Dimples

For this very reason*, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate exercising? I hate exercising almost as much as I hate math, but unfortunately I have to do both. I hate math because I was never good at it and neither are two of my children. Until they leave home, we all have to struggle over it together.

Exercise is a different matter. Working out is a non-negotiable for me because I paid a dear price when I neglected that area of my life. My body failed and I got miserably sick for over five years. As I age, the changes in muscle tone and strength change more rapidly and I have to work harder than ever to maintain strength.

A year ago I hired Robin, a personal trainer, in order to get stronger for my hysterectomy surgery. Even though I've been training for a year, I don't like it any better than I did before. She comes on Monday and Wednesday and I fully dread those afternoons. She gets me warmed up and then spends about 40 minutes punishing certain muscle groups. I sweat and make noises like an animal. My kids laugh at me, but that's because they don't work as hard.

Sometimes, when I'm working through the last set of weights or cardio, I have to visualize Jesus carrying his cross, because it's that hard for me to finish. Robin, just stands over me watching with a very unconcerned face. The other day I thought, I still don't like this, why do it? The voice in my head answered back, "Who cares if you like it? Do it anyway." I listened to the second voice because ultimately it doesn't matter whether I like it or not, it's necessary for health.

                                                                  Google images

Though I've trained for a year, I am just now beginning to see results in my body. I can tell I'm stronger and can lift and carry more. I may even have slightly more stamina, but in my physical shape, I can only see one piece of evidence of all my effort.

I can see one dimple.

It's on my thigh and every time I get a glimpse of it, I'm ecstatic. Let me also say that this little, beautiful dimple is enough to keep me going. When I look in the mirror and see the outline of that one little muscle trying to carve it's way out of weak flesh, it inspires me. In fact, I made the decision yesterday, to add another day to my training in hope that the extra punishment will encourage other, hidden little dimples.

Spiritual growth can be like a dimple sometimes. Don't get discouraged if you're not where you want to be spiritually. Be grateful for the dimples you can see,  focus on Christ and keep working hard. I promise you'll see results of your effort!

* the reason we need to work out like this is so we may participate in God's divine nature and escape corruption caused by evil desires in this world.

Heavenly Father, help us to seek you for daily strength as we add your qualities to our own spirits.
Amen.

Good Health

This post is a long overdue thanks to God for what He has done for me in the past year and a half in regard to my physical health. I've been sick with various health problems for over five years...so many to list:

Anemia
Adult Onset Asthma
Multiple Vitamin Deficiencies
GERD
Fatigue
Many upper respiratory problems
Multiple female maladies

After a focused effort to take care of myself and get my entire body checked out top to bottom, I can say that all of my problems, with the exception of GERD, is gone. Thanks to God!

Don't get me wrong, the hard work was on me, but God guided me and gave me strength through it all. I had to allow poking, prodding and the discouragement and financial costs of multiple doctor's visits. It took about 14 months of dogged determination but I made my health my first priority after God and family.

I got the news in January that all of my blood tests were normal - the first time I've heard that in 5 years! It came during a time of fasting for my husband and I, so it was extra special. This leads me to the next part of praise. During the time of that good news of my health, my husband decided to make his health a priority.

This was totally a God thing, because all I did was pray and God did the rest. I wanted to watch a documentary on Netflix called, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Hubby wasn't too interested, but he did it anyway. He was so inspired by this film and the stories of the people in it, that he went out the next day, bought a juicer and started juice fasting.

I can happily report, that he's been at it for two months, and has lost over 40 pounds, his blood pressure is fantastic and he now has a better diet than I do. We've watched it twice and I can't say enough about it. We're now drinking our fruits and vegetables, although I'm not as good about it as he is.

 I don't often endorse movies or products, but if you're interested in learning more about juicing or just love inspirational stories, I urge you to watch this film.

It's up to us to be good stewards of our health and our bodies. It is NOT easy, I struggle with diet and exercise everyday and I fail often, but there's one line, I absolutely love in this documentary. The guy who made it, Joe Cross, is from Australia and he's talking about being able to fast for any length of time. He says something like, People get upset if they can't do the whole ten days and can only do seven, but I say, you can only do seven? Well, good on you for trying!

That's not a direct quote, but the simplicity of the statement has really impacted me. Now, I'm trying to rid myself of the GERD, which is caused by all the foods I love: coffee, chocolate, onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes, etc. When I stumble and don't feel so great about my progress, I say in an Australian accent, "Good on you for trying Erika!" and continue my efforts.

So in whatever endeavor you struggle to achieve, I say to you: Good on you for trying!