So, we embark on a new study. A study designed to create balance in the 4 core areas of our lives - emotional, spiritual, mental and physical - "total health from the inside out." We're going to focus on putting GOD first in our lives. Once we accomplish that, everything else will fall into its perspective place.
Matthew 6:33 Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
A lack of time is our excuse for many things. We don't have time to work out, we don't have time to read a good book, we don't have time to journal, we don't have time for ourselves period much less anything else.
Personally, this tax season kicked my butt, more so than previous ones. I'm exhausted. Maybe it's because I've had too many other things on my mind. Maybe it's because I've been fighting the blues. But I haven't had time to keep up w/my favorite shows, I haven't had time to devote to the small group or this blog, I haven't had time to think straight.
But have I really not HAD time, or I haven't MADE time? My mother used to say, "you can sleep when you die." True enough, I guess. I suppose I could have given up a few more hours of sleep. But I REALLY like my sleep. And research shows that if we don't get enough rest our bodies will suffer lower immunity which leads to illness, etc. etc., vicious circle, & all that other rhetoric.
Therefore, I will bring in guest speakers throughout the study to help us focus more fully on the 4 areas. The first, a personal trainer a few weeks ago, gave us some tips to help jump start the physical well-being portion of the study. Following are some important points from her talk:
- The amount of time you give to working out is not as important as the amount of EFFORT you give. Heather talked about seeing people at the gym that only give 50% to their workout. They mosey from machine to machine, taking their time, talking to people they know. They aren't really working very hard at anything - it's social hour. She recommends giving 110% to 2 minutes, or 10 minutes, or 20 minutes as opposed to giving 50% to an hour.
- Keep a positive attitude, in everything you do. You can do more than you think you can, if you just go for it. Staying positive makes anything and everything easier, and more enjoyable.
- Multitask by praying during exercise/chores: If you're doing housework, pray for those whose laundry you're folding. Give thanks for the food you just ate while washing dishes. Even give thanks for something/someone different with each jumping jack or sit-up.
- Don't be still, EVER: Just keep moving. Pace while watching TV or reading. Do squats while drying your hair. March in place or do leg lifts while brushing your teeth. Do push-ups against the kitchen counter while waiting for the water to boil, or the meal to finish baking.
- The most important thing that she wanted to stress is to just BE THERE IN THAT MOMENT. If what you are doing honors God & you're giving 110% in all you do, God will honor your efforts.
Look up 2 Cor 4: 16-18 and I'll see you tomorrow night! Don't forget to come prepared to work-out!!!
