Through my personal quest to find His peace that surpasses all understanding and the true joy that only He can bring, He draws me closer and reveals more of Himself to me each day. I hope to encourage, exhort, and edify through experience and to exhalt and glorify He Who alone is Worthy, He Who alone is Perfect Love. There is truly no one like Him.....
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
A LAUNDRY LOVER
Believe it or not, I actually enjoy doing laundry. In a physical sense, I like the routine of it, the comfort of hearing the water sloshing and the dryer tumbling (especially in the fall when I can hear the football game in the background). In a spiritual sense, I feel more connected to my family, it fills me with a sense of security, and gives me a feeling of love in the purity in its purpose for me. I even make my own laundry soap and dryer balls just to show my family how much I care! Crazy, I know!
It is a constant in life. And, I love the smell and feel of clean clothes! There is fruit in the labor of washing and drying and demonstrating love in this way. I can see the clothing on my husband, my children, my father-in-law. Not instant gratification but almost. I take comfort in the routine, joy in the fruit, and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in all of it. Yes, all that from doing one simple task. But, every once-in-a-while, something creeps in and tries to steal some of my joy.....
The dreaded tissue! Left in someone's pocket. You just know it was used for something not so clean. Yuk! Hidden in the fabric during the wash and dry cycles only to come out tattered and torn. Of no use to anyone anymore. Scattering its little fragments all over my clean clothes! So annoying and disruptive.
I just went through this scenario yesterday. Remnants of used tissue all over one load of laundry. Oh, not again! So, I sorted, picked and plucked my way through the load to remove it.
In a way, that tissue reminded me of those little fragments of tatteredness in our lives. Those hurts, wounds and the tattered parts of our heart that have never healed. They often surface out of nowhere at the most inconvenient times. They serve no useful purpose other than to remind us of the dreaded parts of our past, convince us that we have more work to do, that we are still not doing life the right way. We are not clean, fresh, pure. We are still tattered, torn and useless. When we are with others, we sense our brokenness and just know we will never amount to anything. And, yes, sometimes those tattered places feel more comfortable than the wide open spaces so we retreat believing something that is not Truth.
It is a constant in life. And, I love the smell and feel of clean clothes! There is fruit in the labor of washing and drying and demonstrating love in this way. I can see the clothing on my husband, my children, my father-in-law. Not instant gratification but almost. I take comfort in the routine, joy in the fruit, and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in all of it. Yes, all that from doing one simple task. But, every once-in-a-while, something creeps in and tries to steal some of my joy.....
The dreaded tissue! Left in someone's pocket. You just know it was used for something not so clean. Yuk! Hidden in the fabric during the wash and dry cycles only to come out tattered and torn. Of no use to anyone anymore. Scattering its little fragments all over my clean clothes! So annoying and disruptive.
I just went through this scenario yesterday. Remnants of used tissue all over one load of laundry. Oh, not again! So, I sorted, picked and plucked my way through the load to remove it.
In a way, that tissue reminded me of those little fragments of tatteredness in our lives. Those hurts, wounds and the tattered parts of our heart that have never healed. They often surface out of nowhere at the most inconvenient times. They serve no useful purpose other than to remind us of the dreaded parts of our past, convince us that we have more work to do, that we are still not doing life the right way. We are not clean, fresh, pure. We are still tattered, torn and useless. When we are with others, we sense our brokenness and just know we will never amount to anything. And, yes, sometimes those tattered places feel more comfortable than the wide open spaces so we retreat believing something that is not Truth.
O Lord my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. Psalm 30:2
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
Our relationship with Christ should be every bit as comforting and joy-filled as a fresh, clean load of laundry. WITH NO TATTERED TISSUES! He has done the plucking. The work is done. He has washed us clean with His blood and His Word. He gives us a new beginning. He gives us a fresh start, a new mind, and new heart. Every morning! Let Him transform you, keeping your eyes fixed on what lies ahead rather than what you've left behind....
In Him, we have no need of the old things. They serve no useful purpose. They just weigh us down and keep us from our usefulness for Him and others. If anything, we should use them as a reminder of His grace, His mercy, and in motivation to help others. Therein lies the beauty of brokenness.....
"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
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation." Galatians 6:15
Fortunately for us, we are not disposable like a tissue. We are healed and given new life in Him. Claim that promise everyday! Every time you see that tattered tissue in your own dirty laundry and start to doubt yourself or Him.
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind." Isaiah 65:17
And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind." Isaiah 65:17
Your past does not define who you are with Him. He sees you as complete, healed, and whole with Him abiding in your heart. The tattered parts have come together in the beauty of His forgiveness, His love and His grace. You are nothing but BEAUTIFUL in His eyes!
He has made EVERYTHING beautiful..... Yes, even YOU!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Water Walking
Lost. Do you ever feel that way?
I do. In different seasons of life for different reasons. My senses warn of the danger in the uncertainty ahead.
Forgotten. Do you ever feel that way?
I do. In smallness among the large, the powerful, the influential. In the urban sprawl. In my quiet amid the increasing noise.
Lonely. Do you ever feel that way?
I do. In the push and pull of everyday life. A lone ranger. In the thick of it surrounded by people, where you feel like you're drowning and no one cares. An ant in the colony rushing to and fro without end.
Right now, I'm in a season of feeling lost, forgotten and lonely all at the same time. My mind counts hours adrift, reflect on days gone by where my life had more defining moments, my purpose seemed more clear. My life is starting to look different than it did just a few short years ago. One subtle change after another. Some good, some not so good. Or so it seems.
The perception is that life is bit slower. A bit emptier, too. Unfortunately, my instinct is to grab and hold on to what is left rather than lose it all. I do know I can't. Change is inevitable. My attempts at it are like grasping for the wind.
So I try to fill the void with something else made, created, contrived. Creating a need and filling it. Pursuing a relationship with no real connection or purpose. Contriving busyness that serves no meaningful purpose. So I won't feel lost, forgotten, and lonely. So I will feel wanted, needed, useful. So the hole will be filled. By me. Do you have seasons like that?
It is times such as these that I question my future, my purpose, my reason for being. Fear and doubt creep in. They take hold and try to plant roots in my heart and my mind. You, too? But yet....
.....I know I have a purpose in Him. He promises me that. I realize He loves me unconditionally. He promises me that. It is the believing without seeing that is the most difficult. It is the water walking that creates the anxiety. The fear of depths, the fear of the unknown. Too many sharks. Too many giant squids that might take me under....
Over time, I've come to realize that being lost, lonely or forgotten is not what I should feel at any time. Yes, it is a fight with the flesh to overcome. It gets easier with time but a battle nonetheless. A spiritual battle won only by relying on Him who holds my future in the palm of His hand.
We live in a world where the general consensus is that we are suppose to 'have it all together.' We are suppose to have a multitude of friendships, be smart, lovely in appearance, driven to succeed, organized, successful in business or whatever endeavor we choose. To be alone, to not know where we are headed, what lies around the corner is perceived as a flaw, a failing.
Yet, that is not what the Lord tells us. We are ALL a mess on the inside. We all struggle. We are all lacking. Without Him, we are nothing. With Him, we are everything. An uncertain future is something we all have whether we want to realize it or not. We can make our plans but He directs our steps. With Him, our future is secure!
Faith. Trust. Two simple words that mean so much to Him. To have faith and trust in Who He says He is and What He capable of. Do I believe it? Really? With those two things, He tells me, I can move mountains. And yes, I can also walk on water....
....because I am NEVER alone; He is always with me. Because I'm NEVER lost; I'm right where He wants me to be. Because I'm NEVER forgotten; my future is secure with Him. No, I don't have it all together but, our great God does! And, I know He can do so much better than I could ever do.
So I wait.... I wait for Him.... I take His hand, walk out on the water, and wait, watch, listen.... Knowing He is there, He is love, and He works all together for good..... Come on in! I'll hold your hand... And, so will He!
I do. In different seasons of life for different reasons. My senses warn of the danger in the uncertainty ahead.
Forgotten. Do you ever feel that way?
I do. In smallness among the large, the powerful, the influential. In the urban sprawl. In my quiet amid the increasing noise.
Lonely. Do you ever feel that way?
I do. In the push and pull of everyday life. A lone ranger. In the thick of it surrounded by people, where you feel like you're drowning and no one cares. An ant in the colony rushing to and fro without end.
Right now, I'm in a season of feeling lost, forgotten and lonely all at the same time. My mind counts hours adrift, reflect on days gone by where my life had more defining moments, my purpose seemed more clear. My life is starting to look different than it did just a few short years ago. One subtle change after another. Some good, some not so good. Or so it seems.
The perception is that life is bit slower. A bit emptier, too. Unfortunately, my instinct is to grab and hold on to what is left rather than lose it all. I do know I can't. Change is inevitable. My attempts at it are like grasping for the wind.
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11
So I try to fill the void with something else made, created, contrived. Creating a need and filling it. Pursuing a relationship with no real connection or purpose. Contriving busyness that serves no meaningful purpose. So I won't feel lost, forgotten, and lonely. So I will feel wanted, needed, useful. So the hole will be filled. By me. Do you have seasons like that?
It is times such as these that I question my future, my purpose, my reason for being. Fear and doubt creep in. They take hold and try to plant roots in my heart and my mind. You, too? But yet....
.....I know I have a purpose in Him. He promises me that. I realize He loves me unconditionally. He promises me that. It is the believing without seeing that is the most difficult. It is the water walking that creates the anxiety. The fear of depths, the fear of the unknown. Too many sharks. Too many giant squids that might take me under....
Over time, I've come to realize that being lost, lonely or forgotten is not what I should feel at any time. Yes, it is a fight with the flesh to overcome. It gets easier with time but a battle nonetheless. A spiritual battle won only by relying on Him who holds my future in the palm of His hand.
We live in a world where the general consensus is that we are suppose to 'have it all together.' We are suppose to have a multitude of friendships, be smart, lovely in appearance, driven to succeed, organized, successful in business or whatever endeavor we choose. To be alone, to not know where we are headed, what lies around the corner is perceived as a flaw, a failing.
Yet, that is not what the Lord tells us. We are ALL a mess on the inside. We all struggle. We are all lacking. Without Him, we are nothing. With Him, we are everything. An uncertain future is something we all have whether we want to realize it or not. We can make our plans but He directs our steps. With Him, our future is secure!
With Him, we are cherished. We are loved. We are wanted, needed, desired.
With Him, we are conquerors. We are MORE than conquerors. He never leaves our side.
With Him, we can do all things. With Him, nothing is impossible. In Him, we succeed.
With Him, we have family. We are family. Father, Son, brothers, sisters. We are included.
With Him, we have a secure future. With Him, we have a certain hope. We are not forgotten.
With Him, we are beautiful. From the inside out as He looks at the transformation of the heart.
Faith. Trust. Two simple words that mean so much to Him. To have faith and trust in Who He says He is and What He capable of. Do I believe it? Really? With those two things, He tells me, I can move mountains. And yes, I can also walk on water....
....because I am NEVER alone; He is always with me. Because I'm NEVER lost; I'm right where He wants me to be. Because I'm NEVER forgotten; my future is secure with Him. No, I don't have it all together but, our great God does! And, I know He can do so much better than I could ever do.
So I wait.... I wait for Him.... I take His hand, walk out on the water, and wait, watch, listen.... Knowing He is there, He is love, and He works all together for good..... Come on in! I'll hold your hand... And, so will He!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Isn't It Beautiful?
He.
He is.....
He.
....is in the shape and composition of the clouds.
....is the glory in the sunrise and peace of the sunset.
....is the sound of the wind rushing and the earth's rumbling.
....is the song of the bird and chorus of the morning throng.
....is the pattern of mountain's crest and the rhythm of the waves as they come ashore.
....is the light of the stars and the depth of the oceans deep.
He.
He is....
Art.
He is Art.
In the yesterday, today and forever.
In the now.
He is poetry in motion. He is creativity unleashed. He is beauty that knows no bounds. His expressions are endless. His definitions are limitless. His works are as numerous as grains of the sand at the beach or the snowflakes in winter.
Art.
He is....
Art.
He is Art.
He molds. He shapes. He forms. He transforms. And, His greatest work of Art is YOU. The uniqueness. The details. Down to the fingerprints and the hairs. And, most importantly, your heart. You are ALWAYS a work in progress to Him Who loves you so.
He.
.....is Art.
And, He is working on you everyday. He is working on His masterpiece. You are the clay. He is the potter. He is molding and shaping...
....your Heart.
He.
Art.
HE IS.
ART.
HE IS ART.
And, YOU are His masterpiece. From the inside out. You are HE ART.
HEART.
Take HEART. In the struggle. In the pain. This process is normal. It is as it should be. He is making you His fully and completely. Don't struggle. Don't fight it. Rejoice and be glad! Take joy in His Art.
You are His. You are beautiful. You are He Art. You are beautiful in His holiness. You are His HEART. He loves you so!
Friday, February 7, 2014
What Love Is This?
February. Hearts, cupids, and valentines come to mind. The month known as the month of love. Ah, love.
But what is love? What does love look like in action? How does it come alive? Truly......
Is it butterflies in the stomach, ballroom dances, batting eyelashes, and beating hearts intertwined? Is is caring cards, caressing cupids, sugary sweeties, and fragrant flowers? Is it diamonds or pearls wrapped in ribbons tied in pretty bows?
Or is it an aching heart that longs for unconditional acceptance, approval and affirmation. A heart that is reaching out to others wantingly waiting to give love and to be loved in return just because.... Because of the beauty that lies waiting there. In relationship. In closeness and emotional intimacy. A spiritual, not of this world, connection.
A heart not aching for what is expected or received but for what beauty a union in sacrifice can bring. Sacrificing wants, hopes, dreams for the sake of another's wants, hopes, and dreams. Sacrificing alone for togetherness. Sacrificing taking for giving. Sacrificing 'me' for 'you' or 'us.'
Love is the grace that abounds in the midst of mistakes. The forgiveness that follows grace and flows like a babbling brook meandering endlessly and noisily so that none can mistake its journey of restoration and rest. The transparency that comes from knowing revelation of the depths of the soul, the light and the dark, and transmitting and accepting love all the while. Sacrificing time and energy spent elsewhere on something else to give the gift of time to someone who is feeling lost, in the midst of losing, in the thick of needing. The unconditional that runs too deep for words. The love that leaves you speechless.
Being a shoulder, the hands and feet, the heart that helps the healing begin. A tool, a vehicle of love carried and conveyed without out boundaries and borders. Without conditions. Giving without being asked. Extending without expecting.
The sacrifice of self, of wants and desires, in the face of uncertainty. Letting go of agenda to empathize, trying to understand rather than imposing feelings of being misunderstood. Doing what is painful, difficult even when it seems undeserved. Without walls built and gates closed. The only guard posted is protecting love outpoured. Doing the right thing even when it hurts. Even when it feels wrong. Even when it is undeserved.
The giving rather than the getting. The loving rather than losing. The surrender rather than saving. The sacrifice rather than the selfishness. The pride swallowed.
The beauty. Hearts that collide in seeking to become one flesh in relationship. Enraptured with grace, forgiveness, sacrifice, giving, yielding and the peace and beauty that comes from the overcoming of loving in this way.
True love is not of this world. Not of the flesh but born of the Spirit.
It is rest for the weary, water for the thirsty, food for the soul.
Love. This is love. It is pure. It is simple. It is sacrifice of self unconditionally.
Our gracious God gives it to us freely and unashamedly. He gives it to us in abundance so we can freely give it to others. No matter what the circumstance.
Sacrifice. Of self. For others and for Him.
Rest. In His arms. Let others rest in yours.
Freedom. To love unconditional as He does with us. No agenda. No self. No shame.
But what is love? What does love look like in action? How does it come alive? Truly......
"The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."
Leviticus 19:34
Is it butterflies in the stomach, ballroom dances, batting eyelashes, and beating hearts intertwined? Is is caring cards, caressing cupids, sugary sweeties, and fragrant flowers? Is it diamonds or pearls wrapped in ribbons tied in pretty bows?
Or is it an aching heart that longs for unconditional acceptance, approval and affirmation. A heart that is reaching out to others wantingly waiting to give love and to be loved in return just because.... Because of the beauty that lies waiting there. In relationship. In closeness and emotional intimacy. A spiritual, not of this world, connection.
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5
A heart not aching for what is expected or received but for what beauty a union in sacrifice can bring. Sacrificing wants, hopes, dreams for the sake of another's wants, hopes, and dreams. Sacrificing alone for togetherness. Sacrificing taking for giving. Sacrificing 'me' for 'you' or 'us.'
Love is the grace that abounds in the midst of mistakes. The forgiveness that follows grace and flows like a babbling brook meandering endlessly and noisily so that none can mistake its journey of restoration and rest. The transparency that comes from knowing revelation of the depths of the soul, the light and the dark, and transmitting and accepting love all the while. Sacrificing time and energy spent elsewhere on something else to give the gift of time to someone who is feeling lost, in the midst of losing, in the thick of needing. The unconditional that runs too deep for words. The love that leaves you speechless.
Being a shoulder, the hands and feet, the heart that helps the healing begin. A tool, a vehicle of love carried and conveyed without out boundaries and borders. Without conditions. Giving without being asked. Extending without expecting.
The sacrifice of self, of wants and desires, in the face of uncertainty. Letting go of agenda to empathize, trying to understand rather than imposing feelings of being misunderstood. Doing what is painful, difficult even when it seems undeserved. Without walls built and gates closed. The only guard posted is protecting love outpoured. Doing the right thing even when it hurts. Even when it feels wrong. Even when it is undeserved.
The giving rather than the getting. The loving rather than losing. The surrender rather than saving. The sacrifice rather than the selfishness. The pride swallowed.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
The beauty. Hearts that collide in seeking to become one flesh in relationship. Enraptured with grace, forgiveness, sacrifice, giving, yielding and the peace and beauty that comes from the overcoming of loving in this way.
True love is not of this world. Not of the flesh but born of the Spirit.
It is rest for the weary, water for the thirsty, food for the soul.
Love. This is love. It is pure. It is simple. It is sacrifice of self unconditionally.
Our gracious God gives it to us freely and unashamedly. He gives it to us in abundance so we can freely give it to others. No matter what the circumstance.
Sacrifice. Of self. For others and for Him.
"Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;..." Deuteronomy 7:9
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But
I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to
those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and
persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven... "
Matthew 5:43-45
Rest. In His arms. Let others rest in yours.
"And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live."
Deuteronomy 30:6
Freedom. To love unconditional as He does with us. No agenda. No self. No shame.
"The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Perfect Love.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34
The Humbled and Exalted Christ.
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Philippians 2:1-11
Amazing Love.
Born of Spirit rather than flesh.
Accept no other.
Know it well.
Give it freely.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
The Promise
Promise.
The promise of love. Never faltering. Unfailing. Forever.
The promise of life. Then. Now. Later.
The promise of safety. Strong tower. Shelter. Shade.
The promise of purpose. In Spirit. In Truth. In Love.
The promise of hope. Seen. Unseen. Eternal.
The promise of tomorrow. Here. There. Beyond.
The promise of blessing. Imagined. Unimagined. Impossible.
The promise of accomplishment. Purpose. Plan. Empowered.
The promise of forgiveness. Certain. Faithful. Done.
The promise of faithfulness. In the good. In the dark. In the storm.
The promise of wisdom. Ask. Receive. Impart.
The promise of friendship. Brothers. Sisters. Family.
The promise of compassion. Grace. Love. Life.
The promise of freedom. Healing. Spirit. Die to live.
The promise of rest. Freed. Restored. Redeemed.
The promise of joy. Fire. Anointed. Salvation.
The promise of victory. Overcomer. Greater. Lord.
The promise of love. Never faltering. Unfailing. Forever.
The promise of life. Then. Now. Later.
The promise of safety. Strong tower. Shelter. Shade.
The promise of purpose. In Spirit. In Truth. In Love.
The promise of hope. Seen. Unseen. Eternal.
The promise of tomorrow. Here. There. Beyond.
The promise of blessing. Imagined. Unimagined. Impossible.
The promise of accomplishment. Purpose. Plan. Empowered.
The promise of forgiveness. Certain. Faithful. Done.
The promise of faithfulness. In the good. In the dark. In the storm.
The promise of wisdom. Ask. Receive. Impart.
The promise of friendship. Brothers. Sisters. Family.
The promise of compassion. Grace. Love. Life.
The promise of freedom. Healing. Spirit. Die to live.
The promise of rest. Freed. Restored. Redeemed.
The promise of joy. Fire. Anointed. Salvation.
The promise of victory. Overcomer. Greater. Lord.
The Christ.
Jesus.
Son of Man, Son of God.
Beauty unfolded; Love Divine.
THE Promise.
THE Gift of God.
For you. For me. For love.........
Forever!
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being
much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by
fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of
Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:6-9
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Flex Those Muscles!
The Physical
Exercise... Ugh! Most of us dread it, few of us love it, even fewer of us are exercise enthusiasts.
I have several reason for wanting/needing to exercise at least three to four times per week: 1) overall health and well being; 2) weight maintenance; and, more importantly, 3) my muscular disability. So, yes, like it or not I struggle with the daily debate as to whether or not to exercise. Conflicted? Admittedly so!
Nonetheless, I walk for exercise with occasional light weightlifting. It gives me good toning and cardio with minimum stress on my bones and muscles. Most days, I do so on my treadmill as it is safer with my disability. Occasionally, I will wander outdoors for a walk in the neighborhood.
Walking is different now, without my medication, as I have to be much more agile, alert, and aware. Agile enough to step lightly and fairly quickly especially crossing streets. (I am anything but quick with stiff, contracted muscles.) Alert enough to be aware of dogs, obstacles and traffic. Aware of my surroundings in order to navigate the best route on streets and sidewalks. Constant vigilance.
The Spiritual
Exercise... Ugh! Most of us dread it, few of us love it, even fewer of us are exercise enthusiasts.
I have several reason for wanting/needing to exercise at least three to four times per week: 1) overall health and well being; 2) weight maintenance; and, more importantly, 3) my muscular disability. So, yes, like it or not I struggle with the daily debate as to whether or not to exercise. Conflicted? Admittedly so!
Nonetheless, I walk for exercise with occasional light weightlifting. It gives me good toning and cardio with minimum stress on my bones and muscles. Most days, I do so on my treadmill as it is safer with my disability. Occasionally, I will wander outdoors for a walk in the neighborhood.
Walking is different now, without my medication, as I have to be much more agile, alert, and aware. Agile enough to step lightly and fairly quickly especially crossing streets. (I am anything but quick with stiff, contracted muscles.) Alert enough to be aware of dogs, obstacles and traffic. Aware of my surroundings in order to navigate the best route on streets and sidewalks. Constant vigilance.
The Spiritual
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9
The physical struggle got me thinking about the spiritual struggle. The seen and the unseen. I can hear cars coming. I can see obstacles in my way. The sidewalk beneath my feet guides me along the way. I stop, look and listen. I take care, I prepare.
But, do I recognize the signs of danger in my spiritual walk or notice
the obstacles distancing me from God?
Do I take care in being vigilant in preparation to face the spiritual battle that is swirling around me? The battle for my thoughts, my heart, my future? Do I recognize temptations when they are staring at me, the lies of the evil one trying to discourage me from my purpose, the discord being sewn in my relationships that are impeding my relationship with Him? Do I put my armor on every moment of every day to fight the battle of the unseen?
Agile, Alert, Aware.
Prepared.
Exercise is certainly not my first choice in how to spend those precious moments each day. I set aside time to eat, work, play and, sometimes, exercise this hunk of flesh. But do I exercise my physical AND spiritual muscles each day? Do I offer a sacrifice of time to Him Who has given me the gift of life eternal?
I am versed in His Word? Is it a priority for me?
Do I know where to look for the true source of strength, peace, love, help, encouragement,
reassurance and hope when I need it?
Do I get on my knees, humble myself and spend time with Him
every day seeking His wisdom as my own? Is it a necessity to me?
Am I truly aware of my own weaknesses and gaps in my armor and how to heal the wounds?
Do I recognize where or when attacks may happen and how to act by the power of His Spirit?
Do I know how to recognize and deflect slings, arrows, and fiery darts of the enemy
through His Word?
Do I listen to His voice to guide and look for His light
on my path rather than rely on my own wisdom?
Do I exercise my spiritual muscles every day or just wait until there is a crisis?
Agile, Alert, Aware.
Prepared.
Constant vigilance.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
I definitely want those tools in my tool box! They impart wisdom, discernment and action (rather than reaction) in times of confusion, discouragement, and tragedy. He is my strength and my shield. My armor. My guide.
He is worth the time and so am I because I am His. I will continue to give Him the sacrifice in time for the maintenance of this physical tabernacle as it is home to His Spirit as He lives in me. And, I will give more sacrifice in time to those spiritual muscles as He also lives through me!
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11
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