What I learned on day #4 of my 21 day Journey

"For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made." -Psalm 139:13-14

Quote of the Day:

"Our body is like armor, our soul like the warrior. Take care of both, and you will be ready for what comes. " -Amma St. Syncletice

Something God opened my eyes to...

So many people go on crazy crash diets who lose 10 lbs in 3 days, who starve themselves, and burn more calories then they intake by working out and not eating.. It's not how God intended us to live. God gave us the earth and in the garden of eden there was fruit and all sorts of goodness to eat. We are to eat healthy, and enjoy life. ALL things are cleansed in the blood of Jesus. For old things have passed away and all things are made new. 

I enjoy eating a nice juicy burger or steak evert now and again. We can still eat the things we enjoy but in moderation. If you know your going to a birthday party an there is going to be cake and cake is your kryptonite to your superman then plan on exercising that day and burning the calories you know you will be eating later, or eat a less fatty and low calorie meal earlier. We are to have self discipline though. Self discipline is so easily said and much harder to be done, but when you find yourself struggling ask God to give you strength to resist the temptations. He will give you the strength!

When you look at yourself in the mirror what is your first thought?

Usually negative right?

Some would even say... "I hate my body, I hate this, I hate my stomach, my legs are to weak, my arms are too flabby, my thighs are too wide, my butt is too large or too small, I have too big of boobs or their not big enough.. etc"

Can you relate? I know I have done this way too many times...

Well........ STOP IT! Stop it NOW!

"For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made." -Psalm 139:13-14

Your were remarkably and wonderfully made in the image of God. When you think that way, feel that way, or say that... Your criticizing God. Your saying, "God you did a bad job on me, you didn't know what you were doing did you?" You may not be straight out saying those things but God knows your heart. Don't try to lose weight to get your dream body, and don't fall into the temptation of becoming vain. Hey, It's a struggle for me too! When you are determined to get healthy in order for you to fulfill the work of the Lord and to Glorify his name, then your doing it for the right reasons.  LOVE your body. Be good to it. Nourish your body, exercise, and make it last a long life.

If your wanting to get healthy and lose weight like I do, please don't starve yourself and harm your body, because you are beautifully and wonderfully made (psalm 139:14). Don't forget that!

*Challenge for the week:

Next time you see your reflection make sure your response is positive. You kinda had the best creator make you... so you better appreciate his hard work! God wants you to be healthy but before you can start looking good outwardly you need to be feeling good inwardly. That will make the difference in your health. Spiritually you must get fit before you can outwardly.

I have a beautiful body. I am blessed to have such an awesome God who made me this way. Thank you God for this body, and help me to nourish it and keep it healthy and to bring glory to your name with it. 

(P.S. I wasn't being vain ^ with the above statement, I was giving thanks for everything God has made me even though I struggle with all the above thoughts of self doubt)