Last January, I decided that I was going to take charge of my health and my body. I wanted to start working out consistently, so that I can see some physical changes. Aside from walking, and light running, I’d never been one to exercise much, so I was taking on something very new and different. With this new found excitement and curiosity, I walked into Gold’s Gym, and signed up to become a member. Along with being a member, I was able to receive 3 free sessions with a personal trainer. Now I was really excited!!
Part one of my first session with my trainer was fine, she asked for my medical history, weight and measurements and we enjoyed great casual conversation. Part two of my work out session was brutal to say the least. Keeping in mind, my personal trainer was an ex-marine, she had me doing all sorts of boot-camp style type work out s for strength and conditioning, and boy was I hurting!! I’ll never forget stopping mid-way through the session saying “I feel like my heart is going to pop out of my chest”, and she smiled and said “The more you work out, the stronger you will become, and you won’t have that feeling”. I painstakingly made it through that first session.
Although, my body was hurting, and I felt sore in places I never had before, I signed up to with the same personal trainer consistently for the next year. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Each and every session she challenged me to work harder and push myself. I never thought I could get my body to do what she was requesting of it to do, but she did. My trainer knew my potential, and she pushed me to meet those goals. I on the other hand was very frustrated with working out 4-5 times per week, personal training, and after some time, not seeing any significant results. I wondered why I was even doing all of this. Even with my doubts and frustration, my trainer continued to encourage me to stick with it and not give up. I’m so glad I kept pushing, because a short time later, I began to see results. I was extremely ecstatic. I’d dropped ten pounds, and my Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly lower. All the pain, soreness, tiredness, frustration, was paying off.
One day while in the gym, I pondered, “If I’m always in pain, sore, and the work outs are hard, why do I keep coming back?” The answer is quite simple; I began seeing results, so I was motivated by that. The work I had to put in was necessary. As I thought this entire thing out in my head, the Lord began speaking to my heart. He said “Gym workouts are just like what happens in the spirit realm”. “I’m the one shaping and molding you to what I know you can be.” I was amazed. It was very true…the spiritual shaping that I was undergoing was equally as tough as the physical, and it didn’t feel good at all. I had to give up some old attitudes, and behaviors. I had to give up my old way of thinking, to be able to receive all that God has for me. Without the spiritual workout, I wouldn’t have been ready or able to receive the new and fresh things that were in store for me.
Everything that I experienced through my spiritual work out was well worth it. I’m a new person with new thoughts, new ideas and a new deeper love for Christ. The pain of growth of has strengthened me and has given me a new motivation to continue to work to be Christ- like. I know as I go through life, I’m going to have many more spiritual work outs but I’m glad to know the results that I will see will be well worth it; because I have the best spiritual trainer anyone can have….JESSUS!!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
**Thank-you Patricia Schaller for being an amazing personal trainer and friend!! God Bless You!!**
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Life Cycle of a Butterfly
The life cycle of a butterfly is a remarkable series of changes between seemingly very different forms culminating in the emergence of a butterfly. Throughout nature there are fantastic and fascinating occurrences of many kinds. The occurrence that interest me the most of a butterfly’s life is its metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is a profound change in form, from one stage to the next in one’s life history.
Anyone who knows me personally can attest to my pure love and passion for butterflies. What beautiful and amazing creatures they are. The butterfly’s ability to endure through the struggle of change is impeccable. You see a butterfly has to fight to become what we see soaring around us.
That is my symbolism with the butterfly. Each stage a butterfly goes through it has to push forward to get to the next phase in their life. My life mirrors the life of a butterfly...each and every phase in my life I’ve had to push, and fight my way through. This journey of life is not always an easy one. Each step is a step in the process of growth and change. I recall being very frustrated with each step I’ve had to take. Wondering why I had to go through this or go through that. Today, because of life’s struggles, I’m in a very different place. I find myself being very content with every step. I now understand it will serve me a greater purpose in the future.
I’m not claiming to have arrived. In fact, on the contrary, I have a long way to go. However, my goal is to continue to work through each phase and step of my life to grow into the woman God will have me to be. I’m going to push through this cocoon of life until I emerge as a beautiful butterfly.
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” – Philippians 4:11
Anyone who knows me personally can attest to my pure love and passion for butterflies. What beautiful and amazing creatures they are. The butterfly’s ability to endure through the struggle of change is impeccable. You see a butterfly has to fight to become what we see soaring around us.
That is my symbolism with the butterfly. Each stage a butterfly goes through it has to push forward to get to the next phase in their life. My life mirrors the life of a butterfly...each and every phase in my life I’ve had to push, and fight my way through. This journey of life is not always an easy one. Each step is a step in the process of growth and change. I recall being very frustrated with each step I’ve had to take. Wondering why I had to go through this or go through that. Today, because of life’s struggles, I’m in a very different place. I find myself being very content with every step. I now understand it will serve me a greater purpose in the future.
I’m not claiming to have arrived. In fact, on the contrary, I have a long way to go. However, my goal is to continue to work through each phase and step of my life to grow into the woman God will have me to be. I’m going to push through this cocoon of life until I emerge as a beautiful butterfly.
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” – Philippians 4:11
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Pay It Forward
I remember once that I’d gone in one of my favorite department stores to purchase some new clothes. I had my hands full of merchandise I wanted to purchase. A woman who was also shopping in the store came up to me, and handed me a gift card. On this card was a discount to receive 50% off my entire purchase. When I realized what it was, I looked up and thanked her for her kindness. As she paid for her merchandise, and was leaving the register, she says “Enjoy your purchases, and remember to pay it forward.”
I thought of what she said, and marveled at that. As someone does a good deed for us, it is important for us to always find ways to keep that gift going, and encourage others to do the same.
The bible tells us “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.” (Galatians 5:22)
Kindness is an act that shows consideration and caring; a practice of being or the tendency to be sympathetic and compassionate. Giving to others is a very fulfilling feeling. To pour into someone else’s life and see a smile come on their face is an awesome sentiment. In this day and age we sometimes forget the joy it brings to create a domino effect; a domino effect of kindness. If you are kind to someone, and then in turn, turn around and are kind to someone else, it goes on and on.
Scripture says in Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the measure that you use, it will be measured back to you”
Find someone to be extra kind to today, and when you do, as they are grateful for your good deed, ask them to keep it be going by paying it forward!
I thought of what she said, and marveled at that. As someone does a good deed for us, it is important for us to always find ways to keep that gift going, and encourage others to do the same.
The bible tells us “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.” (Galatians 5:22)
Kindness is an act that shows consideration and caring; a practice of being or the tendency to be sympathetic and compassionate. Giving to others is a very fulfilling feeling. To pour into someone else’s life and see a smile come on their face is an awesome sentiment. In this day and age we sometimes forget the joy it brings to create a domino effect; a domino effect of kindness. If you are kind to someone, and then in turn, turn around and are kind to someone else, it goes on and on.
Scripture says in Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the measure that you use, it will be measured back to you”
Find someone to be extra kind to today, and when you do, as they are grateful for your good deed, ask them to keep it be going by paying it forward!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Waiting Room
Whether we are sick and need to go to the doctor, in need of a hair-do, or our car needs to be serviced, we have to make an appointment and show up at our scheduled time. It never seems to fail that even when we have an appointment, we are still required to wait. During this wait, we often pick up a magazine to read, fiddle with our cellular phone, or just sit. After some time we begin to get a bit anxious, wondering when our time will come.
This is how we sometimes feel in our spiritual life. We pray for something to happen in our lives and then we wait on the Lord to show up and answer our prayers. However, sometimes during the wait we tend to get a bit impatient, wondering did God really hear our prayers, and if he did, when exactly is he going to show up.
I call to my mind the many different times I’ve prayed to God to present to me the man he had set aside for me. A God- fearing man, one whose heart loved the Lord just as I did, and one who knew his role as a Christian man. I prayed this prayer for 2 ½ years. Early on, I said “Lord I surrender this area of my life to you. I haven’t always made the best of choices in this area, so I trust you to do this for me.” I thought because I said the words, that this man would just appear. He didn’t. What did occur though was the Lord began working on me. I was very frustrated. I began to wrestle with the Lord. I asked questions and I questioned his timing. The Lord waited patiently for me to stop asking questions and allow him to do his work. After some time, I finally said, “Lord, I’m ready to do this your way.” Then the work began. He began showing myself to me, he began teaching me who he was, and he also showed me areas that were stagnant that needed to be revived. He changed me from the inside out. This was a process that took time. It’s a never ending process, but there was a place the Lord needed me to be before he could present me with the man of my dreams. He was preparing ME for HIM!!! I’m glad I didn’t get too impatient and quit in my waiting room. I allowed the Lord to teach, and I was the student. Because of this, the Lord blessed me with a wonderful person. Not only did he give me what I asked for, he gave me so much more. More than I could’ve imagined.
Even in the waiting rooms of life, trust God and his timing. Trust that even though it may appear he doesn’t know what he’s doing, that he DOES!! In the waiting room, God just wants us to draw closer to him so that he can reveal himself to us in a bigger way!!
“Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; WAIT, I say, on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14)
This is how we sometimes feel in our spiritual life. We pray for something to happen in our lives and then we wait on the Lord to show up and answer our prayers. However, sometimes during the wait we tend to get a bit impatient, wondering did God really hear our prayers, and if he did, when exactly is he going to show up.
I call to my mind the many different times I’ve prayed to God to present to me the man he had set aside for me. A God- fearing man, one whose heart loved the Lord just as I did, and one who knew his role as a Christian man. I prayed this prayer for 2 ½ years. Early on, I said “Lord I surrender this area of my life to you. I haven’t always made the best of choices in this area, so I trust you to do this for me.” I thought because I said the words, that this man would just appear. He didn’t. What did occur though was the Lord began working on me. I was very frustrated. I began to wrestle with the Lord. I asked questions and I questioned his timing. The Lord waited patiently for me to stop asking questions and allow him to do his work. After some time, I finally said, “Lord, I’m ready to do this your way.” Then the work began. He began showing myself to me, he began teaching me who he was, and he also showed me areas that were stagnant that needed to be revived. He changed me from the inside out. This was a process that took time. It’s a never ending process, but there was a place the Lord needed me to be before he could present me with the man of my dreams. He was preparing ME for HIM!!! I’m glad I didn’t get too impatient and quit in my waiting room. I allowed the Lord to teach, and I was the student. Because of this, the Lord blessed me with a wonderful person. Not only did he give me what I asked for, he gave me so much more. More than I could’ve imagined.
Even in the waiting rooms of life, trust God and his timing. Trust that even though it may appear he doesn’t know what he’s doing, that he DOES!! In the waiting room, God just wants us to draw closer to him so that he can reveal himself to us in a bigger way!!
“Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; WAIT, I say, on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Provision
There are often times when we face situations where we feel as though we are alone. Times when we feel like there is no one around but us. But the scripture tells us that the Lord is our very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1) In fact, scripture also tells us that the Lord always provides a “ram in the bush”. This is divine provision set-up and arranged by our Heavenly Father. He is the one that goes before us and clears a path, and provides that “ram in the bush”. On this journey, we need not fret that as we step into our God- given destiny, that he won’t provide provision for us. It’s already laid out and waiting for us to receive! Praise God for his faithfulness!
I remember working as the Director of Sales for a prominent hotel chain. I’d worked at this hotel for nearly six years when in September of 2004, I was released from my duties due to the Hurricanes that had swept through the State, and the hotel suffering from insurmountable damage. I was devastated. How was I going to survive and take care of my children without an income? I began searching for jobs everywhere. I was willing to do next to anything to work and earn money to live. I was out of work for 3 months. During these 3 months, neither I nor my children suffered from lack. We didn’t want for anything. The Lord had divinely connected me to people who would pour into me spiritually and financially. I had family and friends who knew my situation that would come by with bags of groceries, cleaning supplies and even gas money. I began receiving money in the mail from companies who owed me money; that I knew nothing about. These random acts fueled my faith and I was grateful that the Lord didn’t leave me during this trying time. On the contrary, he was there with me, and providing for me each and every day. He orchestrated divine connections for me, and I was able to find a job and begin working. I will never forget how the Lord showed up for me. Whenever I have situations going on in my life, I quickly remind myself how capable my Father in heaven is, and how he’ll always provide me with a “ram in the bush”; a way through all of life’s circumstances.
Trust in the Lord today to provide your “ram in the bush” and offer provision for you. Trust him to show up in all situations, and he will meet you there, right where you are!
I remember working as the Director of Sales for a prominent hotel chain. I’d worked at this hotel for nearly six years when in September of 2004, I was released from my duties due to the Hurricanes that had swept through the State, and the hotel suffering from insurmountable damage. I was devastated. How was I going to survive and take care of my children without an income? I began searching for jobs everywhere. I was willing to do next to anything to work and earn money to live. I was out of work for 3 months. During these 3 months, neither I nor my children suffered from lack. We didn’t want for anything. The Lord had divinely connected me to people who would pour into me spiritually and financially. I had family and friends who knew my situation that would come by with bags of groceries, cleaning supplies and even gas money. I began receiving money in the mail from companies who owed me money; that I knew nothing about. These random acts fueled my faith and I was grateful that the Lord didn’t leave me during this trying time. On the contrary, he was there with me, and providing for me each and every day. He orchestrated divine connections for me, and I was able to find a job and begin working. I will never forget how the Lord showed up for me. Whenever I have situations going on in my life, I quickly remind myself how capable my Father in heaven is, and how he’ll always provide me with a “ram in the bush”; a way through all of life’s circumstances.
Trust in the Lord today to provide your “ram in the bush” and offer provision for you. Trust him to show up in all situations, and he will meet you there, right where you are!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Unmovable Faith
There is a story in the bible of three Jews named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nigo who refused to worship the golden statute as their God, and because of this, as punishment they were thrown in a fiery furnace to die. Even with this punishment looming over them, they confessed the Lord as their God. They believed and trusted that God would deliver them from the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3)
What incredible faith!!! The faith of these men is exactly the kind of faith the Lord wants us to have. That belligerent, I won’t stop kind of faith! God met these men right where they were. They stepped out on faith and believed that he would save them, and not only did he save them, he was with them in the fiery furnace!
I recall a season in my life when everything in my life looked quite dim. I had a failed long term relationship, a job that was up and down, and a very stagnant spiritual life. I was an emotional wreck spiraling down a black hole. I knew deep down inside of me that I had to rise up in faith and declare life over myself. As I began to step out on faith, and believe that life was going to be better for me, that I was going to succeed, and that my relationship with the Lord was going to be fresh and new, The Lord showed up and wrapped his arms around me. With each step of faith, he was there guiding me through those tough times.
The Lord will always show up and meet us where we are! Not only does God show up, he walks with us. This confirms that he will never leave us alone; even in the time of trouble. He is still there!!
Let’s not be swayed by the trials and battles of life. We have to stand firm in our faith, trusting and believing God to show up for us, just as he has promised.
It is up to us to make the first move and step out on faith!
What incredible faith!!! The faith of these men is exactly the kind of faith the Lord wants us to have. That belligerent, I won’t stop kind of faith! God met these men right where they were. They stepped out on faith and believed that he would save them, and not only did he save them, he was with them in the fiery furnace!
I recall a season in my life when everything in my life looked quite dim. I had a failed long term relationship, a job that was up and down, and a very stagnant spiritual life. I was an emotional wreck spiraling down a black hole. I knew deep down inside of me that I had to rise up in faith and declare life over myself. As I began to step out on faith, and believe that life was going to be better for me, that I was going to succeed, and that my relationship with the Lord was going to be fresh and new, The Lord showed up and wrapped his arms around me. With each step of faith, he was there guiding me through those tough times.
The Lord will always show up and meet us where we are! Not only does God show up, he walks with us. This confirms that he will never leave us alone; even in the time of trouble. He is still there!!
Let’s not be swayed by the trials and battles of life. We have to stand firm in our faith, trusting and believing God to show up for us, just as he has promised.
It is up to us to make the first move and step out on faith!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Mirror Image: Looking Within
I’m reminded of the late Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror”. In this song he first encourages mankind to take a look at ourselves so that we can make a change for the betterment of the human race. Individually, we have to look at our lives and recognize that we ourselves have flaws and some un-resolved issues deep within ourselves, that if we would only look within we could see room for change and growth.
In my walk with Christ, I’ve had this experience many times where the Lord has used people and circumstances to reflect a mirror in my life. What I was shown was not a pretty reflection staring back at me. I had some junk!! I had some character idiosyncrasies that had to be exposed in order for me to move forward on this journey. I’ll be the first to admit, that taking that first step to acknowledge my inner imperfections was the most challenging thing to do. I had to openly acknowledge that I must make some changes in my life to become a better me. During these times I look myself in the mirror and say “Today is the first step to a new me”. The journey of looking within is a journey that never ends. As I began to learn about me, more and more areas in my life were revealed to me that also necessitated a new shape. Each day is a step towards being the woman that God created me to be. The Lord sees me so much different than the world sees me, so each day he does a work in me that constantly changes me from the inside out. A character change that I know has only occurred because of the constant molding from my heavenly Father.
The bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known”. At first glance our reflection in the mirror may be dim, but as we look closer and look deeper within ourselves, we will become face to face with ourselves.
Every day as you take a look in the mirror of your life, pray and ask the Lord to reveal areas in your life that need to be transformed. In doing so, your character will begin to mirror the character of Christ.
In my walk with Christ, I’ve had this experience many times where the Lord has used people and circumstances to reflect a mirror in my life. What I was shown was not a pretty reflection staring back at me. I had some junk!! I had some character idiosyncrasies that had to be exposed in order for me to move forward on this journey. I’ll be the first to admit, that taking that first step to acknowledge my inner imperfections was the most challenging thing to do. I had to openly acknowledge that I must make some changes in my life to become a better me. During these times I look myself in the mirror and say “Today is the first step to a new me”. The journey of looking within is a journey that never ends. As I began to learn about me, more and more areas in my life were revealed to me that also necessitated a new shape. Each day is a step towards being the woman that God created me to be. The Lord sees me so much different than the world sees me, so each day he does a work in me that constantly changes me from the inside out. A character change that I know has only occurred because of the constant molding from my heavenly Father.
The bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known”. At first glance our reflection in the mirror may be dim, but as we look closer and look deeper within ourselves, we will become face to face with ourselves.
Every day as you take a look in the mirror of your life, pray and ask the Lord to reveal areas in your life that need to be transformed. In doing so, your character will begin to mirror the character of Christ.
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