Here it is New Year's Eve. I've been sick the last couple of days with a bad cold and almost lost my voice.
But I did manage to put away the Christmas decorations -- I broke into a sweat doing it so I think I'll count that as my cardio for the day.
I raided my ball-hockey bag and found a pair of running shoes and a lock for my locker. That'll save on some costs. I'll go through my summer clothes and see if I can't find a respectable t-shirt and pair of shorts. That should do for now.
Not staying up til midnight this year. Back to bed!
Like New
Philippians 2:12 -What I am getting at friends is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God (MSG).
My weight-loss leader has one recurring theme. Pretend that you are a new member. Do all the things that you did when you first joined. This includes studying the food plan, measuring portions carefully and exercising every day. When I don’t lose any weight, it is because I have forgotten what I learned when I first joined.
Similarly, in our faith life, when we feel separated from God, it is because we have forgotten to be a new member. We haven’t been studying our Christian food plan, the Bible, or measuring our life by God’s standards. We haven’t exercised our faith with prayer.
Prayer-God, Creator of new hearts, we want to return to our new member status. We choose to be reverent and sensitive before You. Help us redouble our efforts. Thanks for constantly drawing us back to Yourself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
My weight-loss leader has one recurring theme. Pretend that you are a new member. Do all the things that you did when you first joined. This includes studying the food plan, measuring portions carefully and exercising every day. When I don’t lose any weight, it is because I have forgotten what I learned when I first joined.
Similarly, in our faith life, when we feel separated from God, it is because we have forgotten to be a new member. We haven’t been studying our Christian food plan, the Bible, or measuring our life by God’s standards. We haven’t exercised our faith with prayer.
Prayer-God, Creator of new hearts, we want to return to our new member status. We choose to be reverent and sensitive before You. Help us redouble our efforts. Thanks for constantly drawing us back to Yourself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
Countdown to 30 days cont'd
Do you ever get the feeling like your efforts for a healthy body are sabotaged the moment you start?I woke up with a cold today! Even though it's a gorgeous sunny day outside -- and I'd normally like nothing better than to take the dog for a long walk in the woods -- instead of walking, my head beckons me to crawl back under the duvet, pull the blind, and resume sleeping. d'oh!
Countdown to 30 days
I need to get ready for my 30-day challenge. Luckily, I received a great Goodlife Gym bag with my 30-day membership. Now I just need to fill the bag.
Where did I put my old gym wear? I suppose I could buy a new outfit to wear at the club. And new shoes. And a new sports bra. And a lock. And a water bottle. Hmmm, maybe this "free" membership isn't as cheap as I first thought.
Where did I put my old gym wear? I suppose I could buy a new outfit to wear at the club. And new shoes. And a new sports bra. And a lock. And a water bottle. Hmmm, maybe this "free" membership isn't as cheap as I first thought.
30 days to a strong body
One of the gifts I received for Christmas was a 30-day membership at Goodlife Club for Women.
For the past year, I have worked out in my basement with friends. They would come over 3 times a week and we would lift weights and lift each other's spirits. It was a super time of health and fellowship. However, with my erratic work schedule too many sessions got cancelled and we stopped our get-togethers. For the past few months, I must admit that I haven't picked up a free-weight, or pressed a bench.
So, in light of the upcoming new year, my new membership, and my recent weight gain, I pledge to start a 30-day journey back to health!
I plan to officially start on Monday, January 4th (with the rest of the NY crowd) and will share with you my journey on a daily basis. I look forward to you joining me on this journey.
Blessings on the road to health!
No Substitute
Psalm 34:8-O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth him (KJV).
My family was surprised at my attitude about this cake because my husband is diabetic and I am always watching my weight. Besides, I’ve written several low-fat, low-sugar cookbooks.
However, I was determined to duplicate the recipe in its entirety, even if it did include whipping cream, sour cream and nine eggs! When I read Jan Karon’s delightful Mitford books, Esther’s Orange Marmalade Cake got under my skin. When Ms. Karon published a cookbook with that cake in it, I knew I was sunk. For once I was not going to cut calories, use artificial sugar or low-fat anything. After all, it was my birthday. That finished cake stood a majestic three layers high. It was really too beautiful to cut into, but I forced myself! It was everything and more than I had imagined. And everyone else agreed.
Have we tasted God with as much enthusiasm as I tasted that cake? Do we appreciate that He is real and there is no substitute for who He is or what He wants to do in our lives? Why not share Him with others so that they can taste and see that the Lord is go-o-o-o-o-d?
Prayer-Lord, make Yourself real to us in every way. Teach us that there is no substitute for the real thing. You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
My family was surprised at my attitude about this cake because my husband is diabetic and I am always watching my weight. Besides, I’ve written several low-fat, low-sugar cookbooks.
However, I was determined to duplicate the recipe in its entirety, even if it did include whipping cream, sour cream and nine eggs! When I read Jan Karon’s delightful Mitford books, Esther’s Orange Marmalade Cake got under my skin. When Ms. Karon published a cookbook with that cake in it, I knew I was sunk. For once I was not going to cut calories, use artificial sugar or low-fat anything. After all, it was my birthday. That finished cake stood a majestic three layers high. It was really too beautiful to cut into, but I forced myself! It was everything and more than I had imagined. And everyone else agreed.
Have we tasted God with as much enthusiasm as I tasted that cake? Do we appreciate that He is real and there is no substitute for who He is or what He wants to do in our lives? Why not share Him with others so that they can taste and see that the Lord is go-o-o-o-o-d?
Prayer-Lord, make Yourself real to us in every way. Teach us that there is no substitute for the real thing. You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
Celebrate! It's Christmas!
I believe in Christmas – a time for “Joy to the World” and “The Christmas Song”, more commonly know as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”.
I believe that Christmas is a family time – baking and decorating trees, angels, snowmen… oh no, not the real things, how would we catch the angels?… but sugar cookies, and decorating gingerbread men and houses.
And let’s not forget curling up together in front of the TV and watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” cheering for poor old George Bailey. Will he ever get what he wants for his life? Then there’s the Grinch – green and ugly in spirit. Is there hope for him? Will he catch that elusive “spirit of Christmas?”
I believe we also need to exercise during this time of year…and I do. The exercise regimen may be different than the rest of the year, but then, Christmas is a different part of the year. What does this unique regimen look like, you ask? You might want to adopt it for a change-up to your normal routine.
Cardio: running through the malls – this will prepare you for that last-minute sprint to Christmas Day
Marathon: similar to cardio, but becomes a marathon when all the shopping is left until the last few days leading up to Christmas Day
Weight-lifting: Caution! Do this gradually. Begin with lifting small cookies to your mouth. Work your way up to larger cookies, heavier squares and fudge – any variety is fine, all are fairly heavy.
For a real work-out combine your cardio or marathon with heavy weight-lifting – again begin gradually! Start with the stocking-stuffers, as these are generally smallish, light items. Gradually work your way up from lighter gifts – such as socks and underwear, CDs and DVDs – through to the medium weight – games, dolls, skates, boxes of chocolate, to the heavier items like game consoles, TVs, boxes of coal (for the very naughty on your list). If you ache all over by the time you’re done, then you’ve had a really good work-out.
If you follow this regimen you will be ready for the big turkey day…er, I mean, Christmas Day. Your arm muscles will be strong and flexible and you will be able to lift your full fork, or glass, numerous times without effort or discomfort.
In the New Year continue with the same cardio routine as you shop for new, larger clothes.
I believe in the Christ in Christmas. Our holy, loving God, born as a babe for us. Born to die, to reconcile us to Him. What love! What grace!
May you know His love, grace and joy this Christmas.
~ Denise
Denise Rumble has been writing all her life and published since 1993. She is presently the Managing Director of The Word Guild.
http://www.denisebuddrumble.wordpress.com
http://www.twgmanagingdirector.com
I believe that Christmas is a family time – baking and decorating trees, angels, snowmen… oh no, not the real things, how would we catch the angels?… but sugar cookies, and decorating gingerbread men and houses.
And let’s not forget curling up together in front of the TV and watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” cheering for poor old George Bailey. Will he ever get what he wants for his life? Then there’s the Grinch – green and ugly in spirit. Is there hope for him? Will he catch that elusive “spirit of Christmas?”
I believe we also need to exercise during this time of year…and I do. The exercise regimen may be different than the rest of the year, but then, Christmas is a different part of the year. What does this unique regimen look like, you ask? You might want to adopt it for a change-up to your normal routine.
Cardio: running through the malls – this will prepare you for that last-minute sprint to Christmas Day
Marathon: similar to cardio, but becomes a marathon when all the shopping is left until the last few days leading up to Christmas Day
Weight-lifting: Caution! Do this gradually. Begin with lifting small cookies to your mouth. Work your way up to larger cookies, heavier squares and fudge – any variety is fine, all are fairly heavy.
For a real work-out combine your cardio or marathon with heavy weight-lifting – again begin gradually! Start with the stocking-stuffers, as these are generally smallish, light items. Gradually work your way up from lighter gifts – such as socks and underwear, CDs and DVDs – through to the medium weight – games, dolls, skates, boxes of chocolate, to the heavier items like game consoles, TVs, boxes of coal (for the very naughty on your list). If you ache all over by the time you’re done, then you’ve had a really good work-out.
If you follow this regimen you will be ready for the big turkey day…er, I mean, Christmas Day. Your arm muscles will be strong and flexible and you will be able to lift your full fork, or glass, numerous times without effort or discomfort.
In the New Year continue with the same cardio routine as you shop for new, larger clothes.
I believe in the Christ in Christmas. Our holy, loving God, born as a babe for us. Born to die, to reconcile us to Him. What love! What grace!
May you know His love, grace and joy this Christmas.
~ Denise
Denise Rumble has been writing all her life and published since 1993. She is presently the Managing Director of The Word Guild.
http://www.denisebuddrumble.wordpress.com
http://www.twgmanagingdirector.com
S T R
Psalm 13:1, 2- How long will you forget me, O Lord? Forever? How long will you look the other way when I am in need? How long must I be hiding daily anguish in my heart? How long shall my enemy have the upper hand (LB)?Because I am not a medical person, I appreciate simple, easy to remember information that will help folks stay healthy. The new stroke guidelines, STR, qualify. STR stands for the words Smile-Talk-Raise. That is, if a person can’t smile, talk or raise their arms above their head, they are likely having a stroke. There is no time to waste. Call 911 immediately. I pray that I never need to use this medical information. Still, if the need arises, I know when to pick up the phone and call for help.
While I have not used STR in a medical way, I often need it for my spiritual life. There have been times when my outlook was just too dim. Unable (or unwilling) to smile (bad attitude), talk (give thanks) or raise my arms (praise), I chose depression, loneliness and fear. Thankfully I knew who to call. God’s 911 number is available to all of us.
Prayer- Father, help us remember You even when our thoughts are far from Your saving grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
Chocolate Covered Fruit
Romans 12:3-I give each of you God’s warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you (LB).
At holiday time I look for uncomplicated recipes to serve family and friends who will be dropping in. My choice this year is chocolate- covered fruit. The ingredients are a package of semisweet chocolate chips, 1 ½ teaspoons of shortening and some dried fruit!
Melt the chips with the shortening (NOT butter or margarine) over low heat. Remove from heat. Spear dried apricots, dates etc, onto a toothpick and then dip one end into the chocolate. Place on wax paper to harden. It’s tasty and impressive. Still, it is really only fruit.
Fruit reminds me of John 15 and how God calls us to bear much fruit. The trouble with our personal fruit is that we like to put chocolate coating on it. We make it out to be more than it is or take the credit for ourselves when our fruit comes only through our close personal walk with God. This holiday season by all means try this delicious chocolate-covered fruit recipe. Yum! Just remember that there is no point in sugar-coating good solid fruit with what is not honest or true.
Prayer-Lord, thanks for letting us be part of the miracle of spiritual fruit. Forgive us for boasting or making our spiritual gifts out to be more than they are or taking credit for Your works unto ourselves. Reveal our fruit, Lord. Help us not smother it in chocolate. Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
At holiday time I look for uncomplicated recipes to serve family and friends who will be dropping in. My choice this year is chocolate- covered fruit. The ingredients are a package of semisweet chocolate chips, 1 ½ teaspoons of shortening and some dried fruit!
Melt the chips with the shortening (NOT butter or margarine) over low heat. Remove from heat. Spear dried apricots, dates etc, onto a toothpick and then dip one end into the chocolate. Place on wax paper to harden. It’s tasty and impressive. Still, it is really only fruit.
Fruit reminds me of John 15 and how God calls us to bear much fruit. The trouble with our personal fruit is that we like to put chocolate coating on it. We make it out to be more than it is or take the credit for ourselves when our fruit comes only through our close personal walk with God. This holiday season by all means try this delicious chocolate-covered fruit recipe. Yum! Just remember that there is no point in sugar-coating good solid fruit with what is not honest or true.
Prayer-Lord, thanks for letting us be part of the miracle of spiritual fruit. Forgive us for boasting or making our spiritual gifts out to be more than they are or taking credit for Your works unto ourselves. Reveal our fruit, Lord. Help us not smother it in chocolate. Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
Self-Control
1 Corinthians 9:27a- But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it (AMP).1 Corinthians 6:19- 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 (NIV).
“Feel my finger!” she cried. “It sin’t wet. It does’t have bumps on it. I have self control!” Alone in her bedroom, our granddaughter chose to discipline herself. She refused to put her thumb in her mouth again. I rejoiced with her, but was ashamed of my own lack of self-control. When was the last time I decided not to take a second helping or refused a bite of chocolate or a slice of cake? Oh, sure we do that in public. We don’t want others to watch us chow down.
God’s diet/exercise/stop smoking/stop ________ plan is clear. Treat our bodies as His temple. Ask Him for the strength we need, when we need it. Our part is to receive His help by faith, resist temptation and guard the holiness of His temple. God gives strength for a walk, but we must put on shoes and open the door.
Prayer- Lord, give us grace and strength to box our bodies into shape and keep them there. In Jesus’ name. Amen
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
You Too Can Wear a Size 4
Romans 13:14 – But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and make no provision for (indulging) the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts) (AMP).
The pressure was on. What to wear for New Year’s Eve? The same old tacky, meaning I’m tired of it, from six years ago? Yes. I was grateful it still fit! Buy something expensive and wear it every New Year’s Eve for the next 20 years? Sigh. What to wear?
Then I remembered the skirt I bought for $1 at the thrift sale. Absolutely exquisite fabric, black sheer embroidered with multi-colour threads. Perfect. Except that it is size 4 and I definitely am not. Thankfully, I know how to sew. I cut out the lining, removed the zipper, finished the edges and sewed sleeve openings into the end.
I plopped the waistband over my head, added a brooch and voila! I wore my expensive designer cape with black slacks and top. Compliments flew my way. That too small, formerly unwearable size 4 had become a one-size-fits-all beautiful new outfit!
Isn’t that how Jesus appears in our lives? We are what we never thought we could be. We can even do the impossible. And all because we put on the Lord Jesus Christ, the One-Size-Fits-All-God.
Prayer-Dear God, thanks. We’re grateful that we ‘put on’ Your Son, Jesus. What a difference He’s made in our lives. Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
The pressure was on. What to wear for New Year’s Eve? The same old tacky, meaning I’m tired of it, from six years ago? Yes. I was grateful it still fit! Buy something expensive and wear it every New Year’s Eve for the next 20 years? Sigh. What to wear?
Then I remembered the skirt I bought for $1 at the thrift sale. Absolutely exquisite fabric, black sheer embroidered with multi-colour threads. Perfect. Except that it is size 4 and I definitely am not. Thankfully, I know how to sew. I cut out the lining, removed the zipper, finished the edges and sewed sleeve openings into the end.
I plopped the waistband over my head, added a brooch and voila! I wore my expensive designer cape with black slacks and top. Compliments flew my way. That too small, formerly unwearable size 4 had become a one-size-fits-all beautiful new outfit!
Isn’t that how Jesus appears in our lives? We are what we never thought we could be. We can even do the impossible. And all because we put on the Lord Jesus Christ, the One-Size-Fits-All-God.
Prayer-Dear God, thanks. We’re grateful that we ‘put on’ Your Son, Jesus. What a difference He’s made in our lives. Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
The I’s
Proverbs 18:9-He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide (AMP). The first time I read this verse, I got an attack of guilt. I set out to heal myself. I made a list of personal rules about what kinds of exercise I’d do, how many hours I would do it, and with whom. Then I attacked my eating. I made plans on when to eat, how much, what and with whom. By then I was so tired that I had a snack and laid down for a nap! Thankfully when I woke up, I read the next verse.
Proverbs 18:10-The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and is strong (AMP).
I restarted my plan but first I asked for God’s help in the planning and then in the carrying out. Our strength is not in ourselves. If we will begin with God, He will give us safety, elevate us above evil and be our strength.
Prayer-Lord, forgive us for running ahead of You and yes, even running in the wrong direction! Give us the wisdom and courage to run into the strong tower of Your name! Amen.
: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca
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