sometimes not. The question to ask is if they were after the right outcome or the right “crown?” Vain motives alone, represent a crown that won’t last. They will produce a shallow victory that has the individual still searching for some form of happiness. The right crown is attained when the goal is mastering your body. It’s attained by wanting God to be more important than the flesh. It’s by wanting depth of character to develop in the process. The crown of lasting victory will give you understanding about the role this struggle has had in your life. It’s by accepting responsibility for past behaviors but then understanding how God took your failures and turned them around to offer personal growth and development for your race. So the third focus is to DEVELOP HIGHER MOTIVES.
Next the passage reads “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly;”. What I interpret this to mean is having a plan. The best results I’ve seen have come from individuals who are directly aiming at their targets everyday. The best of the best, know what their next move will be. They can’t afford to leave their success up to chance. They have long term and short term goals. They know what direction the day will take tomorrow. They know how they will train (exercise), what fuel they will use to train efficiently (food) and when they will do all of these things (a specific schedule). They are deliberate in their pursuit. A foolish person will fly by the seat of their pants. No plan, no direction, no goals, no daily game plan. The day creates itself. This will lead to defeat. Planning is absolutely necessary for any successful athlete. The fourth focus is to PLAN TODAY FOR TOMORROW.
Reading on it says “I do not fight like a man beating the air.” To me this means strategy. Paul uses the example of a fighter. Any boxer in training would learn how to hit their opponent hard, but also accurately. He would learn the art of defense in order to avoid getting knocked down. A fighter doesn’t waste his energy by constantly throwing punches. He uses his strength and energy wisely in order to endure all the rounds if necessary. Focusing your thoughts and actions to accurately help you each day is strategic. Be deliberate in your choices. Don’t waste energy on stupid things that won’t help you. Read scripture, pray specifically, eat wisely, do the right exercise for your objectives. The fifth focus is to WORK SMART, NOT HARD.
Next it says “No, I beat my body and make it a slave” This is self discipline. Realize that discomfort is necessary in being worthy to win the race and receive the lasting crown and prize. No great athlete did without pain. In this race the pains are different, but no less difficult to endure. The pain of walking away from food we want. The pain of preparing food in advance, when we would like to be doing something else. The pain of taking the time to read the scriptures in the morning or at night, when we just want to sleep in longer or lay down and rest. The pain of stopping our fast paced lives and talking to God. The pain of writing our food and feelings down because again, we are too busy and can’t. The pain of eating foods we may not like or may not prefer over something else. The pain of exercise to our bodies because it isn’t pleasant to feel a strain or physical discomfort. The pain of scheduling that exercise into our lives everyday. You see, we must suffer and sacrifice in order to ultimately win. The sixth focus is NO PAIN, NO PRIZE.
The last part of the passage says “so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” This means to be a person of integrity. It is said that integrity is revealed when no one is looking. It’s being a champion in front of everyone or just in front of God. God has given you this race to overcome in front of people. He wants you to win. When you win, you help others in running their races. This is why you must be authentic from the core. If you cheat and no one sees, He sees. You really only cheat yourself. Seeing the importance of your example, will help you be more committed to yourself and your own race. This speaks straight to me and my weaknesses. I want to lead with integrity and help all of you win your own races, while I win mine! The seventh and last focus is BE THE REAL THING.
So the formula for winning the race and receiving the desires of our heart are simple.
1. Define your level of commitment.
2. Go beyond the average.
3. Develop higher motives.
4. Plan today for tomorrow.
5. Work smart, not hard.
6. No pain, no prize.
7. Be the real thing.
I believe in this! Thinking about all the people that I’ve seen overcome this food addiction, I can see these traits. I know that if we can apply them, they will bring our bodies into balance with our minds and spirits. Have a great week.
Before I begin, I want to outline the focus of my future Newsletters.
I will be embracing the Mind, Body, Spirit approach. This isn‘t completely new, however I’ve been teaching a lot from the Spirit subjects lately. There is nothing wrong with that, but balance is a necessary element for growth. I believe strongly in the role that the Mind plays in creating our lives as well as the power of mastering our Bodies, like eating strategies and physical activity. My knowledge of “food for fuel” is extensive and I want to share this with you, as well as other insights I might have learned.
Each week I will rotate the focus (Mind topics, Body topics and Spirit topics). This week I will kick it off by incorporating all 3 into the message. This message actually came to me several months ago, but I didn’t feel it was the right time to share it. I believe now is the perfect time and I stand in awe at how the Lord works.
One more thing, I want to thank a special client for reminding me of one important ingredient when writing my newsletters. She said “Write something YOU need to hear.” She didn’t realize how profound her statement was. These were absolutely the perfect words to align me. “The Race” is a message that I need right now in my life! I hope it speaks to you as well!
******************************************************************************************
This “Race” is written about in the New Testament. The apostle Paul was the author.
It’s taken from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. When I first read this passage, I was overcome with insight. I know Paul wasn’t writing about weight loss, but I could see the amazing parallels!
I want to share them with you now. First, the scripture passage and then the metaphorical insights that if applied, can dramatically change the outcome of your race.
Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
First of all, lets talk about the first question. “Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?” This question asks what kind of a runner are you? It cuts to the chase. It has you check your motivation and your work ethic. It asks if you have the heart of a champion? It asks if you have what it takes to get the prize? So the first thing to do is DEFINE YOUR LEVEL OF COMMITMENT.
Next it says in answer to the first question, “Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Basically that means, if you say you want to win, then you must behave differently. You need to think like an eagle not a chicken. You now must do what others aren’t willing to do. Any great sports movie shows us this example. Don’t think about past failures, because many runners have come back from failure and used it to help them win. You have to act and be a winner in your mind or you won‘t have what it takes to train for and then win the race. So the second thing to do is GO BEYOND THE AVERAGE.
Then we read, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” Okay, this is huge! This part has you define what your motives are. Do you want to be skinny for the world’s reasons or do you want to be the disciplined person that God intended you to be… free from bondage? Diets and exercise programs are a dime a dozen. This is why the Weight Loss industry is a 60 billion dollar enterprise. Most people go into a diet or exercise program with intensity and some sort of resolve, but do they get to the finish line of their race? Do they reach their goal weight and size? Sometimes. Sometimes not. The question to ask is if they were after the right outcome or the right “crown?” Vain motives alone, represent a crown that won’t last. They will produce a shallow victory that has the individual still searching for some form of happiness. The right crown is attained when the goal is mastering your body. It’s attained by wanting God to be more important than the flesh. It’s by wanting depth of character to develop in the process. The crown of lasting victory will give you understanding about the role this struggle has had in your life. It’s by accepting responsibility for past behaviors but then understanding how God took your failures and turned them around to offer personal growth and development for your race. So the third focus is to DEVELOP HIGHER MOTIVES.
Next the passage reads “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly;”. What I interpret this to mean is having a plan. The best results I’ve seen have come from individuals who are directly aiming at their targets everyday. The best of the best, know what their next move will be. They can’t afford to leave their success up to chance. They have long term and short term goals. They know what direction the day will take tomorrow. They know how they will train (exercise), what fuel they will use to train efficiently (food) and when they will do all of these things (a specific schedule). They are deliberate in their pursuit. A foolish person will fly by the seat of their pants. No plan, no direction, no goals, no daily game plan. The day creates itself. This will lead to defeat. Planning is absolutely necessary for any successful athlete. The fourth focus is to PLAN TODAY FOR TOMORROW.
Reading on it says “I do not fight like a man beating the air.” To me this means strategy. Paul uses the example of a fighter. Any boxer in training would learn how to hit their opponent hard, but also accurately. He would learn the art of defense in order to avoid getting knocked down. A fighter doesn’t waste his energy by constantly throwing punches. He uses his strength and energy wisely in order to endure all the rounds if necessary. Focusing your thoughts and actions to accurately help you each day is strategic. Be deliberate in your choices. Don’t waste energy on stupid things that won’t help you. Read scripture, pray specifically, eat wisely, do the right exercise for your objectives. The fifth focus is to WORK SMART, NOT HARD.
Next it says “No, I beat my body and make it a slave” This is self discipline. Realize that discomfort is necessary in being worthy to win the race and receive the lasting crown and prize. No great athlete did without pain. In this race the pains are different, but no less difficult to endure. The pain of walking away from food we want. The pain of preparing food in advance, when we would like to be doing something else. The pain of taking the time to read the scriptures in the morning or at night, when we just want to sleep in longer or lay down and rest. The pain of stopping our fast paced lives and talking to God. The pain of writing our food and feelings down because again, we are too busy and can’t. The pain of eating foods we may not like or may not prefer over something else. The pain of exercise to our bodies because it isn’t pleasant to feel a strain or physical discomfort. The pain of scheduling that exercise into our lives everyday. You see, we must suffer and sacrifice in order to ultimately win. The sixth focus is NO PAIN, NO PRIZE.
The last part of the passage says “so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” This means to be a person of integrity. It is said that integrity is revealed when no one is looking. It’s being a champion in front of everyone or just in front of God. God has given you this race to overcome in front of people. He wants you to win. When you win, you help others in running their races. This is why you must be authentic from the core. If you cheat and no one sees, He sees. You really only cheat yourself. Seeing the importance of your example, will help you be more committed to yourself and your own race. This speaks straight to me and my weaknesses. I want to lead with integrity and help all of you win your own races, while I win mine! The seventh and last focus is BE THE REAL THING.
So the formula for winning the race and receiving the desires of our heart are simple.
1. Define your level of commitment.
2. Go beyond the average.
3. Develop higher motives.
4. Plan today for tomorrow.
5. Work smart, not hard.
6. No pain, no prize.
7. Be the real thing.
I believe in this! Thinking about all the people that I’ve seen overcome this food addiction, I can see these traits. I know that if we can apply them, they will bring our bodies into balance with our minds and spirits. Have a great week.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Who are you, really?
I have used the term "authentic self" many times. I thought I would tell you what that means to me. What it means is that you tap into the real you! The you that you were supposed to be.
Many times when we get caught up into life, we change. We turn into people that suit the life we fall into. Not because that's bad but maybe because we thought thats what we wanted. We adapt and lose the essence of what makes us unique and great.
Being your authentic self can be traced to memories of you in your childhood. Do you have memories of the childhood passions that you used to enjoy? Do you remember yourself happy without a care in the world? What were you doing when you see yourself in that scene?
I have a memory of myself at the pool when I was about 5 years old. I remember the sun was shining and I can't remember anyone else there (even though I know they were). I was tired from swimming and I hoisted myself up from the side wall of the pool. I didn't go to the stairs, it was more fun to use my arms. I remember I didn't look for a towel to dry off with, I just laid down on the warm concrete right next to the edge of the pool. I laid with my stomach to the ground and rested my head to the side. The sun warmed my back as my bathing suit and skin dried off.
A simple memory but also a powerful reminder of the uncomplicated joys in life that we never experience anymore. This little girl that I was, didn't care about how her body looked. She only cared about the fun and the warmth of the sun. This was my authentic self. This was the authentic Heather, pure and simple!
If a precious jewel accidentally fell into the mud, you would have to slowly chip away at the dirt, facet by facet, until you uncovered the precious and shining jewel hidden within. Healing is like chipping away at the attitudes, beliefs, memories, worries and stresses that obscure the precious core of who you are—the authentic you—the priceless jewel within that is deserving and ready to heal. Some parts of you are already shining through, while other parts lie waiting to be uncovered. Healing is the process of revealing your authentic self—the precious core of who you are—worthy, lovable and made in the Divine image. -author unknown
Becoming our authentic selves must happen by understanding what was lost. In tracing our steps back to the days when we can see ourselves happy and carefree. When we didn't decide to fit into a mold of what people needed us to become.
When you capture that image, then you need to purposefully hold it in your thoughts. You need to write it down somewhere so that you can relate to that piece of you again.
As the quote says, some parts are shining through already. This is true. I know that my authentic self is showing up here and there. I know that we all have our natural strengths. I believe this is bits of our authentic lives shining through the mud on us. But when you see many road blocks like addictions or bad habits and behaviors (mud) in your current life, then you are playing out the disconnection from your authentic self. You are mourning the loss of that person by constantly seeking something to fill his/her void.
In Remarkable Recovery, Marc Ian Barash and Caryle Hirshberg examined the characteristics of patients who experienced spontaneous remissions from cancer or who lived beyond the expectations of doctors. What they found was that the one most compelling quality of those patients graced by miraculous healings was “congruence.” They defined congruence as a way for patients to be “deeply true to themselves, manifesting a set of behaviors growing from the roots of their being.”
If you are not reaching the level of health and well-being you desire, ask yourself if you are being true to yourself. Do your behaviors grow from the roots of your being? Are you living your very own life? Or, are you trying to live the life everyone else wants you to live? You can’t heal and develop your fullness of expression, if you don’t know who the real you is. You can’t live your very own life if you are too busy living someone else’s life. -Body, Soul, Connection Website
Finding the truthfulness and honesty that came with being a child and recapturing it, is the freedom that we need to unlock the cage that enslaves us to any of our vices or illnesses. We cannot be great, if we don't know our authentic selves. When we know our authentic selves, we are free. Confidence comes when we get in tune with the spirit inside us. The spirit inside us that is living there right now, but may be covered in mud because we don't recognize it anymore. It starts with finding the simple joys again and letting your spirit remember! Then get real (as Dr. Phil would say). Let that spirit take flight within the light of God. Learn who that spirit really is. Remember yourself again and then go act like that person. Before you know it, you will begin to see your mud wash off. Oh then how beautiful you will be... a shiny precious jewel again.... ready to live life in a shiny, precious way!!!!!!
Many times when we get caught up into life, we change. We turn into people that suit the life we fall into. Not because that's bad but maybe because we thought thats what we wanted. We adapt and lose the essence of what makes us unique and great.
Being your authentic self can be traced to memories of you in your childhood. Do you have memories of the childhood passions that you used to enjoy? Do you remember yourself happy without a care in the world? What were you doing when you see yourself in that scene?
I have a memory of myself at the pool when I was about 5 years old. I remember the sun was shining and I can't remember anyone else there (even though I know they were). I was tired from swimming and I hoisted myself up from the side wall of the pool. I didn't go to the stairs, it was more fun to use my arms. I remember I didn't look for a towel to dry off with, I just laid down on the warm concrete right next to the edge of the pool. I laid with my stomach to the ground and rested my head to the side. The sun warmed my back as my bathing suit and skin dried off.
A simple memory but also a powerful reminder of the uncomplicated joys in life that we never experience anymore. This little girl that I was, didn't care about how her body looked. She only cared about the fun and the warmth of the sun. This was my authentic self. This was the authentic Heather, pure and simple!
If a precious jewel accidentally fell into the mud, you would have to slowly chip away at the dirt, facet by facet, until you uncovered the precious and shining jewel hidden within. Healing is like chipping away at the attitudes, beliefs, memories, worries and stresses that obscure the precious core of who you are—the authentic you—the priceless jewel within that is deserving and ready to heal. Some parts of you are already shining through, while other parts lie waiting to be uncovered. Healing is the process of revealing your authentic self—the precious core of who you are—worthy, lovable and made in the Divine image. -author unknown
Becoming our authentic selves must happen by understanding what was lost. In tracing our steps back to the days when we can see ourselves happy and carefree. When we didn't decide to fit into a mold of what people needed us to become.
When you capture that image, then you need to purposefully hold it in your thoughts. You need to write it down somewhere so that you can relate to that piece of you again.
As the quote says, some parts are shining through already. This is true. I know that my authentic self is showing up here and there. I know that we all have our natural strengths. I believe this is bits of our authentic lives shining through the mud on us. But when you see many road blocks like addictions or bad habits and behaviors (mud) in your current life, then you are playing out the disconnection from your authentic self. You are mourning the loss of that person by constantly seeking something to fill his/her void.
In Remarkable Recovery, Marc Ian Barash and Caryle Hirshberg examined the characteristics of patients who experienced spontaneous remissions from cancer or who lived beyond the expectations of doctors. What they found was that the one most compelling quality of those patients graced by miraculous healings was “congruence.” They defined congruence as a way for patients to be “deeply true to themselves, manifesting a set of behaviors growing from the roots of their being.”
If you are not reaching the level of health and well-being you desire, ask yourself if you are being true to yourself. Do your behaviors grow from the roots of your being? Are you living your very own life? Or, are you trying to live the life everyone else wants you to live? You can’t heal and develop your fullness of expression, if you don’t know who the real you is. You can’t live your very own life if you are too busy living someone else’s life. -Body, Soul, Connection Website
Finding the truthfulness and honesty that came with being a child and recapturing it, is the freedom that we need to unlock the cage that enslaves us to any of our vices or illnesses. We cannot be great, if we don't know our authentic selves. When we know our authentic selves, we are free. Confidence comes when we get in tune with the spirit inside us. The spirit inside us that is living there right now, but may be covered in mud because we don't recognize it anymore. It starts with finding the simple joys again and letting your spirit remember! Then get real (as Dr. Phil would say). Let that spirit take flight within the light of God. Learn who that spirit really is. Remember yourself again and then go act like that person. Before you know it, you will begin to see your mud wash off. Oh then how beautiful you will be... a shiny precious jewel again.... ready to live life in a shiny, precious way!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Wisdom=Understanding=Light=Healthy Body
As you know, I’ve been struggling to write this weeks newsletter. I have typed various search words into my online Bible, trying to formulate my subject. After putting different words into the search, I kept pulling up one particular scripture and each time without remembering that I had done it before, I clicked on the option to read the whole chapter surrounding that scripture. I think this happened 5 different times within this last week and each time I pulled up the same chapter. Today, I decided that there must be something about this chapter that some of you and probably I, need to think about, so here it goes. I will clarify my reasons for sharing this concept, after you read about it.
Proverbs 4
Wisdom Is Supreme
1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a boy in my father's house,
still tender, and an only child of my mother,
4 he taught me and said,
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor."
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
The particular scripture that I kept finding in all my word searches was Proverbs 4:22.
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
But the whole chapter was so powerful and needed to be read.
I suppose I like this because it falls in line with what I’ve been discussing about our inner light. Wisdom and Understanding are important ingredients in gaining light. We cannot transform our inner selves without using and applying wisdom and understanding to the situations we struggle with. Webster’s definition for Wisdom is: The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight. The definition for Understanding is: the power or ability to think, learn, judge, etc.; intelligence; sense.
How can we ever truly figure out what’s really going on with this weight condition or any difficult problem, until we have gained wisdom and understanding. I understand the scriptures above to say that when we choose to follow a higher path, we are wise. We are turning to a better course in our lives. Wisdom and Understanding protect us. They will give us “health to our whole bodies” and “the years of your life will be many.” Also it says it is the “wellspring of life.” All these references tell me that I will be able to live a healthy long life when I seek to absorb higher wisdom into my heart, which will then change the course of my life.
The heart is referenced a lot in the scriptures. It defines our character. Our heart is the center of the life we live. What you believe and dwell upon in your heart, typically shows up in your life. That’s why when it says to “pay attention and listen closely… keep them (wisdom & understanding) within your heart” and “guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” This proves that when we seek to understand and be wise about a matter, that wisdom that we gain will be absorbed into our hearts and that is the only way to truly change our course.
In addition, it says to keep looking forward in our life.
We have such a tendency to look at what we don’t want or where we don’t want to go. This tells us to think about where we want to go. To have a positive vision. To keep on the path that will take us to that vision. It says that when we gain true wisdom and understanding about something, we will not keep falling off the path... over and over again.
Wisdom and Understanding will teach us many things in our lives, if we will allow ourselves to be taught. As I said in my last post, I pray for wisdom almost everyday and God blesses me because I ask. If you will do the same, then you will be filled with the light of understanding in many areas that you are lost (especially with your weight). Be wise to pray about this and it will give you lasting insight into your journey.
I firmly believe all these things and I know you will go to new levels in every area of your life, when you turn your heart over to the Lord in gaining Wisdom and Understanding!
Proverbs 4
Wisdom Is Supreme
1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a boy in my father's house,
still tender, and an only child of my mother,
4 he taught me and said,
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor."
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
The particular scripture that I kept finding in all my word searches was Proverbs 4:22.
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
But the whole chapter was so powerful and needed to be read.
I suppose I like this because it falls in line with what I’ve been discussing about our inner light. Wisdom and Understanding are important ingredients in gaining light. We cannot transform our inner selves without using and applying wisdom and understanding to the situations we struggle with. Webster’s definition for Wisdom is: The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight. The definition for Understanding is: the power or ability to think, learn, judge, etc.; intelligence; sense.
How can we ever truly figure out what’s really going on with this weight condition or any difficult problem, until we have gained wisdom and understanding. I understand the scriptures above to say that when we choose to follow a higher path, we are wise. We are turning to a better course in our lives. Wisdom and Understanding protect us. They will give us “health to our whole bodies” and “the years of your life will be many.” Also it says it is the “wellspring of life.” All these references tell me that I will be able to live a healthy long life when I seek to absorb higher wisdom into my heart, which will then change the course of my life.
The heart is referenced a lot in the scriptures. It defines our character. Our heart is the center of the life we live. What you believe and dwell upon in your heart, typically shows up in your life. That’s why when it says to “pay attention and listen closely… keep them (wisdom & understanding) within your heart” and “guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” This proves that when we seek to understand and be wise about a matter, that wisdom that we gain will be absorbed into our hearts and that is the only way to truly change our course.
In addition, it says to keep looking forward in our life.
We have such a tendency to look at what we don’t want or where we don’t want to go. This tells us to think about where we want to go. To have a positive vision. To keep on the path that will take us to that vision. It says that when we gain true wisdom and understanding about something, we will not keep falling off the path... over and over again.
Wisdom and Understanding will teach us many things in our lives, if we will allow ourselves to be taught. As I said in my last post, I pray for wisdom almost everyday and God blesses me because I ask. If you will do the same, then you will be filled with the light of understanding in many areas that you are lost (especially with your weight). Be wise to pray about this and it will give you lasting insight into your journey.
I firmly believe all these things and I know you will go to new levels in every area of your life, when you turn your heart over to the Lord in gaining Wisdom and Understanding!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)