Day Three: I Was Made for More....Thirty Seconds at a Time

I have been guilty of not taking enough time for myself….as have many of us. But if my husband, friends, kids, church, parents, or….pretty much anyone needed me for something, I would be there for them; as long as they needed, without question. Why is that?

Today our Small Group discussion was “Slowing Down and Celebrating.” It may sound a bit ironic at first listen but it is truly about slowing down and celebrating the moments as they happen…. even making those moments happen in the first place.

My husband was given a great opportunity to work in aerospace, even if is just for a short time until we see what God’s plan for him is. He left for Oklahoma on Monday and will be gone for a month; needless to say, I have a lot of time to myself. His opportunity has created an opportunity for myself…. in this journey of craving Jesus more than anything else. With no one to cook for, clean up after, or sit by the door for…waiting to get home from work, there is no excuse for me to not spend more quality time with Jesus or personal time for myself. I miss my husband bunches but I have to remind myself that I can’t sit at home and use that as a reason not to be selfish about wanting more for myself; more of what Jesus wants for me.

Lysa’s devotion today was a great reminder of Jesus wanting more for me, of being made for more; not settling when it comes to myself, not putting “me” after all others, and not being okay with being “chunky” saying “God loves me just the way I am…. I doubt he cares about what size I am.” And I actually was to that point before discovering this study, even pretending to be happy with the 200ish, size 16 frame that was my reality. No more….because He made me for more.

According to Lysa: “We were made for victory. Sometimes we just have to find our way to that truth.” He wants success for us in EVERY area of our life and this is one where I was definitely lacking so I vowed to Him, to my husband, and to myself to start making healthier lifestyle changes and not give up if results weren’t immediate (which I secretly hope they are).

Part of my “homework” and “footwork” for the Made to Crave study is activity. Changing to a healthier lifestyle means reading more of His word, learning what he wants for me, eating better, and getting in some exercise. I went from justifying I “have curves in all the right places” to being grateful for there being “Curves in all the right places”; Curves Fitness Clubs for women of course. They are everywhere and for that I am thankful because that means there is one very close to home so I could join and participate. They have a couple of different mottos that found me right where I was. The first one: “Stronger Together” – If I share my strength with just one woman, I can help her become fit, gain confidence, and avoid disease. Together we can make the world one million women stronger. The other motto that I see as I walk in the door or look at the clock: “Be ready to amaze yourself.” I smile as I add to it….  Be ready to amaze yourself and glorify Him.

I mentioned before my skepticism about Curves really being a work out that would work for me; although hoping it would prove me wrong because it is the ONLY “gym” close enough to my house to get to every day and really commit to. Just like my relationship with Jesus, I soon realized that you get out of it….what you put into it. The Curves workout is unique because you elevate your heart rate by working hard on the strength training machines and maintain your heart rate by moving lively on the recovery boards. The recovery boards are placed between the strength training stations so you’ll use them several times during a single circuit. There are at least a dozen of various machines “in the circuit” with recovery boards between each one. Curves works because it gives you a complete cardio and strength-training workout in just 30 minutes, where you can burn up to 500 calories every time. The circuit is made up of resistance machines that work every major muscle group, two muscles at a time. And with a circuit coach to teach and motivate, you’re sure to reach your fitness goals in no time. Whether you want to lose weight and inches, gain energy or tone up, the Curves circuit with work for you. (Information taken from http://www.curves.com/).

My skepticism was simple: How could sitting around in a circle, changing “stations” every thirty seconds really work? But after three workouts this week and a commitment to go six days a week for at least thirty minutes each day, I am excited at the possibility. I am going to improve my physical fitness by doing for “me” thirty seconds at a time. I am going to improve my spiritual fitness by committing to more times of solitude with “Him”.

Every time I get to my Curves, I walk in ready to amaze myself and glorify Him. With each push of my legs or pulling of arms or simply running/boxing in place on the recovery board, I want to give 110% for Him which is better than any personal trainer hovering over me. No… I am not saying that Cardboard Jesus goes with me and pushes me harder but I will do more for him than anyone else that could push me.

Paul says: “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which God has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19

For a long time I felt I held no value; but in finding my relationship with Jesus and deciding to “amaze myself and glorify Him”, I have found the promise of my glorious inheritance.

Thanks Paul.  =D