RESOLUTIONS

It is the beginning of a new calendar year and the debate continues: “to make New Year's resolutions or not to make them.” There are sound arguments for both sides of the controversy. Some would say that by making these promises we are only setting ourselves up for failure and possibly sending ourselves into a downward spiral. Changing negative habits isn't easy and personal willpower is a fickle friend. On the other hand, never attempting to improve one's character and behavior could lead to an unwanted setback in our earthly sojourn.

Perhaps there is a Godly balance or perspective to this dilema. The Lord has created our planet with predictable seasons and cycles. We can always look forward to winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each morning the sun rises, blessing us with a new day. Faithfully each evening the same sun sets, providing us with a period of sacred rest from our labors. We are born as infants, and then progress through childhood, adulthood, and finally old age. Psychologists have even mapped out the mental and emotional phases of development which correspond with the physical chronological stages of human progression.

It is evident that seasons, passages, and stages are a natural God given phenomenon in our world and personal lives. It appears too that we have an innate desire to improve our lives and conditions. It seems likely then, at the start of a new year that we would begin to think about our individual goals, dreams, and aspirations. The Bible declares that we are new creatures in Christ Jesus.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) The Word also tells us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) Romans 12:2 advises us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, or changing the way we think. To find out God's thoughts it is important to read His love letter to us.

Therefore, perhaps instead of setting up hard and fast resolutions which may be difficult to keep, we might simply use this time of year to ask the Holy Spirit for direction. As we pray, praise and worship, and read God's word we can listen for those gentle promptings from the Lord. We can take baby steps and make small changes which will cause our daily lives to be more pleasing to our Saviour. Asking God for grace and strength to carry out those adaptations will enable us to succeed. Then we can give Jesus all the glory for the work He performs in us.

I believe, as many Christians do, that we are changed by the presence of the Lord. God inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3) So as we praise and worship the Father our hearts do undergo a holy transformation. We go from glory to glory. “All of us reflect the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, we are becoming more like Him with an ever increasing glory by the Lord's Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18) So rather than determine, “I am going to do thus and such this year,” we can instead cooperate with and yield to the Holy Spirit as He works to sanctify and purify our souls and bodies.

Written by Cathy Friberg

There is a song written by Jon Mohr which can be an appropriate inspiration for us at this time of year.

Jon Mohr

Philippians 1:6

 

Chorus

“He who began a good work in you

He who began a good work in you

Will be faithful to complete it

He'll be faithful to complete it

He who started the work

Will be faithful to complete it in you

If the struggle you're facing

Is slowly replacing your hope

With despair

Or the process is long

And you're losing your song

In the night

You can be sure that the Lord

Has His hand on you

Safe and secure

He will never abandon you

You are His treasure

And He finds His pleasure in you”

 

Here is a link to click on to hear this song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1nfQN7me1M

WHAT TO PACK

  

Get a large trunk. Big enough to hold what is behind you, what is ahead of you, and what is within you. Big enough for a lifetime.

 Here is how to fill it.

Acquire a cat. Or let it acquire you. Sleep on your side, legs bent. Let the cat nestle in the crook between your knees and your chin, his purr rumbling deep against your chest, all the way to your heart.

Fetch a dog. Sit silently and work at your computer for two hours, while the dog patiently waits on the sofa. Then stand up and look at her. Laugh at the metronome of her tail, metering the joy in her soul as it connects with yours.

Gather some friends. Meet them in the third grade, or college, or at the coffee shop. Share the coffee. Share your pain. Share your dreams. Share the years. Move to different coasts. Live in the same town. Get busy and only drop an occasional note. Get together and pick up like you saw each other yesterday.

Embrace a sister. A brother. A parent. A cousin. Or some other relative. Realize that you are connected by a bond that comes from no other kind of relationship. Celebrate together. Mourn together. Take care of each other. Pass your bond on to the next generation.

Build a marriage. Let things marinate for twenty, or forty, or fifty years. Raise one, or two, or ten children. Watch them bloom. Pay the bills. Be there for each other. Scrub the toilets. Go to the movies and hold hands, remembering the first time you ever touched, and all you have shared between.

Cradle a child. Or maybe many. Forget the pain of childbirth. Remember the miracle of childbirth. Or first embrace at the airport. Imprint the memory of baby feet into the size twelve shoes he leaves in the hallway. When she is driving you crazy, remember that in your old age, she may be the one driving you where you need to go. Whether flesh of your flesh, or bone of your bone, you are bound to each other. Forever.

And don’t forget the map. Find the spot labeled “You Are Here.” To get your bearings. Then, follow your passions: love nature, love to read, love the arts. Stop to be touched by your blessings. By the hopes of others. Help a child. Plant a garden along your path. Make a detour to someone who needs your company. Accept kindness when you need it. Dance along the way. Share your success. Your experience. Your laughter. Treat your fellow travelers well. Find your own peace. Navigate the storms. See the sun, wherever it might shine. Grow into someone else, someone better, every single day of your one and only life.

Enjoy the journey

Julia Orvis

ã2012

HOLIDAY FITNESS”

                           

                 ... MORE THAN JUST EXERCISE               

 

This holiday season I wanted to share some passages from an article by Marty Copeland. I thought the theme was encouraging and a message meant to help keep us on track as “we center on Jesus, the real reason for the season.”

This Christmas “let's make a quality decision to stay focused on maintaining a strong, healthy body. There are “a few simple strategies to help maintain proper weight throughout the season.”

1. “Get God involved. Ask God to give you wisdom in fighting cravings and in scheduling time for increased cardiovascular exercise.
2. Never show up famished for a holiday party. Don't rely on willpower to get you through a long night of fudge, Christmas cookies, and party mix. Instead, go to the party prepared by eating a healthy snack and drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before the party. This will help you to make better food decisions and to exercise self-control. We can still enjoy a piece of pie or other special treats without overindulging.
3. Focus on relationships. Partake in family traditions such as reading the Christmas story around the fireplace. Focus on your family and friends more than you focus on the fabulous food.
4. Move it! As the fellowship and feasting come to an end, why not head for the great outdoors. Grab a football and toss it outside with your children. Or take a walk around the block with your cousins. This will rev up your metabolism.
5. Exercise more. During this busy season find time to work out. Exercise could be your best friend this season, because it will help you maintain your weight, even though your diet may not be as healthy as usual.

As we implement these simple strategies, we will be much healthier and happier, as we maintain our health and fitness goals. In this way, we can honor God and bring glory to him in our bodies even during the Christmas season.'”

Shared by Cathy Friberg.

Ideas and direct quotes from

“Stay Fit in Season”
 by Marty Copeland.”