I can’t believe Lent is already here. I wasn’t able to get my ashes today and I mindlessly ate 2 slices of bacon this morning for breakfast. I’ve been really busy and my brain has been super pre-occupied so it kind of slipped my mind. No excuse though and I feel bad 😦 Anyway, I’m not really giving up anything for 40 days or 40 nights. It’s so hard to find vices to give up since I really don’t have many when it comes to food, which is what most people give up–sweets, chocolate, fast food, etc. My nieces were joking that I should give up spinach and go back to eating bad…it actually made me chuckle, especially with them saying I’m too healthy now 🙂 oops I’m digressing…well, instead I’ve decided to dedicate blog posts to God—writing to Him, thanking him, prayers, experiences–basically anything related to Him. I’m going to try to pour my heart out so I may not be able to publish certain posts for public viewing. So here’s my first post to start this off with…
I love the scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Phillippians 4:13. This scripture rings very true to my life, especially this last year and some months. I know I couldn’t have changed my lifestyle if it weren’t from the strength I asked for from God. He planted a dream in my heart and only because of Him was I able to even begin to try to work for it.
At first my doubts were strong, I was ready to face failure as I had in the past. If it wasn’t for my faith in God and myself, I would’ve quit but like the scripture, Matthew 19:26, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” I knew I could do it because I had Him by my side. I really do remember times where I was in the middle of a really hard workout (especially when I was doing CrossFit) and telling God in my heart, please just get me through this workout! Often when I go on runs, especially outside and in nature, I check in with God and it helps to clear my mind even more. I thank Him for my strength, the beautiful surroundings and the peace and serenity I get from running.
1 Corinthians 6:19 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” This means that my physical body has a sacred connection with God so I have to treat it well, nourish it and take care of it. I wasn’t honoring God by taking my body for granted, “poisoning” myself with junk, processed and disease-causing food and not exercising to better my health. God has blessed the earth with an abundance of delicious natural foods to nourish our bodies with and we ruin them by adding all kinda of preservatives and chemicals. I’m not a completely “clean” eater, not a vegan by any means, but for the most part I have taken the natural and organic path when it comes to what I eat, cook and even feed to others. Plus, he gave me a body that is capable of so much…I vowed to use this blessing to be as active as I could until I couldn’t be anymore.
Changing my habits that affected my health helped unfold so much more than just weight loss. I was able to gain confidence while challenging myself and inspiring others. I connected with many others through my lifestyle change which brought friendships into my life. Other areas also improved–my relationships with others, my attitude about life and really valuing the purpose of bettering my life.
Everyday I thank God for the amazing Gift of Life, especially mine which allows me to give to others, serve Him and embrace some wonderful opportunities and experiences. I not only express in words my gratitude, but make sure to take care of the life I have by staying healthy, active and in touch with my body.
dear abby 