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!!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
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!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Some Personal Thoughts
One thing I know about myself that I'm not particularly proud of is that I struggle with being a "people pleaser." Because of this I have been in a bit of an identity crisis within my business lately.
I can look at where I started when I worked for a major weight loss chain and where I am right now and I can see all of the transformations. I see how I've guiding my actions toward a more "Christ-Centered" approach, which is truly where my heart is. Lately I have questioned sharing from this perspective. I asked my husband the question this morning, "Do you think I'm turning into a Tom Cruise?" He laughed and asked me what the heck I was talking about? What I meant by that is Tom Cruise, in my opinion has worked hard to become a serious actor. He has accomplished that by the many masterful performances that he has rendered, but within the last few years he has become a bit radical with his personal beliefs and has had his fans begin questioning whether they could handle that. He became somewhat fanatical and unrelatable. I wondered if I was going too far into a spiritual arena and becoming unrelatable to those of you who read my newsletter. I worried that I would lose you because I was taking this stance. Ultimately, I wanted to make everyone happy and I was concerned I was alienating many of you.
Maybe you can see why this nagging thought was becoming a giant wall in front of me. For the last week and a half, I've struggled with what to write for my newsletter. I have been praying to God each day to help me with a topic. I kept wanting it to be a less spiritual approach and a more motivational one, for the reasons mentioned above. Still, nothing would come. This morning, I pretty much had a desperation talk with Him. I said, "You have to give me a topic, Lord!" The thoughts I received in my mind were not what I expected. I was shown that I was writing from the wrong heart. I was writing to please you. I was making all of you more important than the guidance I have been getting from the Lord.
I know that deep down in my heart, I need to teach from the promptings I feel directed. When I do, I sense the power in that. There are forces of darkness that do not want me to teach this way. These persuasions are to have me believe that I will be rejected for speaking from this perspective. While I know that I will turn some of you off, I also know that others aren't. In this world we can't please everyone (which I have struggled to understand). All we can do is live in such a way as to bring love and wisdom and possibly receive and give understanding. This is my objective when I write these newsletters.
I know that not everyone is where I am and I'm okay with that. My will is not to force my viewpoint on anyone!!! My hope is to impart what comes to me as I search my scriptures and read the variety of books that help me grow. If I do this correctly, then maybe I can help others to grow internally and find peace within themselves and with their bodies. I want to respect everyone with their beliefs and religions! I also want the same respect in return. We all can receive light from one another if we truly respect each other and what we all have to offer. I don't want to make you be like me anymore than I want you, to make me, be like you. This is why I offer you my thoughts and allow you to click the delete button or not. If you take the time to read what I write, then I hope I help you with my form of wisdom. This wisdom I speak about, I do with a great sense of humility. God allows us to grow in wisdom and I pray for more of it everyday. I still misunderstand so much, but I just keep trying to learn and understand more, while I make mistakes. With all of this being said, my hope is that you will feel the sincerity of my words. That you will continue to indulge me in this open forum. That you will stay open to learning and that you will be uplifted by my messages. God knows that my heart is dedicated to helping all of you with a heightened understanding of the spiritual power that you have to overcome the power of your flesh (your body). We all have the power to accomplish this in our lifetime!
Thank you for taking the time to read what's been happening in my heart! I feel confident that I will have your next newsletter to you within a few days :)
-Heather
I can look at where I started when I worked for a major weight loss chain and where I am right now and I can see all of the transformations. I see how I've guiding my actions toward a more "Christ-Centered" approach, which is truly where my heart is. Lately I have questioned sharing from this perspective. I asked my husband the question this morning, "Do you think I'm turning into a Tom Cruise?" He laughed and asked me what the heck I was talking about? What I meant by that is Tom Cruise, in my opinion has worked hard to become a serious actor. He has accomplished that by the many masterful performances that he has rendered, but within the last few years he has become a bit radical with his personal beliefs and has had his fans begin questioning whether they could handle that. He became somewhat fanatical and unrelatable. I wondered if I was going too far into a spiritual arena and becoming unrelatable to those of you who read my newsletter. I worried that I would lose you because I was taking this stance. Ultimately, I wanted to make everyone happy and I was concerned I was alienating many of you.
Maybe you can see why this nagging thought was becoming a giant wall in front of me. For the last week and a half, I've struggled with what to write for my newsletter. I have been praying to God each day to help me with a topic. I kept wanting it to be a less spiritual approach and a more motivational one, for the reasons mentioned above. Still, nothing would come. This morning, I pretty much had a desperation talk with Him. I said, "You have to give me a topic, Lord!" The thoughts I received in my mind were not what I expected. I was shown that I was writing from the wrong heart. I was writing to please you. I was making all of you more important than the guidance I have been getting from the Lord.
I know that deep down in my heart, I need to teach from the promptings I feel directed. When I do, I sense the power in that. There are forces of darkness that do not want me to teach this way. These persuasions are to have me believe that I will be rejected for speaking from this perspective. While I know that I will turn some of you off, I also know that others aren't. In this world we can't please everyone (which I have struggled to understand). All we can do is live in such a way as to bring love and wisdom and possibly receive and give understanding. This is my objective when I write these newsletters.
I know that not everyone is where I am and I'm okay with that. My will is not to force my viewpoint on anyone!!! My hope is to impart what comes to me as I search my scriptures and read the variety of books that help me grow. If I do this correctly, then maybe I can help others to grow internally and find peace within themselves and with their bodies. I want to respect everyone with their beliefs and religions! I also want the same respect in return. We all can receive light from one another if we truly respect each other and what we all have to offer. I don't want to make you be like me anymore than I want you, to make me, be like you. This is why I offer you my thoughts and allow you to click the delete button or not. If you take the time to read what I write, then I hope I help you with my form of wisdom. This wisdom I speak about, I do with a great sense of humility. God allows us to grow in wisdom and I pray for more of it everyday. I still misunderstand so much, but I just keep trying to learn and understand more, while I make mistakes. With all of this being said, my hope is that you will feel the sincerity of my words. That you will continue to indulge me in this open forum. That you will stay open to learning and that you will be uplifted by my messages. God knows that my heart is dedicated to helping all of you with a heightened understanding of the spiritual power that you have to overcome the power of your flesh (your body). We all have the power to accomplish this in our lifetime!
Thank you for taking the time to read what's been happening in my heart! I feel confident that I will have your next newsletter to you within a few days :)
-Heather
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