p90x time

Okay, so today, I decided (for real) that I am done with this whole weight issue thing.  I worked out with a friend and then I worked out by myself for an hour.  It's actually very refreshing.  Anyway, the reason why I am writing this because I discovered something that Tony Horton said on the video that totally pertains to a Christian's life, whether he knows that or not.  He was talking, at the end of the workout, about how difficult it is to workout the way that we desire to when it's at the beginning of our journey.  He said that once you workout everyday and exercise your body, then it gets so much easier as time goes on.  Then not only will you be able to challenge yourself but you can do what you've already done and then some.  I was listening to him and it was like a revelation.  I am learning about myself and my relationship with God everyday.  I am learning so much more then I ever thought possible AND THERE IS STILL MORE TO GO!!

But, anyway, I realized that at the beginning of our Journey, it is one of the toughest things in the world.  Or even a hard time that we are facing.  We must exercise our faith and relationship with God in order to make it through those tough times.  No matter how difficult it is going to be, you will be able to go past it and then you are able to conquer even more difficult things with time.  Exercising your faith and relationship with God is the best thing anyone can do to get into spiritual shape.  No one ever said that being a Christian was easy.  Even Jesus admitted that to us.  I mean, He was ridiculed and persecuted AND He died so we DID NOT have to!!!!!! That is the amazing part.  When you're going through a tough time in your life imagine if He had not put Himself in your position.  Imagine where you would be today.  You probably would have had to die on that cross.  With all the trials and tribulations we go through, it could have been SO much worse.  Instead, we have such a loving Savior that He chose to give Himself up for us.  That's like this day in age, when someone is pointing a gun at us because we committed some sort of crime.  Now, imagine someone jumping in front of you (someone YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW) saying shoot me instead because this man is innocent through me.  Excuse me?! Yeah, like that would happen now.  But if it did!! That is what Jesus did for us.  He jumped in front of that bullet and ASKED to be shot.  He didn't just jump in the line of fire, He stood there and ASKED to be shot.  That is an amazing love.  So, from here on out, I don't care how much it hurts to workout, I'm doing it because God gave me this life in order to worship Him.  What better way than living my life in EVERY aspect including getting myself in shape, to be healthier for HIM..  hmmmmm i cannot wait.

study your Bible

I've realized today that I do not know my Bible the way that I should.  I started writing interpretive notes in it today while my pastor was preaching.  The way that things were being said, made perfect sense to me so I wrote them down.  I need to actually study my Bible.  Imagine that!  I need to study God's Word.  ha who knew?!  One of my New Year's Resolutions was to read the whole Bible all the way through.  So, I believe tonight is the night to start.  I am excited because I cannot wait to see what God is going to be teaching me.  What is your Spiritual New Year's Resolution?  What do you want to do for God this year?  What do you want to change for God?  I'd like to hear your story.  Maybe it'll challenge me too!

holistic attractiveness

Attractiveness is not something that is all physical.  Physical attraction is important but what happens when your physical beauty is gone?  What then?  In order to be attractive to future spouse, be holistically attractive.  Your spirit is the one thing that most people notice about but sometimes cannot pinpoint why they notice something about you.  Those people usually want what you have.  This is holistically attractive.  You take care of yourself inside and out.

For instance, right now, I workout like my life is depending on it.  Guess what?  It is.  I know if I don't change then I could be slowly killing myself..... so I am not trying to become physically attractive to my future spouse but that is just a bonus.  But, I am also trying my hardest to become closer to God because this is what I know God wants and something I have a yearning desire for.  If you have a wonderful relationship with God and your future spouse does too... let me tell you, you will be attractive to that person no matter what you look like.  And your future spouse will be the same to you.  Who said that we are supposed to pinpoint the kind of attractiveness we want in our lives?  Only God knows that.  We may know what we want but God knows what we need.  Honestly, I think being physically attractive is just a bonus compared to what your spirit can be.  I pray that this challenges you to want to be more like Christ and you will have the best love story you could ever dream of.

God of love

God is the god of Love.  I don't care what the Greeks say.  And because of this, I'm learning what kind of man I need to be with.  For instance, who wants to be with a man who is rude and mean and vile with you?  What kind of relationship is this going to be?  A woman also needs someone to protect her.  This one is a biggie for me.  God protects and loves his children more than all other things He created.  I know that these two things out of many that various women have on their list, are exactly what they need.  Then why do so many women choose to be treated like dirt?  I am still trying to figure this one out.  They hope for a man that treats them with all the love they feel they deserve but are trapped in relationships they cannot get out of.

I can tell you right now, God is the god of love and protection.  He is everything I need.  I know He meets my every need in every way.  I could not ask for a better relationship.  I know He will not be rude or mean or vile with me and I know He will always love me. He protects me from things I cannot handle and takes them for Himself.  What man do you know that would do this no matter how much you hurt Him or deny Him or push Him away?  I know I do not mean to do these things, I know I do them.  But, I do know I am completely overwhelmed by His love for me right now!

love never fails

Love Never Fails - Brandon Heath http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nQy-aP_Koo

Lately, I have been wrestling with the fact of what true love really is.  Where can you really find it?  Is it hiding from me?  Am I just not looking hard enough?  I recently had a friend who told me the description of what love is.  He used a movie to describe it to me (one of the best ways, by the way, to describe something to me).  Anyway, I had an overwhelming.... i don't know... hurt of some kind but not really.... ache maybe.  God is always with me.  God NEVER fails.  Though I think He may not be listening or there or whatever, He is waiting for His perfect timing.  It's hard going through life without a hand to hold and people constantly telling you that "maybe you're supposed to end up single".  If I believed that, I wouldn't be hurting when I do.  This past week was rough.  Luckily I had a friends to hang with to get my mind off of things, when looking back on it, I should have run to God. 

Today, in church we learned about sins and confessing to not just God but those whom you have wronged.  This is NOT an easy task in the slightest, but I know that peace will flow when things are done right.  So, I am not confessing a sin to you.  I have wronged myself, you and God in filling up my time this past week with nonsense games, talking, noise..... when I should have been still with God.  Logically, I know God never fails.  Sometimes it's hard to live your life without something grabbing your heart to strangle you.  I put on Christian music not 15 minutes ago and this song came up.  Once again, I was emotional because it's true.  Sometimes I need to be reminded of how faithful God is and how much He really loves me, even if no one else does.  So thank You, God for never giving up on me when I totally deserve it.  You deserve more than me but I know You think otherwise.  I love you for that.

picking friends

Picking good Christian friends is one of the hardest things to do.  As a Christian, surrounding yourself with those of good Christian counsel and who encourage you are key in this world.  Though they may not understand decisions you make or whatnot... a good Christian friend is with you always.  They pray you through your troubles and help pick you up when you fall.  They walk with you through all of your joy and happiness and are your constant cheerleader.  These friends have the foundation of Jesus and even though what you or they may be going through, their faith carries them through as well as praying you through.  Picking friends can define us but let God help you through that.  I am learning who my true friends are.  Though it sucks that I may have had to distance myself with a few people who were not what God calls for us to have, I know that I can be a witness to them.  It is a hard task and sometimes you may feel alone.  We are human and are made for the human connection but we are also spiritual beings and when you have the love and power of Jesus Christ, having a longing for Him is all you need.  Let Jesus help you choose your friends and pray that He directs you to them.  It will definitely benefit you physically but most of all spiritually.

being a servant

Ya know, serving is one of the major parts of relationship that most people tend to forget.  Having a servant for a husband or having a servant for a wife is one of the best possible scenarios that a marriage can become.  Jesus called us to be servants to each other because He came to serve us.  If we want to be like Jesus in our relationships and marriage then we need to serve each other.  Though I may not be in a relationship right now, I can tell you that I am.  Jesus and I are doing great! :) I long to serve Him in everything I do.  I know that I will fail and falter but my faith will never be shaken.  Serving God is one of the best things that I can do in this world.  Wait, THE best thing I can do in this world!!  When others see me I want them to see Jesus.  I am learning to serve those around me the best that I know how and with God's help I will improve.  Jesus also serves me with His best.  It is a great relationship! 

But, for those who are in a relationship or not in one but trying to figure out how to make it work when you are single, SERVE!  That is my answer.  In order to be a Christian that is not just a face value, hold your hand up in the air, HONK-IF-YOU-LOVE-JESUS Christan, you need to act like Jesus, read AND study His word, pray.  These are the basics and necessities for being a servant of God.  When you have these, you will be a GREAT servant to your spouse.  You do not want to be in a relationship where one person is selfish and the other serves all the time, do you?  That is not what Jesus called us to do.  That is just selfish.  He called us to SERVE!!! Trust me, I am learning this like no other.  It is hard to serve those who are ungrateful, but you know what.... Jesus did it all the time without complaining, and did it with more love than you and I could EVER know.  He loves you.  He loves those around you.  So why not be Jesus to those people and serve them.  Then once you get into a relationship, Jesus will be the center and serving will be that much greater of a reward!  I'm ready to serve Jesus to the best of my ability and more... how about you?