Perfect Body

2 Timothy 2:22–Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (NIV).

The magazine article listed requirements of the perfect female body.
1. A normal weight for the height. (Oops!)
2. Hips only two inches bigger than the bust. (Right!)
3. Waist ten inches smaller than the hips. (Possible? Really?)
4. Thighs definitely six inches less than waist. (Sigh!)
5. Calves of leg six inches less than thigh measurement. (Whew!)
6. Ankles four-five inches smaller than calves. (Sure!)
7. Back waist length for a size 12, 16 ¼ inches with increases up or
8. down ¼ inch per size. (Aha!)

It is possible that you (especially if you are male!) did not pass this test. As the world measures, we may look like failures. It always set standards that are impossible for most of us to achieve. Never fear! God is more concerned with our inner person (1Samuel:16:7b). His most fervent desire is that our heart be right with him. He prefers a pure heart (2Timothy 2:22), a willing heart (Exodus 35:5), a melodic heart (Ephesians 5:19), and a believing heart (Romans 10:9). The list of heart conditions goes on and on, and God who created the list gives us the grace to pass the test.

Prayer-Oh Faithful Father! Enabling Friend! We praise Your name. Continue Your heart work in us! For the sake of Your Son. Amen.

: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca

My Mistake

Romans 6:10-12- For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all, but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts (NASB).

For many years, my personal journals were filled with cries of desperation about my 100-lb. fat suit. If only! What shall I do? I can’t stand it any longer! What is the matter with me? Why can’t I do this one thing? When I became a Christian, I added God to the equation. “God, why don’t You fix this? Why don’t You give me the strength to do this?” Ad nauseam!

The truth is that I needed to apply some nutritional information to my body, while at the same time, applying some spiritual information to my mind. I finally came to understand that I was not alive to my bulimia and gluttony. I was alive to Christ. Once I began to concentrate on God, in Christ Jesus, the pounds began to melt away. The secret to success in everything is to focus on what really works. We all face difficulties in life. The question is, will we concentrate on the problem or on the Solution?

Prayer- Lord God, forgive us for making our trouble bigger than You are! You promise that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! (Philippians 4:13) You’ll have no more arguments from us, Lord. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca

Feeling good, feeling bad

I had a super weekend of cardio. On Saturday, my brother visited from Ottawa and we went for a 2 hour + 20 minute walk! We walked up and down the hills around Millbrook. What a super walk, but boy did I feel it after.

On Sunday, we took it easier and just walked for 20-minutes.

Unfortunately, sickness has put a stop to my plans to visit Goodlife yesterday and today. I am hoping that I'll feel up to going tomorrow. My one-month membership is over next week. I want to take advantage of all that I can.

Has illness ever set your plans back?

A Funny

Ann-Margret Hovespian shared this on Facebook

Ann-Margret Hovsepian has been playing phone tag with half a dozen people all day. Too bad that doesn't translate into burned calories. :P

God’s Manna

Deuteronomy 8: 2,3- Remember every road that God led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that he would know what you were made of, whether you would keep his commandments or not. He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry. Then he fed you with manna, something neither you or your parents knew anything about, so you would learn that men and women don’t live by bread only; we live by every word that comes from God’s mouth (MSG).

Diet food was foreign to me. Sure, we ate green stuff at our house, but it was generally covered with an appetizing, non-green sauce. When I needed to lose a few pounds, it wasn’t long before I complained about the taste, texture and colour (mostly green!) of those new foods. Lettuce just didn’t taste like ice cream and even the President of the United States had a problem with broccoli!

Then I came across this verse and realized that my weight loss wasn’t about food at all. It was about obeying God. It was living my life, not by ‘bread’ alone, but by His Word. Our hunger may appear as any one of dozens of things; loneliness, fear, anger, even shame. No matter. God’s manna still supplies the filling for our emptiness.

Prayer- Lord, when we attempt to fill our hungry spot with the wrong things, please remind us that only You can really satisfy the longings of our heart. 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

Prayer for Haiti

As this is a blog dedicated to physical and spiritual health, I would like to share with you my prayer for Haiti.

Dear Lord, our hearts break to see the devastation caused by the earthquakes. So much damage. So much loss.

Holy Spirit, comfort those who have lost loved ones. Wrap Your arms around them and blanket them in Your love.

I pray healing for those who are injured. As the Great Physician, there is nothing You can’t do. I pray for miracles, Lord. Bring forth people alive from the rubble.

I pray for strength for the people. Give them endurance to do the work necessary. I pray that You will make a way to bring the medical staff and supplies that are needed. God, I pray that You will give the doctors and nurses the skills, and resources to mend the people. I pray for supernatural strength for those who are helping.

Lord, pour Your love on the nation. Give them a heart for one another.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Visit World Vision to find out how you may help.

Ouch

James 4:17- Anyone, then who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, to him it is sin (NRSV).

My first Bible is covered with handwritten scribbles about my weight, pleas for God’s help and freedom from my nasty food ways. Then I came upon this verse. Ouch! I knew that weight loss happened with exercise of mouth and body, portion control and wise choices. I began to understand that God had His job to do and that I had mine. My weight management still falters once in a while, but now, taking responsibility for my own actions, I ask God’s forgiveness when I overeat, skip my walk or a day at the gym. Then I ask God to help me and I resolve to do better.

Jesus can reveal Himself through the Word, in dreams, and visions, but our job is to do the right thing. We will never be perfect, but we can move toward a better lifestyle and show the world how God meets His people’s need in every area of weakness.

Prayer-Father God, keep teaching us about Yourself. We want our lives to exhibit Your self-control to a world that has no idea how to say no. 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

Back on the track

Although last week I missed more days at the gym than I wanted, I made up for it on Saturday, Monday and today.

Each day, I took my cardio up a notch and worked out on the treadmill or eliptical machine for 30-minutes and then on the stationary bike for 30-minutes. I've also been eating better too.

I feel much better about myself when I keep to my plans.

What do you do when you miss your goals? Do you pack it in or ride it out?

Cruciferous

Romans 1:20- For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernable in and thru the things which have been (His handiworks.) So men are without excuse, [altogether without any defense or justification] (AMP).

All right! I confess! As a child I used to hide turnip by smushing it into leftover gravy on my plate. Since my plate looked to be clear of the stuff, I qualified for dessert! It didn’t’t take Mom long to catch on though. She knew I liked gravy too much to leave any on my plate.

I eat almost everything now, but it took some doing for me to develop a taste for vegetables like mustard, watercress, turnip, horseradish, broccoli and cabbage. As my taste buds grew, so did my thirst for spiritual knowledge. I was delighted to learn that these same bitter vegetables form flowers in the shape of a cross. Thus their name. Cruciferous. Just think of it. The Cross. The Christ. Evident even in the food we eat.

What do we display in our bitter times? Is it Jesus? Can He count on us to come through hard times and display the Cross? What do our lives look like from His point of view?

Prayer-Lord, when we turn our nose up at Your broccoli and turnips, remind us that You are in our less than pleasant places,, just waiting to help us eat up. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca

I promise I'll go tomorrow

I was far away in Grafton today...that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. Tomorrow is a new day.

I found that last Saturday, the gym was a quiet place. I'm looking forward to reading my new magazine, More, and settling in on the elliptical trainer for 30-minutes, the bike for 30-minutes, and to do the full weight-lifting routine.

Oh, to dream!

What plans do you have for the weekend?

Not a good week at the gym

Eeep, I didn't make it to the club today and I won't be going tomorrow. I blame it entirely on my work schedule.

I dream of the days of having a regular 9 to 5 job, that I can take an hour lunch to race to the gym for a super workout.

Until then? I'll just go to bed at 8pm to stop my evening binges!

What suggestions do you have for a person with an erractic daily schedule?

Spinning my wheels

Oops...I didn't make it to the gym today. I got called to work and so had to give up my spot at the noon-hour spin class. Should I feel bad about it; yeah, I know I should work out. Do I feel bad about it? Umm, not so much.

However, I do know that I need to work out during the day because after supper I am a wet noodle. I don't feel like doing anything!

It’s A Balancing Act

Numbers 11:5-6- “We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at” (NRSV).

Whew! This verse sure brings back memories. I have been on every low calorie, fat-free, carbohydrate-light diet ever written. I even wrote some of them! Each became my personal bondage, my personal jail cell. Like the Israelites, I became a slave to my stomach and to food. I wouldn’t’t go to this party or that dinner or on that holiday because the food wasn’t right. Actually, I was afraid of losing control. The very thing that seemed to offer freedom became my prison.

Freedom seems a little scary at first, but God offers it for our own well-being. Whether we eat, drink, work, sleep, play, clean or even ‘do’ church too much, God calls us to balance, (1Peter 5:8) and moderation in all things (Philippians 4:5).

Prayer-Well, Lord, here we are again. Keep fine-tuning us so that You are always our first choice. Point out our personal prisons. Help us to walk through Your doorway to complete freedom from the excesses of our lives. Thanks again, God. 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

Week 2 - Day 2

It surprises me how many different cardio machines GoodLife can fit into a small room. Since I started working out last week, I haven't needed to be on the same machine more than once.

Today, I tried the rowing machine. Unlike the one my girlfriend kept under the stairs in our apartment in University, this machine was heavy-duty and made me feel like a real rower. Hmm, I wonder if Trent University is looking for anyone to join their rowing team?

I did, however, cringe in pain when I first started. My right hip has ached ever since I started snow-shoiing last year. I think it is directly related to tight muscles in my hip and lower back. But after 10 minutes, the pain relaxed and I could focus on the other pains in my body.

Tomorrow, I dare to try the Spin Class!

Made it through Week 1

Here we are starting a new week. I made it to the gym 4 out of 6 days last week. The days I didn't go to the club, I went snow-shoiing.

Today, I cashed in my free 7-minute tan. Although I know that tanning beds aren't healthy, I really did enjoy the warmth and relaxation. I wish they'd come up with something that relaxing that was actually good for you!

Any suggestions?

Feed The Birds

2 Corinthians 7:1 – Having such great promises as these, dear friends, let us turn away from everything wrong, whether of body or spirit, and purify ourselves, living in the wholesome fear of God, giving ourselves to him alone (LB).

My friend Jean makes it her job to know everything there is to know about birds. She was upset when she spotted a dirty hummingbird feeder in a neighbour’s back yard. She told me that people often feed food to our feathered friends that might actually kill them.

Stale tortillas, dried spaghetti and dog kibble are a no-no. Additives in bread products accumulate and cause illness. Chocolate, caffeine and cigarette butts can kill. Salted foods are hard to digest, fermented products distort the senses and raw peanuts contain dangerous fungus. Sugary foods alter a bird’s blood chemistry. Thankfully, most birds are smart enough to avoid stuff that‘s bad for them.

Too bad the same cannot be said for us. In spite of repeated surveys, many of us, that is children of the Living God, persistently choose things that are bad for us. TV over Bible study? Sugar instead of vegetables? Meanwhile, birds, with no government study in hand, refuse what may harm them.

Prayer- Lord, help us to use the common sense You gave us. Remind us that our choices affect these bodies that You created and now live in. Yes, the same bodily temples for which Your Son died. Amen

: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca

Country Living

(our backyard)


We like it in the country. We can see the stars at night. We can hear the call of the wolves. We can play on our acre of land.





However, one problem is that it's far from the city. Too far to drive into town to go to the gym -- unless I have other things to do, of course.





I didn't have to go to town today, so I didn't go to GoodLife. Instead I put my snow-shoes on and hiked around the neighbourhood for an hour. Then I shovelled the snow off our front porch and steps. I'll count that as my workout for today.





What do you do if you can't get to the club?

Skipped the Gym

I didn't go to the club today, however, I did pull out my snow shoes for a 60-minute work out.

I took the extra pair, and brought them to my parents home. They have a great field in the backyard, with trails through the bush that take you right down to the canal.

The sun was shining bright and the snow was fluffy. My mom joined me for her first adventure on snow shoes! We had a blast. It took a bit to get used to the wider stance, but Mom's a trooper and had no trouble leading the way through the woods and up the hills.

You can teach an old dog new tricks. :) Actually, my mother is extremely active; never missing her walk around the country block (1 hour), and spending hours at the YMCA with weight training and cardio machines.

My mom is a wonderful example of healthy living. I pray to be the same for my children.

What health example are you leaving for your family?

Day 3 - Love affair with a treadmill

After work, I did a little shopping and then went straight to the gym. I was hoping to sign up for the Spinning class. However, when I arrived I learned that it was all booked up and you have to sign up a week in advance! So, I signed up for next Wednesday.

I considered returning to my faithful Treadmill. Even though I have a treadmill in my very own basement, there's just something I love about a club treadmill. They seem to run so much smoother. There's no bumps and groans. The machine doesn’t wobble. The track runs smoothly. It's actually a joy to walk on one. However, when I arrived all the treadmills were full!

I looked around to see what other machine may suit. I cringed at the Stair-thingy. It's a smaller version of an escalator but with higher steps. I didn't think I was quite up to that. But the machine beside it looked promising.

I had to lie on my back and bring my feet up onto the foot pads (think birthing table). From there, I could relax and just mimic the movement of walking. I actually found the position very comfortable and not too strenuous. The only criticism I have is that I couldn't read -- that would require me to crank my neck up to see. So, the 30-minutes went by slower than usual.

After my cardio I went over to the weight area and repeated my machine routine from Monday, but added an extra set. I'm feeling good so far!

Has anyone else started a new workout routine? How's it going?

The Knot For My Rope

Isaiah 41:10- Fear not (there is nothing to fear) for I am with you. Do not look around you in terror and be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties. Yes I will help you. Yes I will hold you up and retain you with my victorious right hand of righteousness and justice (AMP).

For years I was afraid of everything. I feared the dark, getting lost, and being alone. I feared not having enough to eat. This last fear drove me to gluttony. I ate whole chocolate cakes and stashed food in weird places. I ate anything and everything, anywhere I could. Then I had a new fear. I was afraid that I would get fatter than I already was. I was afraid because I didn’t know God and what He said.

1 Samuel 16:7b- I do not judge as man judges. Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart (GNB).

In desperation, I decided to get rid of any food that I swallowed—only later to discover that “it” is an uncontrollable disease called bulimia. For 16 years “it” controlled me.

There is an old saying. When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. When I reached the end, somebody was there to give me the knot. Somebody told me about Jesus.

Prayer- God, thanks. When we had nowhere to turn, there You were. And God, thanks for people who carry the truth about Jesus, the knot for our rope. Amen.

: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca

Day 2 - GoodLife for Life

I woke today with no major aches or pains. Yah!

After work, I again headed over to GoodLife. This time I chose the Eliptical trainer instead of the Treadmill. It surprised me that I had to work my legs a little harder to press the pedals. But I managed another 30 minutes.

I did some stretches before trying out the Graviton machine. It's one of my favourite weight training machines because in a simple exercise, I can work out all my back muscles including the back of my upper arms!

On my way out, I met my aunt who was just coming in. She's in her 70s! She told me that she comes to the gym three times a week, and uses the weight machines. I hope to be half as healthy as her at her age.

Day 1 - GoodLife Delight

Today started my new routine of a return to active living. Right after work, I drove directly to GoodLife for Women.

I arrived at 12:20 p.m. and with filling out paperwork and meeting with a trainer, I missed the noon-hour class. That was okay 'cause I wanted to scope out the place first. After changing into shorts and tee, I went straight for the treadmill. I put in 30-minutes and burned 250 calories.

After a brief stretch, I headed for the weight-lifting machines. I took it easy on myself, and only did one set of 10 repetitions on about 8 machines. One for every muscle group.

I had a super workout and still feel good about it now. But what really impressed me today was that, as I looked around the club, I felt like I might have been the youngest woman there. Many of the ladies seemed to be in their 40s, 50s and even 60s. Impressive!

Countdown to 30 days - last day

Well, tomorrow is it! I start my return to health.

Last night, I enjoyed a delicious sirloin steak, baked potatoe, roasted veggies and a decadent chocolate pastry with icecream. I feel like I want to "get it all in" before I start my resolution.

I know, I know. It's a lifestyle change, not a diet. So I really shouldn't splurge today thinking that tomorrow I'll start. But it's easier said than done. Yes?

I pulled out my snow-shoes and although it's frigid and windy outdoors, I shall venture out with my loyal dog.

If I don't blog again, you'll know that I got lost in the winter weather.

Today’s New Year

Job 36:10 –And He opens their ears to instruction and commands that they return from evil (NASB).

The January 1st crunch of resolution has passed and so has most of my resolve. I struggled with my weight-loss plans from November right into January. That is, I had a plan, but I was not trying hard to follow it. My weight went up. I blamed relatives who brought food, parties I attended, the general way we all celebrate Christmas, and the presence of food every where I looked, (including my own home).

However, this is the reality. I said to myself, “I have no discipline. One little bite can’t hurt. I reached out my hand, picked up the food, bent my elbow, opened my mouth, swallowed and gained weight.

Discipline is remembering what you want. What is it that we want? Furtive swallows of health-harming foods? A quick smoke out in the freezing cold? Temper tantrums? Harming a reputation with gossip? Greed? Selfishness? Disobedience? Or would we rather walk in love toward a Holy God, glorifying Him with our bodies, His temple?

Prayer - God, we have been undisciplined. The world tells us that if we break a New Year’s Resolution, all is lost, that we must wait until next January 1st to start again. But God! Your word says that Your loving kindness is new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness, Oh God (Lamentations 3:23)! Meet us in our fallen state; give us courage to go on. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

: from Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living,
-the modern devotional for today's woman-
by Brenda J. Wood brendawoodauthor@yahoo.ca