This past week was a rough one at the Tacker house. This time of year is complete insanity. Work is crazy. trying to prepare the kids for semester tests when all they can think about is Christmas break is futile at best. I'm trying to keep up with Jewelry orders and craft shows, finish my own Christmas shopping, go to Holiday dinners, church, etc. We're tired. And what always seems to happen when you let yourself get worn down? You get sick. And sick we have been! The boys and I can't seem to get over it. Polly told me my coughing was giving her a headache! I can't remember the last time I've been this sick for this long.
Normally, I hate taking medicine. But this time, I realized this was something I couldn't just beat on my own. I was going to need a little help to get over this. So, we've been taking our medicine. Religiously. In fact, this morning was the first time I've gotten to go to church in over a week. That might not seem like a lot, but we usually go 3 times a week! Even though I still don't feel well, it was great being back in church. When Polly saw the tray of grape juice during communion, she asked, "Mommy, is that medicine?". I laughed and said, "No.". It was so cute. Then she said something else that really made me think. She said, "But mom. It looks like medicine." I agreed. Then she said, "Is it medicine that helps you remember Jesus? Does it help you remember that Jesus lives intoside your heart?" I don't know if my jaw dropped literally, but I couldn't believe what she said. I asked her if one of her Sunday school teachers had told her that. She said no. She said she just "knew" it.
Wow! My little four year got what so many of us, myself included, lose sight during all the hustle and buslte of life. We go through the motions. We go to the places we're supposed to go, and do the things we're supposed to do, but we're running on autopilot. It's like when you drive for a while, and before you know it, you reach your destination but can't remember half of the trip. It's actally pretty frightening when you think about it. It's happened to me numerous times, and I always wonder what went on during those times of unconscious consciousness. And, it doesn't just happen while driving. It happens when we get too busy living our lives. I go through the motions at work. I cook dinner for my family, but can't remember what we ate the next day. So much of LIFE get's lost in the chaos. Not only do we forget the importance of Christ living within us, but we forget the even greater calling of showing that to others. How can we expect people to see Christ in us, if we don't even take time to see Him there ourselves! So, how do we wake up?
We do what Polly reminded me to do. We take our medicine. Just like my current illness, we can't get rid of the fog on our own. We need help. And just like chemical medications, we all react differently to different medications. This morning, my medication was taking communion in the presence of my daughter. Some days, its reading, praying, talking, or writing. Whatever medication I need that day, the results bring healing. And the healing we get comes from the ultimate healer. When we allow ourselves to "remember" Him, He wakes us from our daze and brings us back into the fullness of life He intended for us. And His healing isn't just a temporary fix, it's the ultimate cure.
Psalm 30:2-3
LORD my God, I cried out to You,And You healed me.
O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken,Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
A Log in My Eye
This weekend was pretty much a blur. While at a craft show with my mom, we got a call from my dad that my grandfather had been taken to the hospital with chest pains. He has been dealing with heart problems for a long time now, so phone calls like this are not completely without warning. A bit later he was flown to the Heart Hospital in OKC. I posted this info on my facebook and asked my friends to please pray for his health and safekeeping. I have awesome friends. Yesterday afternoon I received phone calls, text messages, and e-mails all day offering encouraging words, loving hearts, and prayer.
I was touched by the people who took time from their lives to think of me and my family. I admit that it also hurt, that I didn't get word from some friends that I expected to. Now, I don't know why I allowed my feelings to get hurt. Just because they did not express their concern directly to me, doesn't mean they didn't offer it indirectly. Never the less, it did hurt. And the more I thought about it, the more it hurt. Surely if they were really my friends, they would at least call. Right? At least, that's what I would do! Isn't it???
OUCH! How many times have I been a good friend at heart, but bad in practice? I am terrible at picking up the phone to reach out or catch up. Many times I avoid "the phone call" because I simply don't know what to say. I wonder how many of my friends have been hurt by me and I never even knew? It's not that I don't care, I just get too "busy" to take time to express it. I pardon myself with the thought that they will understand. I mean, I have a job, a husband, a 4 1/2 year old, twin 2 1/2 year olds, and a jewelry business. Who has time to care! Sometimes I treat the people in my life more like possessions. Like a new toy that you are enamored with at first, but you grow tired of it after a few months. So, we look for a new toy to replace the excitement of the old. Then, when the new toy breaks, we run back to the old one, but the batteries are dead!
This post is really written for myself. It's a reminder for me to keep the batteries charged in my toys. To take time to play with old toys and new toys alike. Each one offers a special joy that the others cannot. So, a sincere thanks to all of my awesome friends; old and new! I hope that you all know how much I love and care about each of you, even though I fail miserably at showing it!
I was touched by the people who took time from their lives to think of me and my family. I admit that it also hurt, that I didn't get word from some friends that I expected to. Now, I don't know why I allowed my feelings to get hurt. Just because they did not express their concern directly to me, doesn't mean they didn't offer it indirectly. Never the less, it did hurt. And the more I thought about it, the more it hurt. Surely if they were really my friends, they would at least call. Right? At least, that's what I would do! Isn't it???
OUCH! How many times have I been a good friend at heart, but bad in practice? I am terrible at picking up the phone to reach out or catch up. Many times I avoid "the phone call" because I simply don't know what to say. I wonder how many of my friends have been hurt by me and I never even knew? It's not that I don't care, I just get too "busy" to take time to express it. I pardon myself with the thought that they will understand. I mean, I have a job, a husband, a 4 1/2 year old, twin 2 1/2 year olds, and a jewelry business. Who has time to care! Sometimes I treat the people in my life more like possessions. Like a new toy that you are enamored with at first, but you grow tired of it after a few months. So, we look for a new toy to replace the excitement of the old. Then, when the new toy breaks, we run back to the old one, but the batteries are dead!
This post is really written for myself. It's a reminder for me to keep the batteries charged in my toys. To take time to play with old toys and new toys alike. Each one offers a special joy that the others cannot. So, a sincere thanks to all of my awesome friends; old and new! I hope that you all know how much I love and care about each of you, even though I fail miserably at showing it!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
A Living Investment
I was watching the news a few nights ago, and they were talking about Christmas gift ideas that last. One of the guests on the show was an investment representative for a local brokerage firm. He was talking about why giving the gift of investment was something that could last a lifetime. That's pretty good. I mean, how many gifts have you given or received that could last a lifetime? Are you drawing a blank too? I've gotten some pretty amazing gifts over the years, and I like to think I've given some cool stuff too. But, have the gifts I've given really been beneficial to the recipient? Did it give them more than a smile or nice thought?
So, I got to thinking. Are there really any gifts that we can give that will stay with the beneficiary forever? Then, it hit me...the gift of investment. Not simply in the monetary sense, but a more personal gift of yourself. Think about the people in your life who have left their mark. You may have learned from them, laughed with them, loved them, but whatever the action, the unifying factor was their investment in you. Maybe a teacher invested their time. Maybe a friend invested their compassion. Perhaps a parent invested their knowledge and love. A neighbor invested an ear. These are the gifts that last.
Now the hard part. Are you an investor? At work, do you give yourself to co-workers, bosses, students (in my case)? At home, do you take time to play with your kids, listen to your 4 year old's Hannah Montana concert, share the joys and burdens of parenthood with your partner? I'm sure we would all like to say yes to these things. But how do we know if we're truly invested? Here are a few questions for you. Could you just walk away from the person or situation you're trying to invest in? If no, why not? Is it because it would hurt you? Or, do you say no because you worry about how your absence would impact the ones you leave behind? These aren't easy questions. Even harder at times is the answer I think we should try and live up to.
You see, it's a little of both. Our focus on life has got to move away from our own needs/desires and onto others. When we do that, we invest. We have to worry less about how things make us feel, but rather how our actions and love can impact the feelings of others. But, just as there is risk involved with monetary investing, there is a far greater risk when we invest with ourselves. Not every investment turns into a gold mine. Someitmes, the people we invest in reject our investment. Our value plummits. We hurt. So then, do we stop investing just to avoid the risk? NO!!!! Keep investing. No risk equals no reward. We don't have to change what we invest, but just what we invest it on. Invest your time. Invest your heart. Invest your money, laughter, and tears. Just invest them on people instead of "stuff". Even when our investments seem to be failures, God is working. Even when we don't see it, He is turning our wee efforts into greatness for His Kingdom. See it or not, your investments will eventually pay off.
As you go about the Holiday hustle and bustle, keep your investments in mind. Before you run out and buy the newest piece of technology for your loved one, make sure you give them yourself first. Sometimes it's work. Sometimes it seems like more than we're capable of. But, in the end, the reward of the investor is far greater than the payee. Jump in, as unstable as the market may be, there's never better time to invest.
So, I got to thinking. Are there really any gifts that we can give that will stay with the beneficiary forever? Then, it hit me...the gift of investment. Not simply in the monetary sense, but a more personal gift of yourself. Think about the people in your life who have left their mark. You may have learned from them, laughed with them, loved them, but whatever the action, the unifying factor was their investment in you. Maybe a teacher invested their time. Maybe a friend invested their compassion. Perhaps a parent invested their knowledge and love. A neighbor invested an ear. These are the gifts that last.
Now the hard part. Are you an investor? At work, do you give yourself to co-workers, bosses, students (in my case)? At home, do you take time to play with your kids, listen to your 4 year old's Hannah Montana concert, share the joys and burdens of parenthood with your partner? I'm sure we would all like to say yes to these things. But how do we know if we're truly invested? Here are a few questions for you. Could you just walk away from the person or situation you're trying to invest in? If no, why not? Is it because it would hurt you? Or, do you say no because you worry about how your absence would impact the ones you leave behind? These aren't easy questions. Even harder at times is the answer I think we should try and live up to.
You see, it's a little of both. Our focus on life has got to move away from our own needs/desires and onto others. When we do that, we invest. We have to worry less about how things make us feel, but rather how our actions and love can impact the feelings of others. But, just as there is risk involved with monetary investing, there is a far greater risk when we invest with ourselves. Not every investment turns into a gold mine. Someitmes, the people we invest in reject our investment. Our value plummits. We hurt. So then, do we stop investing just to avoid the risk? NO!!!! Keep investing. No risk equals no reward. We don't have to change what we invest, but just what we invest it on. Invest your time. Invest your heart. Invest your money, laughter, and tears. Just invest them on people instead of "stuff". Even when our investments seem to be failures, God is working. Even when we don't see it, He is turning our wee efforts into greatness for His Kingdom. See it or not, your investments will eventually pay off.
As you go about the Holiday hustle and bustle, keep your investments in mind. Before you run out and buy the newest piece of technology for your loved one, make sure you give them yourself first. Sometimes it's work. Sometimes it seems like more than we're capable of. But, in the end, the reward of the investor is far greater than the payee. Jump in, as unstable as the market may be, there's never better time to invest.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Be the Gar
Okay, so I'm an admitted science geek. That established, I'd also like to confess my addiction to documentaries. Almost any type of scientific or historical documentary is guaranteed to grab my attention. I usually record them so my family doesn't have to be tortured by my tedious interests. A few nights ago, I was watching a show about the Aligator Gar. It's a very interesting species for many reasons. One of which is, that it can be found right here in Southwest Oklahoma. The gar is a prehistoric fish that has survived because it can do something that most other fish cannot.
When the hot Oklahoma sun dries the summer air, many of our small ponds and watering holes begin to dry up and are cut off from the original source of water. Once the water source is cut off, the water becomes stagnant. Stagnant water is not moving and becomes depleted of oxygen. When the oxygen is gone from the water, the organisms in the water begin to die. But not the Gar. When the Gar needs air, it simply goes to the surface of the water and gulps air directly through its mouth. So, when the Gar is cut off from the life giving oxygen it needs, it finds another way to find the life giving air.
Meditate on the word stagnant. Listen and hear some of the definitions:
1. Not moving or flowing; motionless.
2. Foul or stale from staneding.
3. Showing little or no sign of activity or advancement; not developing or progressing
4. Lacking vitality or briskness; sluggish or dull.
I bet you can guess where this is going. Every day we are struck with the mundane. We get into ruts and fail to progress. We do it at work, home, church, you name it. We go through the motions of life, but are we really living? My hope for everyone as we enter the Holiday season and New Year is this; Take a look at the water you're swimming in. Is it moving, flowing, progessing, and full of life? Or, is it stagnant, motionless, stale, foul, dead? If your water is stale, make sure you're connected to the source. If you find that your connection to the source of life has been severed, find another way to connect. Whether at work, home, or especially church. Hit the surface and inhale the sweet breath of life offered through Jesus Christ. He doesn't want his body just standing around motionless and dull; stagnant. No, His desire is for us to move, progress, and live the life He offers when we are connected to Him. When we are living that life, breathing Him in, we can share that life with others. But remember, to live we have to stay connected. Find a way; whether it means stirring up the water, gulping in air, or moving to a new pond. Whatever you have to do, just be the Gar!
When the hot Oklahoma sun dries the summer air, many of our small ponds and watering holes begin to dry up and are cut off from the original source of water. Once the water source is cut off, the water becomes stagnant. Stagnant water is not moving and becomes depleted of oxygen. When the oxygen is gone from the water, the organisms in the water begin to die. But not the Gar. When the Gar needs air, it simply goes to the surface of the water and gulps air directly through its mouth. So, when the Gar is cut off from the life giving oxygen it needs, it finds another way to find the life giving air.
Meditate on the word stagnant. Listen and hear some of the definitions:
1. Not moving or flowing; motionless.
2. Foul or stale from staneding.
3. Showing little or no sign of activity or advancement; not developing or progressing
4. Lacking vitality or briskness; sluggish or dull.
I bet you can guess where this is going. Every day we are struck with the mundane. We get into ruts and fail to progress. We do it at work, home, church, you name it. We go through the motions of life, but are we really living? My hope for everyone as we enter the Holiday season and New Year is this; Take a look at the water you're swimming in. Is it moving, flowing, progessing, and full of life? Or, is it stagnant, motionless, stale, foul, dead? If your water is stale, make sure you're connected to the source. If you find that your connection to the source of life has been severed, find another way to connect. Whether at work, home, or especially church. Hit the surface and inhale the sweet breath of life offered through Jesus Christ. He doesn't want his body just standing around motionless and dull; stagnant. No, His desire is for us to move, progress, and live the life He offers when we are connected to Him. When we are living that life, breathing Him in, we can share that life with others. But remember, to live we have to stay connected. Find a way; whether it means stirring up the water, gulping in air, or moving to a new pond. Whatever you have to do, just be the Gar!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Do You See the People?
I got slapped in the face this morning during Sunday school. Not literally, but I felt the sting just the same. We've been studying about the importance of sewing the seeds, and trusting that God will work. It's been an awesome study. This morning, during our video, I was struck by what the speaker (Terry Rush) said. He asked a simple question. "Do you see the people?". Sure I do. I mean, I try to always help when I can. Of course I want to show Jesus to people in my life...but, that's not what he meant. Look deeper. Look farther. Do you really see the people? ALL of them? Not just neighbors and aquaintances, but the PEOPLE? Ouch! I can say yes until I'm blue in the face, but I pass over people all the time.
I thought of a little girl in my class when I was just a second year teacher. Poor, dirty, needy, trying, sad. I tried to convince myself that I treated her with love, but my actions said otherwise. She would come to hug me every morning, and I would hug her back, but not REALLY embrace her. I didn't want to get dirty. The little girl lived in squalor. I knew this, because I had seen reports from DHS and local authorities. The other kids, didn't want to be around her either. She hungered for attention of any form. I hated the situation she was in, but there was nothing I could do. Right? I was tollerant of her, because I felt sorry for her. I was nice to her, but I never reached to her. I never saw her. She was in my class every day, but I never saw her. She cried out to me, to love her with the love of Christ, but I was afraid to get dirty. I remember the day she brought me 2 cookies. She was so proud of them. I gushed over how good they looked, but I was horrified of eating them. I kept picturing the cockroaches in her kitchen as she was baking away. Such a rediculous, petty image. I should have pictured her beautiful heart. I should have pictured her face of joy. She worked so hard, to make me those cookies. She wanted, no needed, me to eat them. She needed for me to show her that she was lovable. But I was too good to eat them. I really thought being nice to her was enough. I didn't know she needed to "see" me eat the cookies. She knew I didn't see her. She didn't know she was worth being seen.
So, do you SEE the people? Not from the outside, but from the heart. Do you look for the image of God in every face you meet? Do they see the image of Christ in you? I want to say yes with all my heart. But, I still have a long way to go. As you experience life this week, take every opportunity you can to see the people all around you. When we get over ourselves and see the beauty of humanity, they can see the beauty of the love of Christ within' us. When we open our eyes to God's perfect creation, He opens our hearts to His love. A love that SEES.
I thought of a little girl in my class when I was just a second year teacher. Poor, dirty, needy, trying, sad. I tried to convince myself that I treated her with love, but my actions said otherwise. She would come to hug me every morning, and I would hug her back, but not REALLY embrace her. I didn't want to get dirty. The little girl lived in squalor. I knew this, because I had seen reports from DHS and local authorities. The other kids, didn't want to be around her either. She hungered for attention of any form. I hated the situation she was in, but there was nothing I could do. Right? I was tollerant of her, because I felt sorry for her. I was nice to her, but I never reached to her. I never saw her. She was in my class every day, but I never saw her. She cried out to me, to love her with the love of Christ, but I was afraid to get dirty. I remember the day she brought me 2 cookies. She was so proud of them. I gushed over how good they looked, but I was horrified of eating them. I kept picturing the cockroaches in her kitchen as she was baking away. Such a rediculous, petty image. I should have pictured her beautiful heart. I should have pictured her face of joy. She worked so hard, to make me those cookies. She wanted, no needed, me to eat them. She needed for me to show her that she was lovable. But I was too good to eat them. I really thought being nice to her was enough. I didn't know she needed to "see" me eat the cookies. She knew I didn't see her. She didn't know she was worth being seen.
So, do you SEE the people? Not from the outside, but from the heart. Do you look for the image of God in every face you meet? Do they see the image of Christ in you? I want to say yes with all my heart. But, I still have a long way to go. As you experience life this week, take every opportunity you can to see the people all around you. When we get over ourselves and see the beauty of humanity, they can see the beauty of the love of Christ within' us. When we open our eyes to God's perfect creation, He opens our hearts to His love. A love that SEES.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Greatest Commandment
Matthew 22:34-40 Hearing the Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?". Jesus replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with allyour min.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
I like to think that I am easy to get along with. But, lately, I have questioned my likability. I mean, when I really think about it, I can be quite the opposite. Stubborn, opinionated, loud, judgmental, overbearing, bossy. I could go on, but I would only be stating the obvious. I appease myself by thinking of all the good qualities I also posses. Kindness, generosity, compassion, love, eagerness, patience, and a few others. So, in the end the good wins out, and I am again likable.
Recent events in my life have led me to a new realization. I'm easy to like, as long as we agree. Not just me but everyone. Think about it. Look at your friends, people you admire or respect. Don't you basically see eye to eye with them? I'm not saying you have to agree with them 100%, but look at it from the other side. How many people do you really like that have opinions completely different from your own? Maybe you can tolerate these people, maybe even admire and respect them, but like them? Now think about the people you don't really like. Come on, I know you have some. Why don't you like them? Personally, My dislike of others can almost always be narrowed down to some difference of opinion. Wouldn't you agree? Sorry, I couldn't resist. Maybe I disagree with the way this person treats others, or with decisions they make, or with their political or religious views.
It's hard to like people you don't agree with. It's often even harder to love those people you don't really like. Well, it is for me anyways. I often think about the Pharisees in Matt 22. I don't think Jesus told them what they were wanting to hear. They wanted to hear something "doable". Like, don't murder or steal. Nope, Jesus chose a toughy. Love Him above all, and love your neighbor as yourself. I've spent a lot of time wondering why. Why is it so important to love EVERYONE? The more I think about it, the more I realize it has nothing to do with us, and everything to do with Him. It's not that hard for me not to kill another person. I could probably refrain from doing that even without Jesus Christ. But, loving my neighbor, that's different. I can't do it. Well, I can't do it in and of myself. If I am going to love with the love of Christ, I have to love through the love of Christ.
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35).
I have to remind myself often that God made man in his image. Not just me. Christ's blood was poured out for the love of all humanity. Not just those who loved Him. So, our love of others must reflect this love. It's hard. I struggle. Man, do I ever struggle. But, that's kind of the point. When we are weak, He is strong. Our inabilities force us to depend upon his ability. When we understand the reality of that, then we are able to love. And love ushers in understanding and peace.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
I like to think that I am easy to get along with. But, lately, I have questioned my likability. I mean, when I really think about it, I can be quite the opposite. Stubborn, opinionated, loud, judgmental, overbearing, bossy. I could go on, but I would only be stating the obvious. I appease myself by thinking of all the good qualities I also posses. Kindness, generosity, compassion, love, eagerness, patience, and a few others. So, in the end the good wins out, and I am again likable.
Recent events in my life have led me to a new realization. I'm easy to like, as long as we agree. Not just me but everyone. Think about it. Look at your friends, people you admire or respect. Don't you basically see eye to eye with them? I'm not saying you have to agree with them 100%, but look at it from the other side. How many people do you really like that have opinions completely different from your own? Maybe you can tolerate these people, maybe even admire and respect them, but like them? Now think about the people you don't really like. Come on, I know you have some. Why don't you like them? Personally, My dislike of others can almost always be narrowed down to some difference of opinion. Wouldn't you agree? Sorry, I couldn't resist. Maybe I disagree with the way this person treats others, or with decisions they make, or with their political or religious views.
It's hard to like people you don't agree with. It's often even harder to love those people you don't really like. Well, it is for me anyways. I often think about the Pharisees in Matt 22. I don't think Jesus told them what they were wanting to hear. They wanted to hear something "doable". Like, don't murder or steal. Nope, Jesus chose a toughy. Love Him above all, and love your neighbor as yourself. I've spent a lot of time wondering why. Why is it so important to love EVERYONE? The more I think about it, the more I realize it has nothing to do with us, and everything to do with Him. It's not that hard for me not to kill another person. I could probably refrain from doing that even without Jesus Christ. But, loving my neighbor, that's different. I can't do it. Well, I can't do it in and of myself. If I am going to love with the love of Christ, I have to love through the love of Christ.
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35).
I have to remind myself often that God made man in his image. Not just me. Christ's blood was poured out for the love of all humanity. Not just those who loved Him. So, our love of others must reflect this love. It's hard. I struggle. Man, do I ever struggle. But, that's kind of the point. When we are weak, He is strong. Our inabilities force us to depend upon his ability. When we understand the reality of that, then we are able to love. And love ushers in understanding and peace.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Exercise for Life
Today my students did a lab activity called, "Exercise Your Heart" They were to investigate the effect of exercise on their heart rates. I watched them huffing and puffing from the exercise, but no one quit. I heard students telling each other, "keep going! Don't stop!". I saw their smiling faces and heard their laughter between gasps of breath. They worked in groups with people they don't necessarily like, but no one complained....hmmm. As I explained how the blood of life is pushed through the veins by the heart, all eyes were attentive. More exercise, more blood pumping, more efficient bodies for life. Life....blood.
I don't know about you, but when I really exercise, I can feel the blood moving through me. As my pulse pounds, I can almost feel the oxygen being delivered to my needy depleted muscles. It's not always fun, but it is imperative to building and maintaining a healthy body. Spiritual exercise readies our souls to fight the battles of the flesh. It is vital that our spirit to be "in shape" for our Kingdom work on earth to be effective. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says this:
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the game goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
So how do we go about this "spiritual exercise"? Exercise is different for each person, but here are some things I think we could all benefit from.
1. Pray. Opening the lines of communication also opens your heart to His will.
2. Reflect. Fine areas within yourself that cause you to stumble, and work on removing them.
3. Read. Read God's Word. As you read, you will find it speaking to your heart.
4. Partner up. Just as with physical exercise, having a partner increases your accountability. You don't have to actually do the exercises together, but hold each other in check.
5. Fellowship. Be encouraged by those around you (just like my exercising students)
6. Set gradual goals. Don't jump into the deep end if you don't know how to swim. Too much too soon will lead to frustration, fatigue, and failure.
7. Set aside time. It's easy to be too busy for exercise.
8. Commit. Make a conscious decision to exercise. Tell others about your commitment. It's harder to quit when you say it out loud!
It may seem like a lot, but when you exercise your soul, you can feel the life blood of Jesus moving through you as well. You can face you battles and chores with a smile, because you understand the greater purpose of your life in God's Kingdom. So, here it is...my commitment to exercise, (physical and spiritual). Let's get in shape together! Let me know if your up for the challenge.
I don't know about you, but when I really exercise, I can feel the blood moving through me. As my pulse pounds, I can almost feel the oxygen being delivered to my needy depleted muscles. It's not always fun, but it is imperative to building and maintaining a healthy body. Spiritual exercise readies our souls to fight the battles of the flesh. It is vital that our spirit to be "in shape" for our Kingdom work on earth to be effective. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says this:
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the game goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
So how do we go about this "spiritual exercise"? Exercise is different for each person, but here are some things I think we could all benefit from.
1. Pray. Opening the lines of communication also opens your heart to His will.
2. Reflect. Fine areas within yourself that cause you to stumble, and work on removing them.
3. Read. Read God's Word. As you read, you will find it speaking to your heart.
4. Partner up. Just as with physical exercise, having a partner increases your accountability. You don't have to actually do the exercises together, but hold each other in check.
5. Fellowship. Be encouraged by those around you (just like my exercising students)
6. Set gradual goals. Don't jump into the deep end if you don't know how to swim. Too much too soon will lead to frustration, fatigue, and failure.
7. Set aside time. It's easy to be too busy for exercise.
8. Commit. Make a conscious decision to exercise. Tell others about your commitment. It's harder to quit when you say it out loud!
It may seem like a lot, but when you exercise your soul, you can feel the life blood of Jesus moving through you as well. You can face you battles and chores with a smile, because you understand the greater purpose of your life in God's Kingdom. So, here it is...my commitment to exercise, (physical and spiritual). Let's get in shape together! Let me know if your up for the challenge.
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