A New Passion

Reading Time – 3 minutes

What do you do when you have retired after 28 years of teaching? You begin diving into other passions and new ways of helping others. I recently decided that after 28 years of dedicating a consuming and rewarding portion of my life to 3rd and 4th graders, it was time for a change. Even though I am shifting gears, the desire to help and encourage others is still the same. I chose to become a personal trainer and have already had the privilege to help women ages 35-90 begin working towards personal fitness and wellness goals. I also love to share about my faith and encourage others to feel the joy and peace I feel by walking hand in hand with God daily…even moment by moment. Writing is also a passion for me. Therefore, the result of my new path in life is being a personal trainer at a local women’s gym and now starting a blog where I can share encouraging words as often as possible highlighting my love for Christ first, and then my love for fitness and health.

I do believe that we cannot have complete health and wellness until we put God first. God loves us no matter what more than we can comprehend, but when we give Him first place, He gives us all His immeasurable resources to go forward into a powerful and abundant life of living in joy, peace, and wellness. In fact, Jesus is the True Vine! John 15: 1-8 tells us…

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

This is my basis for this blog. If we are truly connected to the true vine, Jesus, then we are able to do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). That means we can thrive and live abundantly inside and out, from our soul to our physical health even when situations are far from perfect on this earth. We can live above our struggles and feel peace, joy, and be well as best we can as long as we are on this side of Heaven. We do live in a world where difficult circumstances, health problems, and hard issues will exist, but I hope to give encouragement and healthy living tips that will help lift you up and make your day more cheerful by highlighting God’s love for us as well as giving healthy tips for daily living.

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21