God, this morning I can feel you continually calling me to you. You are calling me through my worry about Trent’s preschool, through the sounds of Toy Story 3, all through making breakfast, sorting the laundry, and the general tasks of starting my day. Thank you, Lord. Thank you for calling me to you and drawing me in to rest in your arms and remember who my life is for, who I am to serve, and thank you for helping me get all the other stuff in perspective. It’s just that, stuff. God your love is and it’s healing powers are beyond any solution I could concoct on my own and I am so grateful to rest in your love.
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A wise lady (Marsha Joiner; we were coworkers at the church) once told me, “Spiritual maturity is happening when the time between the point of crisis and the point of turning to God gets smaller and smaller.” Marsha and I worked together probably over five years ago. She and the other “office ladies” of the church, were such a bright spot to my days. These ladies had a way of edifying me when I didn’t even realize I needed to grow and they also had a way of being that soft place to land in the midst of turmoil.
During my time working at the church I went from being a single lady ((Quick shout out to the single ladies seeking God with all their hearts!!! Single ladies where you at?!!)) patiently waiting for God to…UUUUURCH! Back it up, and let’s be honest! I was NOT patiently waiting. I was biting at the bit for God to reveal to me the man of my dreams and I definitely have the journal entries to prove it! I found myself setting up the scenario for God (precious, right?!) and then just praying, “God move in this man’s heart so he can see what an amazing life in serving you we will have together!” I did all the leg work for God. I bumped AND set the ball, all God had to do was spike it!
Needless to say, there was a lot of growth that needed to take place in my own heart. Is it now more apparent why Miss Marsha had to dole out advice about spiritual maturity?! I had to learn about patience, I had to learn about submitting my will (and my thoughts, actions, feelings) to God, and I had to learn to let God write my love story. Funny thing, I’m still learning these exact lessons.
I think I get so caught up in the ideal love story that I thought I was going to experience. You know, the one between a man and a woman; where Fabio finally realizes all he needs could be found in the essence of the peasant girl (yours truly) that he had waited for all his life. And now, all that is left is for them to love and serve each other for the rest of their days feeding each other grapes and “enlarging their territory.” YUCK! Gross, right?! I didn’t realize that while there where some things I had learned to submit to God (i.e. dating relationship and wedding day) that my entire life was God’s love story!!!
It is interesting to note the fervor in which I pursued God as I allowed him to write my dating and pre-marital love story. Interesting because almost immediately after marriage, I stopped having faith in God’s penmenship. Philippians 1:6 states:
… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Did I misread that to say:
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of your wedding, Amanda Jo-now-Huffman?
Apparently so. Am I alone here sisters? Is there anyone out there (that while you may not say, “Yes, when I am married and can start a family, I will be happy and fulfilled!”) that finds yourself feeling sometimes just as lonely as when you were single? When we pick an earthly lover or idol over the source of all love, emptiness and sadness are right around the corner. Yes, "love" has even become my idol at times causing me to be clanging cymbal in my husband’s ear; or better yet a dripping faucet nagging about love or the lack of it at every opportunity. Oh my patient, patient, husband.
As I continue to get reeducated on love, I'm learning it's not about recieving gifts, acts of service, kisses, hugs, daily words of affirmation (or minute-by-minute if your a junky like me). It's about serving, committing to who God has called me to-HIMSELF, compromising and even dying to myself. Greater love has no man than this; that he would lay down his life for his friends! Thanks for the re-mind Pastor Matthew Vaught and Pastor Mike Woods!
I pray right now that God is increasing your faith in whatever area it is that you are struggling for control over; to believe that He is in control of that exact area of need! What is it? Is it an eating disorder, finances, infidelity within your marriage, vanity, business, loneliness, hopelessness, depression, unhealthy family patterns, an addiction/s? Whatever it is, God wants to rule over that area of your life and rewrite your COMPLETE love story. This love story isn’t about you and a man, it’s about you and the Son of Man, His Father, and the Holy Spirit. I know for me, I have to grow in my faith in many of these areas, and I can only do that with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, repentance through Jesus Christ, and the love of my Father, God. I hope you will pray this with me:
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts (Psalm 139:23)
And I pray you will allow God to confirm in your heart this truth:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:10-12)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:27-29)
And may we believe with our whole hearts that He who has begun a good work in us WILL see it through to completion!
Amen? Amen! And Happy Valentine's Day!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Monday, July 11, 2011
Boot Camp!
Tonight it felt so good to be back into boot camp with the ladies! Most of the regulars were there: Vicki, Brandy, Ashley, and Lindsey! We were definitely missing Deb as she recovers from surgery but we certainly enjoyed Mary's company! Tonight's workout used no additional weights and still was super intense for our first night back. I benefit so much mentally and emotionally from these workouts and the time I have with these ladies. Tonight when I came home to eat the hubs wanted "brinner" and I made it for him. But I didn't want to negate all of the hard work we put in. So I'm proud to say that instead of french toast with my eggs and turkey bacon (2 egg whites/1 egg) I had lettuce and a tsp of balsamic vinegar...and EVEN TURNED DOWN THE DESSERT! I shall savor this good decision and remember how good it feels to honestly say I made a good choice about food. This is what I desire to do, make healthy choices.
Not only do we work hard but we laugh, a lot! Hopefully as Deb heals we'll be able to start some more aquatic workouts that can be just as intense and beneficial as workouts on land. I am looking forward to enjoying the next series of workouts with them and doing some serious growth together and individually!
Not only do we work hard but we laugh, a lot! Hopefully as Deb heals we'll be able to start some more aquatic workouts that can be just as intense and beneficial as workouts on land. I am looking forward to enjoying the next series of workouts with them and doing some serious growth together and individually!
It's Monday!
I am so excited about today! Two classes are in the books (with B's I think) and only one left for six more weeks before my next break! Trent and I have the morning together to go for a run, play in the kiddie pool (best layout option, ever), play with play dough and not feel guilty about tending to school and work!
Our challenge from church was to finish reading Philippians 1 starting at verse 12. This section seemed super appropriate in reminding me that others experience way more challenging situations and life circumstances when living their life for God. Also starting at verse 27 I was encouraged to keep doing what I should no matter what is happening around me.
"Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ (NIV)."
I am grateful for this beautiful day that presents with it a new day to practice living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
Our challenge from church was to finish reading Philippians 1 starting at verse 12. This section seemed super appropriate in reminding me that others experience way more challenging situations and life circumstances when living their life for God. Also starting at verse 27 I was encouraged to keep doing what I should no matter what is happening around me.
"Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ (NIV)."
I am grateful for this beautiful day that presents with it a new day to practice living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Today
Sometimes there is so much going on that it is hard for me to stop and just focus on the task at hand or what needs to be done today. I believe this has definitely been a part of the challenge for me in reaching my fitness goals. But I am so grateful that along the way I have learned that grace, consistency, persistence, and patience will sustain me as I go along. I think in the past I have seen patience and persistence as antonyms...I either was patiently doing little to nothing about the current goal or I was feverishly pushing forward toward the goal.
The last time we were in church Pastor Mike taught us that patience is about having, literally, a widened soul. What this meant was that we use the wisdom that we've gained through God's word and the Holy Spirit to enrich our understanding of the current situation so that we may be patient; so that we may have a widened soul.
As I attempt to work on school work this morning I am praying for a widened soul. The sell of our house has fallen through and after two months of working hard with a buyer, it's not going to happen. I am beginning an amazing new work opportunity where I get to use ALL of my giftings and talents, I am finishing up my last year of school, and I am relishing this time with our son Trent who is going to be three in August. Brett and I are also working hard to continue to grow in our love for each other by developing a "widened soul" in how we work, live and love with each other. I believe if he and I can make it through this time in our marriage, we will be so much stronger for it. And did I mention he just had back surgery unexpectedly two weeks ago? It has definitely been a crazy season and we don't have all of the "why's" answered. But I keep going back to Romans 5:2-5 for hope and encouragement. I know so many people go through much more difficult circumstances, and it isn't just a season for them. That fact alone is humbling and helps me stay focused on what's important: my relationship with God, with my husband, with my son and with friends and family.
I pray that on the other side of this season of life God will be glorified through all that is happening and that all will see how great is our God. I also pray that in the meantime God will provide for me a supernatural ability to focus on the things that are most important to Him and the things that will bring Him glory. I am grateful for God, for how He loves me, and that He loves me enough to teach me the lessons I will learn through this time.
The last time we were in church Pastor Mike taught us that patience is about having, literally, a widened soul. What this meant was that we use the wisdom that we've gained through God's word and the Holy Spirit to enrich our understanding of the current situation so that we may be patient; so that we may have a widened soul.
As I attempt to work on school work this morning I am praying for a widened soul. The sell of our house has fallen through and after two months of working hard with a buyer, it's not going to happen. I am beginning an amazing new work opportunity where I get to use ALL of my giftings and talents, I am finishing up my last year of school, and I am relishing this time with our son Trent who is going to be three in August. Brett and I are also working hard to continue to grow in our love for each other by developing a "widened soul" in how we work, live and love with each other. I believe if he and I can make it through this time in our marriage, we will be so much stronger for it. And did I mention he just had back surgery unexpectedly two weeks ago? It has definitely been a crazy season and we don't have all of the "why's" answered. But I keep going back to Romans 5:2-5 for hope and encouragement. I know so many people go through much more difficult circumstances, and it isn't just a season for them. That fact alone is humbling and helps me stay focused on what's important: my relationship with God, with my husband, with my son and with friends and family.
I pray that on the other side of this season of life God will be glorified through all that is happening and that all will see how great is our God. I also pray that in the meantime God will provide for me a supernatural ability to focus on the things that are most important to Him and the things that will bring Him glory. I am grateful for God, for how He loves me, and that He loves me enough to teach me the lessons I will learn through this time.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Shew!
What a couple of weeks it has been! I have definitely seen the effects of busy-ness on my diet. Not writing down what I eat was not bad at first because I had friends who were making efforts to clean up their eating and staying in communication with them helped me stay focused. But after things got really busy and I was not writing down my food, or staying accountable by verbally sharing with friends, my food intake increased and the quality of food I ate decreased.
This morning I have again began to journal my food intake on myfitnesspal.com and am looking forward to my workout later today! The days where I am not teaching a boot camp or Zumba can be tricky because I could easily rationalize the need for rest. However, I know that I need to actively rest in order to continue training my metabolism and my muscles!
I am already glad to be refocused on my fitness efforts!
This morning I have again began to journal my food intake on myfitnesspal.com and am looking forward to my workout later today! The days where I am not teaching a boot camp or Zumba can be tricky because I could easily rationalize the need for rest. However, I know that I need to actively rest in order to continue training my metabolism and my muscles!
I am already glad to be refocused on my fitness efforts!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Who is rubbing off on me?
I realize now how important it is that I spend time with people who care about the things I care about so much that there's evidence of it in their lives. When I am with those who desire to better their health and fitness, it reminds me of my goal. When I begin to withdrawl from my relationship with God, I rely on the women around me to remind me of the Truth that I am unable to tell myself.
I am so grateful to God that he has continued to place women in my life who care about God, fitness, total health and family.
I am so grateful to God that he has continued to place women in my life who care about God, fitness, total health and family.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
3.1.11 Happy PIG Day!
Well, perhaps the only person outside of the midwest that gladly celebrates National Pig Day is my Mom. And the question remains, do you give the pig a break/holiday or do you celebrate by honoring pig offerings? Delicious, savory, bacon. However, some will argue that it is also National Share a Smile day ORRR National Peanut Butter Lovers day. So wrap some bacon around some peanut butter and SMILE!
In light of my efforts to Eat Clean, I won't be wrapping bacon around anything today and the only peanut butterish food I will be indulging in perhaps will be nice nut butter. In the meantime I'd like to share a few of the things and tips that are helping me in my efforts to stay focused on changing how I eat.
1. I don't obsess over calories. I am using myfitnesspal.com as accountability for what I put in my body. It does all of the calorie counting for me. Some of my friends and one long-distance cousin are linked to my profile and can see if I've logged my food and how I am doing in light of my goals. Also, this link will show you how much protien, how many carbs, and how much fat you have taken in for the day and where you might need to make adjustments.
2. I have a Polar Heart Rate monitor that lets me see as I am exercising just how much effort I am exerting. It also does a calorie count that I can enter into myfitnesspal.com so I can see how much more food I need to take in so that my body doesn't go into semi-starvation mode. This is also helpful when I am teaching classes. Some days the work feels much more intense than it really is. And delivering a class that consistently meets the needs of members is important to me. I also like to be able to be able to track when it is time to allow our heart rates to recover so that no one passes out. That's always a good thing to avoid.
3. I have friends and family supporting me. It just recently occured to me that I don't have to bother one person all of the time with my growing pains. I can bug an ENTIRE TRI-STATE AREA! Just joking. By allowing my family and friends speak into this process, I make myself available to constructive feedback, positive reinforcement, and resources to succeed that I may have otherwise been isolated from. Research shows that when we have social support we are much more likely to achieve our goals and I BELIEVE IT!
4. There are a few simple tips that I cling to daily:
In light of my efforts to Eat Clean, I won't be wrapping bacon around anything today and the only peanut butterish food I will be indulging in perhaps will be nice nut butter. In the meantime I'd like to share a few of the things and tips that are helping me in my efforts to stay focused on changing how I eat.
1. I don't obsess over calories. I am using myfitnesspal.com as accountability for what I put in my body. It does all of the calorie counting for me. Some of my friends and one long-distance cousin are linked to my profile and can see if I've logged my food and how I am doing in light of my goals. Also, this link will show you how much protien, how many carbs, and how much fat you have taken in for the day and where you might need to make adjustments.
2. I have a Polar Heart Rate monitor that lets me see as I am exercising just how much effort I am exerting. It also does a calorie count that I can enter into myfitnesspal.com so I can see how much more food I need to take in so that my body doesn't go into semi-starvation mode. This is also helpful when I am teaching classes. Some days the work feels much more intense than it really is. And delivering a class that consistently meets the needs of members is important to me. I also like to be able to be able to track when it is time to allow our heart rates to recover so that no one passes out. That's always a good thing to avoid.
3. I have friends and family supporting me. It just recently occured to me that I don't have to bother one person all of the time with my growing pains. I can bug an ENTIRE TRI-STATE AREA! Just joking. By allowing my family and friends speak into this process, I make myself available to constructive feedback, positive reinforcement, and resources to succeed that I may have otherwise been isolated from. Research shows that when we have social support we are much more likely to achieve our goals and I BELIEVE IT!
4. There are a few simple tips that I cling to daily:
- eat within the hour after I wake up
- eat 6 small meals all day: a carb and a protein
- eat an hour before you workout
- eat an hour after you workout
- log food into myfitnesspal.com throughout the day
- put my goals up around the house on post-its so i am reminded what i am working toward
- engage friends and family in the process
- plan meals ahead of time (this one I am working on TODAY)!
That's all for now. I pray this finds you well, wherever you are in your life. Feel free to share advice, suggestion, feedback, or your personal fitness story here.
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