Category: well being

Not Just a Number

I’m not just a number, for God has counted the hairs on my head. (Luke 12:7)

I am not invisible, for God is a seeing God and He knows my heart. (Genesis 16:13 and Samuel 16:7)

I am not misunderstood, for God understands my thoughts from afar. (Psalm 139:2)

I am not insignificant, for I am engraved on the palms of His hands. (Isaiah 49:16)

I am not ignored, for He hears my every prayer. (1 John 5:14)

I am not an accident, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

My hurts are known, for He counts my sorrows and holds my tears in His bottle. (Psalm 56:8)

I am not alone, for God is with me always. (Matthew 28:20)

I am unique and special to God, for He saw me before He formed me. (Psalm 139:16)

I am greatly loved, for He calls me His child. (1 John 3:1)

I am intimately known, for He calls me by name. (John 10:3)

I never have to fear, for God is with me and will uphold me with His righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

I have a bright future, because He has perfect plans for me. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I will live forever with Him in paradise, because He is preparing a place for me. (John 14:2)

I am “the apple of His eye”, and He will always love me and protect me. (Psalm 17:8)

I am not just a number to God!

A Free Small Drink

Read Time 3 Minutes

While I don’t generally think to describe myself as a Senior Citizen, the impact that I AM ONE hit home recently with a trip to Whataburger! I heard the person in front of me, as they placed their order, request a senior drink. I thought to myself, “Do I count as a senior?”. When it was my turn, I asked the cashier how old you had to be to get the free Senior drink. She said 55, and boom, it hit me! At age 56, I’m in that category! I was happy to know that I could receive the perk, but felt a little disheartened at the reality that I am grouped in the aging population!

As a personal trainer, I have had the privilege to specialize in fitness for women and for senior citizens. I have learned much about the aging process and how the human body changes with age. While I am now experiencing the beginnings of the 55+ aging process, I can attest to the reality of changes from 50-90 years of age by working with a variety of clients and meeting their unique needs in this age range.

The essence of my blog has always been to highlight our great need for our Savior, Jesus Christ, first and foremost as we stay connected to Him and then secondly, to connect Godly living with our physical health! He is our True Vine and apart from Him, we can do nothing…that is, nothing of eternal significance and nothing that brings Him glory (John 15:5). As we stay fully connected in our relationship with Jesus, we can live an abundant life that includes spiritual and physical well-being that brings glory to God!

I believe that pursuing spiritual and physical well-being is a Godly response to life, as I believe God wants very much for us to honor Him by taking care of our physical bodies! John, a devoted disciple and follower of Jesus, even prayed for this very thing!

“Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health physically just as you are spiritually.” 3 John 1:2

In 1 Corinthians 3:16, the Bible tells us, “Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?”. While we are certainly expected to keep growing spiritually as God indwells us, God created our physically bodies too. He dwells in the physical body of every Christian! During Jesus’ ministry on earth, His primary purpose was to heal people spiritually by revealing that He is the way, the truth, and the life…He is our Savior! However, Jesus clearly cared for people’s physical needs too as He was overwhelmed with compassion for those who suffered physically and preformed numerous healing miracles!

Therefore, no matter your age, it is a Godly response to care for your body. Those of us in the 55+ category have a little more urgency to take healthy steps to exercise, eat well, and get rest!

One example of the urgency to exercise is that while losing muscle mass is a natural part of aging, the percentage increases greatly per year after the age of 60. You can slow this process with a nice regiment of strength training. You can also prolong a healthy lifestyle by improving balance, flexibility, and joint health with just the right amount and kinds of exercise!

If you haven’t been looking after your physical health very well, ask God to guide you in your first and your next steps in caring for your body. This clearly connects a spiritual approach to caring for your physical well-being and will honor God greatly!

If you get discouraged because some days are just hard, remember this special verse…

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11

Ask God what He would like YOU to do today to take care of your physical needs. Then, take steps towards healthy living no matter your age. You will “yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness” when you honor God by taking care of your body!

On the Edge of My Seat

Read Time 6 Minutes

At the beginning of 2024, I was asked to participate in the activity of choosing a word for the year. I chose the word VICTORIOUS. I chose this word as a challenge to myself to live above the little things that can entangle me in my daily life. These “little things” are the things that can rob my peace…one such example is letting any amount of anxiety to be set in motion for the day.

The action to choose victory over anxiety is going to be a challenge over the next few months for many of us! As the political realm is picking up pace in the furry of preparing for election day in November, we can be rocked with emotions that can include a spectrum of sadness, anger, and fear!

When covid hit in 2020, I found myself encountering a feeling of underlying uneasiness to a more forceful feeling of being on the edge of my seat. I know I’m not alone in this either. It felt like one might feel in an action movie of suspense wondering what was going to happen next, or the feeling building inside when one is climbing upward on a roller coaster anticipating the fall. During covid, we were all wondering what would happen next. It was an uncertain and scary time.

Now, with the uptick of upheaval in the political race as well as just living in an upside down chaotic culture, I find myself battling these feelings again. In some moments, there is a level of fear for our country’s future. In other moments, there is sadness for the things I witness happening around us in our communities and the country as a whole. And still, other moments may include anger at unfolding events, how issues are handled, and how media reports on matters. Again, my guess is that I am not alone in these feelings!

The question then is, how do we remain VICTORIOUS over the tumultuous times that we are living in and the feelings that it can bring on us?

While probably nothing that I share in my writing is earth-shattering new, I write to remind myself and hopefully others how to stay steadfast in our walk with God and to encourage a spiritual and physical wellness as we live fully abiding in the True Vine!

In this article, I want to share some ways or a “recipe” as such that you and I can use to keep a hopeful and peaceful heart during uneasy times and get ourselves up and off the edge of our seats or at least off the “negative” edge of our seats!

First, instead of being an uneasy spectator filled with fear of what might happen next, let’s trade the focus for an exciting “edge of your seat” experience. Let’s anticipate with excitement how God will show us displays of His glory and His presence as events unfold. Remember, nothing takes Him by surprise! Let’s trust Him and lean hard into Him as we watch events around us. This can also include a “watching” for His return. We can remember that we are sojourners in this life. Whether Jesus comes back tomorrow or years from now, we as Christians, have a constant HOPE! We have a Living Hope that is above the earthly stage around us. We don’t have to be shaken because we have an eternal citizenship in Heaven. We get to watch the world arena from an everlasting perspective. What God allows us to experience here, He will give us the strength to endure and the hope to look at everything from the perspective of God’s got this! He has perfect plans, and we do not need to fear. He will take care of us through anything! Let’s keep our eyes focused on Him!

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

“…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

Again, the way to be VICTORIOUS in the present roller coaster world stage is to keep our eyes turned on the One who will “subject all things to Himself”! As we keep our eyes on Him moment by moment, the natural outflow of this devotion will be to “shine our light” into this dark world. As we share with others the Hope we have in Jesus, may they also be drawn into a saving relationship with Him! When others turn to Jesus because of our hopeful Christ-centered living, that makes a double victory!!

In addition to making Jesus our number one focus and desire, I’d like to continue the “recipe” for living a victorious life. By His perfect design, God gives us more ways that we can live life to the fullest and not be weighed down with anxiety. We can get up off the edge of our seat with meaningful activities that help to counteract the temptation to be anxious and keep us healthy and strong.

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12: 1-2

“…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

These verses reinforce that staying steadfast in our focus on Him (renewing our mind and living in godliness) is the top priority to living a triumphant life. However, if you look closely, there are some additional outlets that God provides to help us stay feeling healthy and well and upbeat. He cares about our bodies too and what we do with them.

Therefore, another ingredient to keeping ourselves from the temptation to live in a roller coaster of fear, is to partake in the activity of taking care of our bodies. This is a God-designed natural stress reliever! There is some value to this (1 Tim. 4:8). He wants us to be healthy and well. He designed our bodies to need food, sleep, and physical activity. When we allow any of these areas to go uncared for, we begin to feel depleted physically, mentally, and emotionally.

It is common and proven knowledge that if we are not eating well, not doing our best to get sleep, or not getting regular physical activity, then we are denying ourselves a natural stress relief! All three of these promote a better sense of well-being and lead to a more positive outlook on life. By partaking in exercise, healthy eating, and rest, we feel better not only physically, but emotionally and mentally too!

We need to replace thinking about unhealthy stressful circumstances to thinking about healthy living. Rather than watching too much news or spending too much time on social media, we can make a better sleeping plan or a better meal plan. And by all means we need to make sure we add exercise and physical activities into our life.

Finally, another way that God delights us in this life and offers a dynamic way to relieve stress and anxiety is to partake in the glorious beauty of His creation!

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky proclaims the work of His hand.” Psalm 19:1

When we take time to enjoy His handiwork…the sky, the trees, the animals, the water, the landforms…we feel refreshed! Just taking a country drive and observing the cows grazing peacefully on the grass refreshes me. They do not fret! Watching the birds go about their business is a pleasure as well. They are not worried. These encounters remind me that the God who cares for animals cares for me too!

So, join me in getting up off the edge of your seat during these uncertain times. I believe that the recipe for living a VICTORIOUS life no matter what the circumstances is to renew your mind by looking to Jesus. Trust Him…lean on Him…stay focused on Him! Take care of your body, for this is pleasing to God too! And, take a walk to soak up God’s creation! Enjoy His beauty found all around in nature! Let’s live in this kind of hopeful peacefulness today!

Keep it Simple

“You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

Read Time 3 Minutes

How is your pain level today on a scale of 1 to 10?

Physical? (headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, disease, and disorders)

Mental? (work stress, financial stress, daily frustrations)

Emotional? (heartaches, relationships, rejection, confusion)

Most likely, you would answer these questions with your specific situation in mind whether it be physical, mental, or emotional distress…or all three!

What if you could place a stamp over each of your painful circumstances with the word…Joy Joy Joy?

There is an actual “Secret to Life”, and the Apostle Paul knew it well! He spent his later life; however, NOT trying to keep the secret. Instead, he spent his time proclaiming the secret of life, and more importantly by experientially living it…even to death!

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Here in this verse is the simple secret…the forever focus…Live for Christ!

Another example from Paul’s life that demonstrated his “forever focus” is found 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.”

If discouragement is clouding my mind and my pain level is rising, it can become tempting, even easy, to quickly get my mind off the forever focus…Christ! Yet, it is He that provides all the strength and even all the joy I need to live victoriously in whatever situation I find myself. It is He that provides the peace and contentment no matter what!

In these moments of struggling with circumstances that sometimes begin to overwhelm, I am learning to keep it simple. I can quickly redirect my mind by simply remembering the focus…Live for Christ! I can ask myself a simple question…What can I do for Him right now? Something about asking this question immediately makes the self-pity, self-absorption thinking take a 180 degree turn!

When asking, “What can I do for Christ right now?”, the answer can be as simple as described in Matthew 22: 37-39…

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

I can simply began praising God and rejoicing in my forever future with Him. I can think to myself, is there someone I can show love to…maybe a text or a phone call of encouragement. Loving God and loving others can certainly begin to cover the pain with joy!

Pain does not always go away, but when we live for Christ, we can conquer it with His strength, power, and love. Keeping it that simple and keeping the “forever focus” is a game changer!

The “Secret to Life” is available to all who want it, but not all will partake. It is free to everyone, but it will cost you everything! It will cost you yourself! You give up self and you live for Christ! Something amazing happens when you do this…you replace your selfishness, your self-pity, your worries and fears with the life-giving Life of Jesus Christ! Then, you can do all things through Him who strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13)

When you feel it is hard to let go of your pain, worries, and problems…just remember what Christ gave for each one of us. He gave Himself by dying on the cross for each of us. When you ask Jesus into your heart; then, your life truly begins! You don’t have to carry the burdens anymore!

“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

Why is it so hard for even Christ followers to keep it simple and live life the way that Paul did? We get bogged down in our pain, losses, and confusion. When the the circumstances seem hard to bear, step back and remember to keep it simple. Live for Christ! Follow Paul’s example…

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8

And 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 5:16-18

The Waterfall Experience

Read Time 5 Minutes

“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,  and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around His chest.  The hairs of His head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.” Revelation 1:12-15

My husband, Michael, is a pastor. Recently, he shared a message on this scripture in Revelation. The passage paints a picture of the majesty of our Savior, Jesus, as He was revealed to John on the island of Patmos in the Book of Revelation. In this description of our resplendent Savior, the part that sinks into my heart the most is “His voice was like the roar of many waters”. One Biblical translation describes His voice as “the sound of cascading waters”!

Have you ever sat beside a rushing roaring river before letting the loud and rhythmic sound drown out all your stress? Have you ever refreshed yourself by a gushing waterfall letting the spray rejuvenate your mind and body? Close your eyes for a minute and let your senses paint that picture in your head. There is just something about moving water that is both calming and invigorating! Now take that picture in your head…the power of the mighty flow of the water along with its tranquil and relaxing effects and picture it as Jesus’s voice speaking truth into your life! Picture His arms wrapped around you. He is speaking strength and peace into your life and will hold you up in His promises of perfect care!

While physically visiting a waterfall can be a wonderful refreshment and definitely a tangible reminder of God’s creation and love for us, you can experience that waterfall experience daily when you hear God’s voice!

I hear God’s voice in a variety of ways. It can be powerful and majestic like the waterfall when I am out in nature and enjoying His creation. His voice tells me He is mighty and in control! I have nothing to fear, and He wants to shower me with the riches of His beauty. I also hear Him when I am praying. Comforting thoughts and reminders of His goodness come to me as I talk quietly with Him. I hear His voice when I read His word. It reminds me of His promises and that He will never leave me! There are also times that He gives me clear answers by opening doors and making a path clear!

When you know Jesus as your Savior, you have the ability to hear His voice in different ways. When you know Him personally, that voice like the “roar of many waters” flows through you always and can provide rejuvenating refreshment daily. Sometimes, we just need to be reminded to listen and tap into all His goodness!

“The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
The Lord is over many waters.
 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.” Psalm 29:3-4

“My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. ” John 10: 27-28

What do God, waterfalls, and exercise have in common?

Rejuvenation! Healing! And, when kept in the right perspective and truth, Wellness! Acknowledging that God is our ultimate Healer, we can then fully partake in waterfalls and exercise as resources He gives us that aid in achieving a state of wellness!

In keeping with the purpose of my blog to connect faith and fitness, I believe that God and our relationship with Him must come first. When we are connected to the “True Vine” and have peace and wellness in our soul, then we are much better equipped to successfully engage in activities that help our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

With that said, there is much scientific evidence to support that both waterfalls and exercise reduce stress, lower anxiety, and promote health. When talking health and science, it is important to realize and accept that God and science are not separate. Our Creator is the master scientist! It is not randomness that created the healing effects of waterfalls. It is not a coincidence that our bodies thrive on appropriate physical activity. God is the creator of the science behind all the functions of nature. He knew what He was doing when he designed natural resources and their usefulness to us including our health. He perfectly designed all the intricate workings of our bodies and has always known what parts of nature would offer health benefits and what physical activities would aid us in being fit.

“For it was You who created my inward parts;
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You
because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful,
and I know this very well.” Psalm 139: 13-14

Taken from the collective research of multiple sources, there is scientific evidence supporting that being near waterfalls and other frothing water sources produces positive health benefits. Some of these benefits mirror the benefits of exercise and its effects on the body.

When you are in the presence of a waterfall, by a rushing river, or watching ocean waves roll in, there is a reason you feel refreshment. When water molecules collide, they release negative ions into the air. When you are breathing in air that has a higher ratio of negative versus positive ions, your bloodstream receives some healthy benefits. High levels of negative ions boost energy and aid in positive mood, and have even been found to suppress serotonin levels. Thus being near splashing water can help ward off depression and reduce anxiety. These effects also support the general findings from research that people who spend time in nature are often happier than those who don’t. Therefore, there should be much motivation to make plans to spend time in His creation and bask near a beautiful waterfall, river, or ocean setting!

For some, it is not as easy to get out into nature frequently and enjoy the benefits regularly. Location and availability make a difference too. More thought and planning may have to go into making a trip. However, most individuals can partake in some form of exercise regularly. The benefits of exercise are widely known in our society. It has also become common knowledge that fitness activities help more than just the physical side of building strength and improving balance and flexibility.

Much like the waterfall effect, regular exercise helps you emotionally and mentally by boosting your energy and altering your chemical balance to give a positive mood and better outlook on life! Exercise is also known to reduce stress and anxiety and aid in helping to make improvements in depression. The benefits of exercise can grow when individuals take a break from “screen time”…much like when you are out in nature!

Both waterfall exposure and exercise can help people sleep better too! It is clear that the advantages of both being near water and taking part in fitness offer a multitude of healthy rewards towards being well!

For a real supercharge, plan hikes to involve ocean, river, and waterfall experiences. Make sure to linger by the water and soak up the positive effects! Spend time praising God, the Master creator and scientist, who has made it all perfectly possible!

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,
The world, and those who live in it.
 For He has founded it upon the seas
And established it upon the rivers.”
Psalm 24: 1-2

What Are You Waiting For?

Read Time 2 Minutes

Are you waiting for healing? Are you waiting on a relationship? Are you waiting for direction on your next steps? Are you waiting on a hurt to heal? Are you waiting and wondering when something will end? Are you waiting on a prayer to be answered? Are you waiting on God to show up?

Sometimes the waiting can be agonizing. Don’t lose heart! God is not going to show up…God is already there! He is in the midst of everything you are waiting for!

“Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up;
You understand my thoughts from far away.
3 You observe my travels and my rest;
You are aware of all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue,
You know all about it, Lord.
5 You have encircled me;
You have placed Your hand on me.
6 This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.

7 Where can I go to escape Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I go up to heaven, You are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
9 If I live at the eastern horizon
or settle at the western limits,
10 even there Your hand will lead me;
Your right hand will hold on to me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me,
and the light around me will be night”—
12 even the darkness is not dark to You.
The night shines like the day;
darkness and light are alike to You.” Psalm 139: 1-12

Waiting is tough! Especially when we are feeling bad, sad, and lost! Here are a few things you can do while you wait:

1. Wait expectantly!

“At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice;
at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly.” Psalm 5:3

“Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him;” Psalm 37: 7

2. Believe God’s promises and hold to them even when you aren’t feeling it!

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

3. Think back and remember all the times God has rescued you in the past. Thank Him! When we remember what He has done for us, we remember His faithfulness. We remember His love. Praise Him for what He has done. This can turn our focus of self-pity to a refreshing focus on Him. We will remember that He meets all of our needs. We will remember that we are more than conquerors through Him!

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11

“My soul, praise the Lord,
and do not forget all His benefits.” Psalm 103:2

4. Take a nature walk or drive and marvel at His Majesty! Remember that the God who is the Maker of heaven and earth cares for you!

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

“When I observe Your heavens,
the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which You set in place, what is man that You remember him,
the son of man that You look after him?
You made him little less than God
and crowned him with glory and honor.” Psalm 8: 3-5

5. Finally, remember that there is reward in the waiting.

“…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;
    they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

May you find special blessings from Him today while you wait!

Lauren Had a Little Lamb

“Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Read Time 4 Minutes

Some years ago my daughter, Lauren, raised lambs for FFA. During her high school years, she raised 4 lambs…one each year. Not only was the experience new and maturing for Lauren, it was for me as well!

There is something very special about lambs! They are very Biblical, and represent the great depth and meaning of our relationship with Jesus in various ways. Watching Lauren’s relationship with each lamb develop and culminate each year became a beautiful real life illustration to me of some very special Biblical truths. It didn’t take long to realize the importance of the shepherd to the lamb…in this case, the shepherdess.

The photograph above came to my attention recently and inspired this blog post. The lamb’s name in the picture is Tova which is the Hebrew name meaning “The Lord is Good”. I want to use the photographs I’ve shared of Lauren and her “little” lamb (120 lbs) to illustrate a few truths about lambs and their shepherd. Most importantly, I want to illustrate the beauty of our relationship with Jesus, our very own Good Shepherd!

First, unlike any other animal, sheep depend on their shepherd for every single thing! A dog or a cat or most other animals can fend for themselves and protect themselves to some degree when left in the wild. Sheep can do nothing apart from their shepherd! During Lauren’s high school experience, it quickly became evident that each lamb at the barn knew their shepherdess and grew extremely attached! Lauren fed, watered, bathed, comforted, supplied medical care, sheared, weighed, corrected behaviors, and exercised her lamb. One year, her lamb, Maverick, wanted to butt himself against the bars until he bloodied his head. Lauren stayed much longer with him and provided her body to be the barrier between him and the bars until he trusted her and changed his behavior. She provided everything for her lamb, and her lamb would bleat passionately for her as she would walk towards it’s pen. Her lamb would follow her wherever she would go in the barnyard!

In Psalm 23: 1-3, the Bible lets us know that Jesus is our Good Shepherd:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
    He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.”

In John 15:5, Jesus makes it clear that apart from Him, we can do nothing!

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.”

Lauren’s relationship with her lamb certainly demonstrated what it can be like when we let Jesus be our Shepherd. We will lack for nothing!

The second thing that the picture above illustrates for me is that when we are abiding in Jesus, we can run with Him and leap with Him and experience great joy with Him…even through the dark and difficult times, we can experience delight in Him! Look at the joy in both Lauren and Tova’s faces as they leap together over the ropes! This can be us with Jesus when we follow Him!

“I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

The next picture illustrates another depth of our relationship with Jesus. There are times when we face difficult circumstances and even with the joy in our hearts, we can experience sad emotions. Sometimes, we just want comfort and rest and to be held by Jesus. He is there for us then too! This picture of Lauren and Tova was taken on auction day. It was a stressful time for sheep. However, you can see that Tova was resting in perfect peace when Lauren was holding her. Tova DID make auction, and her future was certain slaughter, but still…she rested in Lauren’s loving arms.

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Finally, Lauren’s shepherdess days reminded me of the most amazing thing in the Bible…Jesus switches roles. While still being the Good Shepherd for us; ultimately, He becomes The Lamb. He willingly goes to The Cross allowing Himself to be slaughtered for us…for our sins!

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Let us run, leap, and experience the joy of the Perfect Lamb! Let us rest in His arms when comfort is needed! Let us remember that without Him, we are nothing!

Imagine There’s No Heaven?

Read Time 3 Minutes

It’s 2022! A new year…a new start! Most everyone looks at a new year with renewed hope for peace and happiness and wellness. This year especially, after the last two historic years unlike anything our country has experienced in it’s 245 years, people are searching for these treasures.

John Lennon desired peace for himself and for the whole world. I am a John Lennon and Beatles fan…there was just something about their music and the melodies they played that created emotion in the heart! I love to hear the song, “Imagine”, but truly, the lyrics make me very sad. The lyrics equate peace to there being no heaven and no hell. While this IS an acknowledgement of Heaven and Hell, the thought is if Heaven and Hell would cease to exist, we could be at peace…no wars…no greed…just a brotherhood of man. Unfortunately, it is not the existence of Heaven and Hell that cause good and evil, it is the existence of sin. And truly, what is expressed as peace in the song “Imagine” is some of what Heaven will be like one day for all those who are saved and go to Heaven. So, rather than imagining “… there’s no heaven…no hell below us”, the better pursuit would be to get to Heaven!

To find true PEACE in 2022, look to the Someone who can save you from your sins and make a way to Heaven for you rather than looking to the new year with empty hope for peace and happiness. While there are expressions of God’s love through people here on earth, and while we can see a reflection of God’s goodness in people around us, we cannot rid this world of sin. This earth cannot become a utopia or a one-world brotherhood until Jesus comes back. There is Heaven and there is Hell…it is a reality…pursue the things of Heaven in this new year, and that is where peace will be discovered and lived out in this broken world. Then one day for those who ask Jesus Christ for forgiveness of their sins and invite Him into their hearts, they will have perfect peace forever in Heaven!

If you don’t have the certainty of going to Heaven because you have not asked Jesus into your heart, don’t wait! Begin experiencing the saving grace of Jesus right now in 2022, and begin living that peace of knowing that one day you will live with Him in Heaven forever. It puts the life you live here on earth in a whole new perspective!

 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

If you know Him already, take his hand moment by moment in this new year and walk closer with him than ever before not getting entangled in the discouragement of this world. Take hold of your citizenship in Heaven right now while still walking on this earth, and soar to greater heights of peace right now!

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-22

“…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;
    they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Wellness in the New Year

While ultimate citizenship is in Heaven for Christ followers, we still have our physical presence right now to live in 2022. Often on the mind in a new year is health and wellness. As a personal trainer, I am all about wellness! The National Academy of Sports Medicine defines wellness as an individual’s personal journey toward the mental, physical, social, and emotional betterment of life. I am thankful that as a trainer, I have the opportunity to help women and senior citizens work towards fitness goals to be healthy and well! It is clearly evident that after a client has been working out consistently for a short time that they begin to see positive results not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally.

With all the draining and difficult circumstances surrounding us in this pandemic world over the past 2 years, keeping one’s mind sharp is equally important to physical fitness. There are a plethora of studies that show the connectiveness between the physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Therefore, healthy habit changes in the new year to diet and physical activity can also improve your cognitive health as the increasing amount of research shows. Small daily changes to food choices and physical activities can lead to big changes over time. If you are needing an improvement in overall wellness in 2022, then make an intentional plan for physical activity, develop a few new healthy food habits, and get the right amount of sleep for your body. You will see improvements for not only for your body, but for your mind as well!

And just remember, while the above definition for wellness sounds good, it falls short by excluding true “soul-wellness” which is peace through the loving relationship with Jesus Christ. When we pursue the betterment of life all by ourselves, we cannot achieve the ultimate goal of soul-wellness which is peace. However, with Jesus, all things are possible!

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

We do not know at what moment it will be our time to step into eternity. Until then, may 2022 be the best year ever! It won’t be because we are looking to our country to get miraculously better, or because we think we can accomplish our personal goals and resolutions on our own, but because we walk with Jesus each day allowing Him to strengthen us to make the changes we need!

The Fun Side of God

“Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Read Time 5 Minutes

Ready, Set, Go, And STOP! At the beginning of this year, I wrote a blog post called, “2021…Ready, Set, Go”. Shortly after, I stopped writing. I started off the year inspired to live a victorious 2021 through Christ who strengthens me no matter what the year held. Now it is September. How am I doing?

At times I feel fatigued with life and the world around me. I stopped writing for a variety of reasons including the drain of everything surrounding the pandemic, our country, and the world. I really began to feel that I wasn’t living the victorious way that I had hoped. Recently, I realized that victories can be small and can be daily! Just overcoming obstacles on a given day by grabbing God’s hand and ending the day at peace is a victory. Waking in the morning after a hard day before and feeling God’s new mercies available to me is a victory!

Then, just a couple of weeks ago, right in the middle of a continuing pandemic, I had the opportunity to visit Juneau, Alaska. Yes, I had a chance for recreation and refreshment in the form of a visit to “The Last Frontier” State! In the midst of chaotic times and a very weary country (Covid-19 issues, divisiveness through media and politics, controversies, and confusion), I played! And, God reminded me that in addition to Him being All-powerful, Almighty, and many other perfect characteristics, He has a fun side! This is the multifaceted side of God that creates, that wants to delight us, and that wants to shower gifts on us! He certainly did all of that for me in Alaska!

He is a fun Father! As a parent, I wanted to create delightful experiences for my daughter as she grew up. It was a joy to watch her have fun in every new adventure or every new activity that I provided for her pleasure and growth. Just think how much more God wants to shower us with amusement and happy experiences as our Heavenly Father. He loves us and loves to give us good gifts! He is the ultimate Creator. Creating is fun, and God wants us to enjoy his majestic creations. It was evident to me that God must have been having great gratification being the Creator when I saw the amazing environment of Alaska. When I spied for the first time a sparkling blue glacier calving, I thought to myself, God must have had fun creating the scene that I was viewing! I also felt that He must be feeling great joy that I was happily immersed in His beautiful creation, for I am His daughter, a daughter of the one true King!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17

My experience went beyond just being awakened to God’s fun side. It also reminded me of what a personal God He is to each one of us. He showed me that the fun He was allowing me to experience was a very personal gift from Him to me. Each daily adventure seemed to be perfectly timed. I encountered sunshine, rain, misty low clouds, and mild temperatures…all which seemed unmistakably to work well with each activity. Also, as cruise ships disembarked many tourists to flood the area, I somehow began or ended my excursions around the cruise ship crowds without any awareness of their schedule. Thus, I had a very quiet and peaceful time as well as private moments in Alaska.

On top of all of that, I received answered prayer! My favorite part of God’s creation is His animals. I prayed that I would have animal encounters and I especially wanted to see a bear. Oh!!! He must have been having such a wonderful time watching me play! God provided multiple humpback whale sightings. One such sighting was in a very secluded moment when I had just stepped out of the car to take in the views of Auke Bay. I first heard the distinctive sound of blow and then turned to look. There were 2 humpbacks feeding very near the shore…I believe, a mother and her calf! He also allowed me to see four mountain goats feeding and resting on the steep mountainside while on a boat tour. On that boat ride while I was taking a picture of the mountain goats, a Pacific white-sided Dolphin leaped 2 times right by the side of the boat! The glistening two-toned creature is still vivid in my mind. Seals were added to my list of animal sightings as I witnessed them lounging on the sea ice.

And finally, on the last morning in Alaska, I saw my bear! Not in the wild on a hike, but very boldly strolling down the sidewalk in front of gift shops! He seemed to be doing his own souvenir shopping and then turned a corner and climbed over a fence before disappearing. Once again, there were very few people around. I know God was delighting in my delight in that moment as he answered my prayer!

My reflection on this Alaskan adventure includes more than the reminder that God is fun. More importantly than that is the fact that the same God who created mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and amazing animals is not only personal, He lives in me! My heart is His home. In that reality, I can face everyday in victory…in confidence, and even in joyful playfulness!

Also, as I watched the antics of the animals, it struck me that they were so relaxed in a potentially dangerous and harsh environment around them. They were not worried about what the next day would bring. The seals were totally at ease as the glacier calved giving them a ride on the sea ice. Their behavior seemed to amplify the fun of life as they bobbed in the wavy water as though they were in the lazy river at a water park.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:25-26

So… Ready, Set, Go! Take some time to recreate! Have some fun! God is in control!

“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

A Poem for Thought

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Read Time 3 Minutes

Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? As we enter into our second year of Covid-19, some believe the vaccine is the light. However, the rollout of the vaccine has not been without many challenges and many changing predictions of facts, immunity, and about the road back to a working productive society.

All of this leaves Americans with an array of feelings, and still many people are on opposite ends of the spectrum on how our country should be handling all the issues that it faces today.

As Christians, we can struggle with how to deal with the troubles in our country especially if we don’t agree with some of our leaders. We have hope though, and it is a hope much mightier than a vaccine and much mightier than what individuals hold the offices of President, governors, and other leaders.

God does give us instructions on submitting to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-2 ; 1 Peter 2:13-17), and He also lets us know that He is King of Kings who has already overcome the world…hence, our peace and our victory for eternity (John 16:33)!

“The Lord sat enthroned at the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned, King forever.” Psalm 29:10

“God will bring this about in His own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign,
the King of kings,
and the Lord of lords,…” 1 Timothy 5:15

I am thankful that we still have freedom of speech in our country and that we can use that freedom to speak out about our feelings and injustices. While I usually use my blog to offer uplifting encouragement, today, I want to share a poem that was laid on my heart. It is a poem that speaks about problems that I believe are being mostly ignored in our country. As I quoted above, Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” While I fully believe that Covid-19 is a terrible virus and has caused harm and loss to many families, I feel that our leaders should be addressing all the harm and losses from the fallout of the decisions made to combat the virus itself. I have much empathy for families who have lost loved ones to this sickness and much admiration for doctors, nurses, and all who are doing their part to fight the virus. With that said, I share a poem that cries out for some attention to other matters that are destroying lives across our country as well.

A Bigger Beast

Covid-19 is a horrible beast,
stealing lives across our country, across our world!
I believe, though, that there is a bigger beast…a deplorable beast stealing even more lives in a slow and degenerating way!
It is the beast created by the hyper-focus on this virus, the beast of media, “experts”, and politics!
This beast steals in a slow and silent way.
It steals peace
It steals security
It steals education, jobs, and businesses!
It steals economy
It steals the now and the future
It steals family time and celebrations.
It steals the ability to have a loved one with you in the hospital,
even at death’s moment itself!
It steals togetherness
It steals the smile on a face,
It steals emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
It steals fresh air
And the ability to share a meal with friends.
It steals freedoms a little at a time!
It steals a church’s congregation, community service, and visits with the elderly.

It is a beast that suffocates, that does kill,
That slowly steals a life by making it lifeless.
It steals patriotism
It steals a country!
It steals truth!

In the place of the treasures that it steals,
it gifts society with fear and dismay.
It creates distress, disfunction, and division!
It encourages isolation, depression, and loneliness!
It tells you that you are the enemy if you don’t agree,
That you are bad,
That you do not care for others!
It manipulates,
It lies!
It wants control!
This is the bigger of the two beasts!

By
Robin Bauer-Funderburk
01-21-21

Our country and our leaders need constant and fervent prayer for all the coming days and decisions that need to be made. May they seek God for wisdom and guidance. May we each show neighborly love to one another everyday for these are certainly tough times. May God be glorified by Americans seeking Him in revived passionate ways! And may we keep looking up to the One who has overcome the world!

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