Category: Jesus

2021…Ready, Set, Go!

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Read Time 5 Minutes

In keeping with my original inspiration for writing my blog, “True Vine Living” (being healthy spiritually and physically), I want to reiterate that I believe that true health and well-being first and foremost begins with being healthy spiritually. The only way to accomplish that is by giving your life to Christ.

“…for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

We cannot exist completely whole and in good health if our spirit is unclean. None of us can achieve this on our own. We must be made new by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. We can try and try, but we cannot keep ourselves without any sin in our hearts. It is a constant battle that cannot be won on our own. We can; however, be cleansed and redeemed when we ask Jesus into our hearts. This means that we acknowledge that He died for us on the cross in place of us for our sins. He is God’s Son. God loves us so much that He gave His Son for us. When we except that we cannot make ourselves perfect and without sin, and that Jesus died for us, and that He is our way to Heaven for eternity, we can be victors over sin! When we ask Him to live in our heart and He becomes our master…our Lord and Savior, then true healthy living can begin. If you have not yet asked Jesus into your heart, I lovingly hope and pray that you will make this step right now in 2021.

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” Ephesians 2:8

Once you have a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ, then you can begin to tackle all the daily aspects of life “through Him who strengthens” you! (Philippians 4:13)

When we are spiritually healthy, then we have more power to take care of our physical health! As a personal trainer, the other inspiration for my blog is to be an encourager for healthy living through fitness and building good food habits. In this desire, I have put together two manageable and hopefully fun, motivating, and tasty lists for exercise and healthy eating ideas to try in this new year (with a 2021 twist)!

If you are interested in home exercise ideas, read on. If you are interested in healthy food ideas for snacks and small meals packed with good things for your body, you can view this list in the last section of this post.

“Twenty-One” At Home Exercises

With many gyms closed, mask mandates, and social distancing guidelines that don’t seem to be going away in the new year, most of us have found exercising challenging to accomplish. It’s been very hard to feel motivated. In this new year, ask God to help you in your motivation for physical well-being. Then, realize that you have a “gym” in and around your home with very little equipment needed for physical fitness, and the best equipment being your own body!

Here are “21” exercises for 2021 that you can do right in your own home or in close proximity to your home. Each of these exercises can be modified to be made easier or more difficult. If you are not sure what some are or the proper form to use, you can search the internet for very easy video demonstrations. I am also happy to help answer questions. You may leave a comment on my blog or message me through Facebook if you want a little help or guidance. The point is, just pick a few exercises to get started and do a little research on a few if you are unfamiliar. Be careful and don’t overdo to prevent injury. Build up to more as you feel you can. You may choose from these “21” exercises or use others you know to get started on a healthier you. If it’s a repetitive exercise, try “21” reps. Exercise for at least “21” minutes or more 3 to 5 times a week. This is a small start to building an exercise program. This is a big start to being physically healthy in 2021! The emphasis on “21” is to remember to conquer 2021 no matter what!

  1. Take a brisk “21” minute walk.
  2. Stretch various muscles. Choose a muscle (hamstring, calf, quad, etc.) Slowly stretch the muscle and gently hold for at least 21 seconds. You would be amazed at how stretching daily makes you feel so much better. I never miss this part of exercise!
  3. Pushups – traditional or modified by doing a pushup on an incline using a stable chair against a wall or park bench
  4. tricep dips– again using a stable chair against a wall or a park bench
  5. bicep curls– require dumbbells
  6. chest press– require dumbbells
  7. overhead press– require dumbells
  8. jumping jacks
  9. mountain climbers
  10. squats
  11. calf raises
  12. lunges
  13. sit-ups (core)
  14. crunches (core)
  15. plank– hold 21 or more seconds (core)
  16. butterfly kicks (core)
  17. bicycle floor exercise (core)
  18. bridges (gluts and core)
  19. climb stairs at home or in a park
  20. high knees drill
  21. Play a little basketball or play catch with someone! Make sure to have fun!

“Twenty-One” Good Foods for 2021

These foods made my list because most of them are complete protein foods, or complex carbohydrates that rank low on the glycemic index. A few of them are on my list because they offer another type of benefit. Of course if you have special dietary needs, some of these foods may not be for you. Enjoy some of them if you can, and pack your body with the energy and nutrients that you need to tackle 2021!

  1. A handful of natural almonds…one of my favorite healthy treats. They have many benefits, and I like that the Vitamin E is good for skin and eyes!
  2. humus with whole wheat pita
  3. edamame
  4. Ezekiel Bread
  5. yogurt with granola
  6. natural peanut butter on celery (add a few raisins for “Ants on a Log”)
  7. mozzarella cheese stick
  8. whole egg
  9. mixture of peanuts and sunflower seeds
  10. dried apricots
  11. an apple
  12. herbal tea sweetened with honey
  13. lentil soup and whole wheat bread
  14. rice and beans
  15. grapefruit
  16. cherries
  17. almond butter on an apple
  18. carrots with humus
  19. grapes
  20. oatmeal made with milk
  21. Because we all need a treat…dark chocolate (the healthiest if you need some chocolate)!

May 2021 be an amazing year for each of us no matter the circumstances surrounding us. May we be healthy and well by seeking the One who has already overcome the world! (John 16:33)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Matthew 6:33

Mere Breath!

You, indeed, have made my days short in length,
and my life span as nothing in Your sight.
Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. Selah~ Psalm 39:5

Read Time 2 Minutes

“Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
    and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!” Psalm 39:5

This verse reminds me that our lifetime is just a fleeting moment in eternity. The idea that our life is just a mere breath or only a vapor as some Bible translations tell us, can be a scary thought. It can make us question what is the significance of our brief life on earth. If you are not a Christian, it is terrifying!

On the other hand, this idea that “mortal man is only a vapor” can bring us great comfort when we know the One who makes life worth living…the One who, through Him, gives us eternal life in paradise (John 3:16; John 14:6; Luke 23:43). Our struggles, hurts, sicknesses, and heartaches are short-lived in comparison to our forever life in Heaven.

But what about this time we have on earth, if it is but a mere breath? What is the significance? What are we to do with it? How will we make the most out of our life right now in 2021 while we wait for our forever paradise?

First, we can know that God has plans for us right now and in eternity. He is working all things for our good…ALL! That means right now and forever. He has plans for us too…plans to prosper us and not harm us (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; John 14:2). Even our present troubles prosper us when we are refined though Christ and made more like Him. We grow in maturity and wisdom and gain new levels of comfort and peace through hardships when we are living in Him. This is not harmful…it is beautiful and it is fruitful…it makes us come forth as gold (Job 23:10)! It can shine a light to others too!

No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16

In Ecclesiastes, the whole theme is about there being nothing new under the sun. Everything is “hebel” a Hebrew word meaning vanity, a vapor, a puff, a breath…meaningless! The author discovers, however, that without God, “hebel” is all life is, but WITH GOD, every breath counts and every breath is full of meaning!

It’s 2021! Let’s make every breath, every moment, every thought, and every action count for His glory and His kingdom! Happy New Year!

Marking Time

Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. Ecclesiastes 5:18

Read Time 5 Minutes

As 2020 draws to a close, I find myself like many Americans wanting to check off another day, and get this year concluded! Weary is how this year has left me, and I have often felt myself succumb to the feeling of just “marking time”. It has been a struggle to overcome this attitude in light of all the events that have unfolded this year!

Covid-19 with it’s deaths, sicknesses, and all the politicalisms that are attached to this virus have worn our spirits thin. Businesses closing, jobs lost, school children learning in isolation, depression, suicides, and a huge lack of trust in leaders are additional results of this pandemic. People have felt alone in hospitals without family being allowed to visit. Assisted living facilities have been on lock-down. Weddings and other celebrations have been whittled down to the bear minimum. Add to that a divided country, riots, and a crazy election, and you have many great big reasons to leave this year behind!

The struggle this year has been personal. My husband and I had just made a major move a couple of months prior to the onset of 2020. We moved from Texas to Washington far away from family and friends and all the familiarity that came from having lived in Texas for 47 years of my life. We moved because God led my husband to pastor a small church in Bremerton, WA. I retired from 28 years of teaching and started my own personal training business. We came with the excitement of God’s plans for us and the enjoyment of getting to make new friends. Still, we knew that any big move or change has its challenges. These changes along with the combination of all the events during this historic year have certainly tested my endurance. Church services had to go to online for a time period and continue to be altered. My business has for the most part been shut down by the pandemic. Quite honestly, this year has been testing the daily “trusting God” part of my faith as I wrestle with a variety of feelings each day.

Over the years I have had a good share of difficult times in my life that have grown my faith. I’ve experienced tragic death, unexpected divorce, rejection and deception, and major medical trauma. Through these trials, I was able to learn first hand how God gets me through every trial and works all things for my good. I have grown deeper in my walk with Him through these experiences and hardships. I have learned to know great sorrow, but also have JOY as I walk hand in hand with God navigating troubled times. I’ve learned to believe and trust that no matter what comes my way, God will sustain me. However, even with all I have experienced and learned, God does not seem to be finished refining my faith. I’ve asked God this year, “Why after all I’ve been through and all I have learned and know about Your all sufficiency, do I struggle with anxiety and other emotions in 2020?” I think this year, He has shown me that He wants me to rely on Him even more every moment of the day! He is not just for the major trials that knock us off our feet. His strength is for every aspect of our day in order to conquer the enemies of anxiety, fear, self-pity, and isolation. He wants to take me into an even deeper walk with him. For this, I am thankful. God loves me so much that He keeps growing me and drawing me closer to Him!

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

I think what I have felt this year, many others have felt as well… “Let me just check off another day and move on”. I know that God has been telling me not to have this attitude and to not let the negative feelings have any control over me. I think what God is teaching me through 2020 is not to just MARK TIME when I feel overwhelmed with wrong feelings, or I feel disenchanted. He wants me to live each day to the fullest making the most of every moment that He gives me. Each day He gives me is not a mistake, it is a gift!

The following verses reveal that we are certainly not meant to “mark time” with the days that God gives us. These verses are a dose of good medicine for me, and maybe they can help you as well to finish out 2020 victoriously through Him (Philippians 4:13) making the most of every day!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
 think about Him in all your ways,
and He will guide you on the right paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,  accepting one another and forgiving one another…” Colossians 3:12-13 

“The Future is, of all things, the thing least like eternity. It is the most temporal part of time–for the Past is frozen and no longer flows, and the Present is all lit up with eternal rays.”
― C.S. Lewis, quote from The Screwtape Letters

Who knows what 2021 will have to offer, but with God on our side (Psalm 118:6), we can make every day count! There is much to accomplish in the work God has given each of us, moments to show care towards others, and time to love God with all of our heart and spend time with Him every day. I want to finish out this year having learned better how to make all moments count and not just check off another day. Hopefully, by sharing my struggle this year, I have used my time today well and offered some encouragement that might help you too! Keep looking up!

“This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Always Certain

I thought I would share something certain…something we can count on always. We live in tough and uncertain times, but God’s character is always sure, undeniable, indisputable, and never changes. We can be confident and feel victorious when we are HIS!

This is a collection of God’s character from Bible verses I highlighted in yellow (the color I use to highlight God’s divine character). This is but a small collection, and taken alone, just scrapes the surface of the majesty and love of God. However, by just reviewing this small assemblage of who God is, I find myself being reminded of how blessed beyond measure I am that He is my God!

GOD IS:

Righteous ~ Just~ Compassionate ~ Gracious ~ Slow to anger ~ Faithful in love ~ Good ~ HE performs valiantly~ HIS love endures forever. GOD knows you, searches you, understands you, is aware of all your ways, has extraordinary knowledge, and encircles you!

HE has eternal power and is divine in nature! HE shows no favoritism, and HE gives life to the dead! HIS spirit intercedes for us! GOD is: Wisdom ~ Knowledge ~ HE has unsearchable judgements and untraceable ways! HE gives endurance. HE gives encouragement. All things are from HIM...we exist for HIM!

HE is the Father of all mercies and the GOD of all comfort! Everything is from HIM. HE gave us the ministry of reconciliation in CHRIST (reconciling the world to himself)! HE doesn’t count our trespasses. HIS fruits of HIS SPIRIT are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. HE gives us incalculable riches of CHRIST!

HE is multifaceted wisdom and able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think! GOD is vast strength. HIS power enables HIM to subject everything to HIMSELF! HIS full nature dwells in the body of CHRIST! HIS word is living and effective and sharper than a double edged sword! GOD is a consuming fire. HE is the GOD of all grace!

“I am the Alpha and Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Backpacking Through Life

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

Read Time 3 Minutes

“We’re basically a bunch of backpackers. We are all just travelers. We are all just on a journey, and we’re heading for our Home.” – Kim Jones, July 1999

“Kim was only 23 years old when she went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 15, 1999, as a result of the shooting at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A. ” – www.thelightstillshines.org

I often feel like a sojourner here on earth…never quite at home, always a little out of place. Sometimes when that feeling makes me uncomfortable and a little lost or alone, I remember that those who know the Lord really are just foreigners while living on this earth. This is not my forever home. This is not where I really belong. Peter even refers to Christians as sojourners and exiles (strangers and temporary residents) in 1 Peter 2. My true citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), and I am just on a journey through this temporary life that God has blessed me with whether I am on a mountaintop or in a valley. Remembering this truth and promise from God redirects my focus and brings comfort. It brings the ability to put things of this world in perspective.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. – 1 Peter 4:12

“…but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.” – Philippians 3:20-21

While backpacking through this life, we can choose to make the most of each step we take just like we might do on an afternoon hike in God’s creation. We can equip ourselves properly for the journey. We can fill our backpack with sustenance (prayer, the Word of God, fellowship on the trail). We can enjoy the beauty (blessings) along the way. We can renew our mind each day. We can choose to be a friendly face with a kind word to another hiker. We can be a light on the path for others.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

In 2016, I prepared for the most extensive and strenuous hike I had ever taken. I prepared to hike Longs Peak at 14,255 feet. Most of the hike would take me above treeline in pretty harsh elements (cold and wind). My sweet husband wrote out a couple of Bible verses for me to put in my hiking shoes so that it would be a reminder that God is with me and my path is prepared by Him.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.- Psalm 119:105

Yahweh my Lord is my strength;
He makes my feet like those of a deer
and enables me to walk on mountain heights! – Habakkuk 3:19

This was certainly a special gesture and did remind me to keep my focus on God, and that it is He that lights my path for a hike and for this journey every day while I am alive on earth. Keep looking up!

Take a Hike

Choose today to take a short hike somewhere soon. Renew your mind and talk with God. This is good for the body and the soul. And don’t forget to pack a snack that will keep you fueled. The following recipe is one of my favorite nutritious snacks that is full of protein and sweet goodness just perfect for a day hike.

Honey Nutters

1 cup of natural peanut butter (I use Adams up here in the PNW) 2/3 cup of local honey 1/2 cup of organic instant nonfat dry milk powder 16 organic graham crackers crushed to make fine crumbs wheat grem

Combine first 4 ingredients (You may want to use your hands to get it well blended). Pour wheat germ into a separate bowl. Scoop out a teaspoonful of the mixture and make it into a little ball. Roll each ball in the wheat germ to coat evenly. Refrigerate.

Enjoy a healthy snack, enjoy a beautiful day, and enjoy communing with our Lord as you take a hike!

Your “Joy Bucket”

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:11

Read Time 3 Minutes

Think about walking through a wooded area where the bushes are in full production just ready for the picking of the plumpest juiciest blackberries. It’s a beautiful sunshiny day with just the right cool breeze. With bucket in hand, you plan on picking and filling the bucket with an overflowing amount of blackberries to take home for making pies, jam, and other blackberry treats to delight yourself for days to come. If you allowed yourself to get sidetracked with the sticks and brush in your way and began filling your bucket with the debris along your path, your bucket would not hold the tasty berries. You would go home depleted instead of being refreshed with the ability to be satisfied with delectable treats for the coming days. Think about this picture as you continue reading my blog post.

Times are tough right now! It seems as though our country is turned upside down. For some in America, the Covid-19 is very upfront and real. Some have tested positive, some have sadly died from the virus, and healthcare workers see it all first hand. For others, the issues have been financial struggles…maybe even the loss of a business. I think for all of us, the times have been very mentally and emotionally challenging. From corona-virus, to protests and riots, to demonstrations of love versus hate, to continued deep divisions in our country both politically and personally, it is very hard to be positive!

During my life, I have encountered and navigated through some very difficult and heartbreaking times. These struggles have helped me to grow in my faith and learn to rely whole-heartily on God to supply my every need, my every comfort, and my complete peace. I have even learned how to experience true joy right along with sorrow.

I am desiring to do the same during these trying times, but it seems very hard. I find it a daily struggle to stay positive and grab hold of all the peace and joy available to me through God in the midst of so many negative issues in our country. A couple of nights ago, it became clear to me why I have been struggling with this matter of joy. I have the head knowledge and the experiential knowledge of joy, and I have been praying to feel God’s peace and joy during these tough times; however, I was forgetting a very important action on my part. I was forgetting to actually REJOICE! When I choose to rejoice, then the “joy bucket” in me begins to be filled up. Because each day seems to be filled with so much negativism in the media and in the conversations of so many, the negatives have been the focus and what I have been piling in my bucket. The negatives we are all facing were the big things in my mind that were depleting my “joy bucket”. I needed to adjust my thoughts by beginning with the action of rejoicing.

This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

I am now consciously taking action each day. I am choosing to REJOICE in who I am in God. Just the simple fact that I am His puts me in an overriding victorious circumstance at all times no matter what is going on in this world. I am His, a child of the one true King. My life will always be abundant because He is always good to me. He promises to get me through anything I face in my life. I am secure in eternity because of my salvation through Jesus Christ. Because He lives, I can face each day with confidence. With this kind of security, why would I not choose to rejoice every day! I hope that you too can choose with full confidence and peace to REJOICE in knowing God, His goodness, and His Son, Jesus! Join me in filling our “joy buckets” with all the fullness of His goodness today!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.  Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:11

We’re not in Narnia!

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” Martin Luther

Read Time 3 Minutes

“Why it is she that has got all of Narnia under her thumb. It’s she that makes it always winter. Always winter and never Christmas; think of that!” These words were spoken by Tumnus the faun in C.S Lewis’s novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. He was referring to the spell that was cast over Narnia by the White Witch.

The Confluence of The Big Thompson River and The Fall River- Estes Park, CO

Lately, it feels like our country…our world has been cast under a spell called the Corona-virus! A spell that has harmed people directly with sickness, taken lives, and affected everyone world-wide with shut downs, lock downs, and economic peril! However, we are not under a spell! This is not Narnia! While we are shut in and shut out, the natural things of this world are waking up around us! Everyday, more is in bloom. Birds are chattering all about. At the confluence of two rivers, you will find such a dancing of waters coming together flooding the banks from the melting snow! It is not winter anymore, it is spring!

Let this bring us joy, whether we are able to take a short walk with our dog, or perhaps only look out our window, or possibly just step outside and hear the birds for a few minutes. Let this beautiful spring remind us that there is still order. Things are actually under control. God knows what is going on. He’s got this. He works all things together for the good of those that love Him (Romans 8:28). For those that know Christ, he is working in each of us right now to draw us more deeply to Him. Hopefully, the circumstances will draw others to Him for the first time as everyone is pondering their needs and their futures during this time. The God who takes care of the birds and makes the flowers bloom will take care of us too (Luke 12:22-31)! It may not be what we think we need, so we must rest in the sovereignty of the One who created the heavens and the earth and whose ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). Let us rest in the refreshment and the tranquility that comes from being renewed each morning by Christ’s love for us. Let the spring that is awakening around us remind us of His love that renews our minds, our spirits, and our strength. Let it wash over us with an endless peace to carry us through each day!

This is not Narnia…always winter and never Christmas. For in our world, even when things can appear to be gloom and doom, we have Christmas EVERY day! We celebrate Christmas because Jesus was born. He is our greatest gift…the gift that keeps giving, the gift that fills us, the gift that never stops giving, and the gift that is eternal. We don’t have to have Christmas just once a year. If we ask Jesus to live in our hearts and be our Lord and Savior, we have him 24/7…365 days a year, and for eternity. As spring is blooming all around us, we are nearing the time of year that we celebrate Jesus’s death and resurrection. He died and rose again so that we may have a new life in Him and so that we can live forever with Him in Heaven. With that kind of certainty, we can face the temporary uncertain days with a renewed confidence!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Let’s take notice of the new life budding around us each day in this tumultuous world, and let it serve as a reminder that our Creator has all things under control. Let our spirit be renewed with the abundance of the beauty around us!

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
     they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    hey shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Interrupted!

Fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Read Time 4 Minutes

In the past few weeks all of our lives across the United States as well as most of the world have been interrupted by Covid-19. Even if we have not personally contracted the virus and hopefully will not, we are all effected by the quarantined environment we are living in daily. Grocery store shelves are empty of basic needs, restaurants, businesses. schools, and churches are closed for now, and new vocabulary and guidelines are developing such as “social distancing” and “working remotely”. It is certainly an unsettling time and pushes our minds to think of scenarios we are not used to thinking about here in America.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. ” Luke 12: 22-23

I find myself thinking each day as I eat a meal prepared at home, how thankful I am for that food on my table! Although, I have always been thankful to God for provisions, it is much more heightened in light of the growing reality that even in America our abundant lives we have become so accustomed to can be interrupted!

As a Christian we can draw on the truths of God’s promises to supply all of our needs and to be our stronghold through uncertain times. However, if you are like me…even when we know these truths, we can find ourselves allowing anxious thoughts to creep into our minds. We fear things our minds imagine that goes beyond the reality. These fears are fed, of course, by all the panic and media coverage going on all around us. The struggle is real to choose the way God wants us to think. We often live in our own strength that wants to feed on fear and anxiety which is not of God. This reminds me that even the Apostle Paul struggled with being pulled in this way. He tells us in Romans 7:15, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”

Paul struggled like we do, but he also learned the secret to doing life and living above fear! He shares in Philippians 4: 12-13, “I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

In the last few weeks, our lives have drastically been interrupted by Covid-19! It helps me to remember that if we purposefully set our mind on the truths and promises from God’s word, we can begin to realize that He does supply all of our needs. However, those needs may not be what we are used to thinking we need. If everything were stripped away from us, God would still give us what we need to endure all things. He will give us strength and peace for whatever circumstances He allows us to encounter. If you really think about it, HE IS ALL WE NEED! Paul showed us that by praying and singing hymns to God even when he had been beaten and thrown in prison (Acts 16).

Maybe this interruption can be looked at positively as a time to draw near to God in a new and deeper way! A time to praise Him, love others more expressively, and shine a light on a world that needs Him desperately!

When fear and anxiety begins to set in, it helps me to remember to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17.

Remote Exercise

A result for me from the corona-virus outbreak has been the closure of the YMCA where I had just begun building up my clientele. I am thankful that I have been able to put a spin on the remote work environment. Instead of holding training sessions with clients indoors, we have moved outdoors, and I am able to still meet their needs by holding personal training sessions at a local park. We have been using stairs, paths, piers, park benches, and rails to aid us in getting a good physical workout. Not only is it helping each person to stay fit in body, but I believe it is helping them and myself to stay fit in spirit too! The outdoors is refreshing and rejuvenating…a place where you can marvel at God and let Him wash peace and tranquility over you!

I encourage you to take advantage during this restricted time to get outdoors where there is plenty of space to social distance while getting a good workout for your body and soul! Walk at a quick pace along paths, jog up and down stairs, use a park bench to do inclined push-ups and tricep dips. There are many cardio and strength training exercises that can be done with very little equipment. Get creative, get outside, and get moving to beat the Covid-19 blues!

Stay Calm in the Storm

YMCA Mission Statement: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

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Over the last couple of months, I have been adjusting to the big changes of moving from Texas to Washington. One of those changes has been starting up my new personal training business and all that goes with being an independent business owner. God has greatly blessed me in this pursuit! I was able to contract with the YMCA, and now I am working with clients in a beautiful thriving facility. I am once again helping women reach health and fitness goals. However, just as I have begun to build my business, our country has been thrust into a state of emergency with the COVID-19. We are experiencing circumstances like we have never experienced before in our country. Much is shutting down to try and stop the spread of this virus, and that is effecting all of our lives in many ways!

I shared the following post on Facebook in an effort to offer some comfort and assurance during this unprecedented time, and I wanted to add it to my blog to give encouragement to anyone who might read my blog. WE CAN remain calm and even HAVE a PEACE which surpasses all comprehension in our present circumstances:

I know who goes before me I know who stands behind The God of angel armies Is always by my side The one who reigns forever He is a friend of mine The God of angel armies Is always by my side And nothing formed against me shall stand You hold the whole world in your hands I’m holding on to your promises… (Chris Tomlin)

God is bigger than Coronavirus, bigger than any pandemic, bigger than a shortage of toilet paper!In this world though, we will have trouble and there seems to be a lot of it!

Whether you’re trying to remain on the sidelines of the present circumstances using a sense of humor as you look at the frenzy, or you are feeling some anxiety rising in you…our lives are all beginning to be highly effected by the craziness going on! I’m thankful that the Y continues to remain open right now and I am able to work with clients and continue building my business, however, nothing looks very certain over the next few weeks.

In all of this though, we can experience peace!

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

God doesn’t promise us an easy life in this world, but He does promise a peace that surpasses all comprehension. And He does promise us His unfailing help.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

This kind of peace begins with salvation…“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Jesus endured a horrific death on the cross to pay for our sins and make the way for us to be in Heaven for eternity. The moment we ask him to be our Lord and Savior, we instantly can begin to feel the peace and the help to deal with ALL our present circumstances. You can feel that kind of peace for your daily life now because you know for certainty where you will spend your forever!

We can tackle anything when we know Jesus, because we know we will be victorious over every struggle, every epidemic, every sadness, and even death!

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

May your day and weeks to come be filled with the PEACE that surpasses comprehension!

Washington cherry blossoms bloom while it’s still winter.

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” Martin Luther