Faith over faithless

I am about a month and a half into my journey as a REFIT® fitness instructor.  Let me tell you, though, it has not come without its share of pain.

You see, REFIT® combines the best elements of fitness and faith in a workout that is welcoming of everyone, regardless of their personal beliefs.  But, Satan desires to silence his people.  He knows that his time is drawing near.

So, now is the time to speak out of faith and not faithlessness, to speak life and speak with the compassion that God desires you to.

Since my journey with REFIT® has begun, I have had some foot trouble.  I knew about this pain, but God had already healed it from me.    I have an extra bone in my foot that causes a flat foot.  God had already made a way where I could walk, workout, and enjoy life without my brace.  So, I continued to speak life over my body and what God had already promised me.

Second, I fell on my knee a few weeks ago.  More than likely, I sprained it.  But, again, I will speak out of my faith in God, over my faithlessness and worry.

And, most recently and perhaps the biggest hit of all,  I have been attacked through my yearly sinuses and allergies.  I went to the emergency room with severe swelling, that was caused by chronic sinusitis and angioedema.  This was on the same night as my REFIT® class.  Feeling in my gut not to cancel and through God's help and the help of some great friends, class was held.  And, I was even able to witness to some people that night!  How amazing is that?

The very next day, the swelling reappeared.  This time, I took it straight to my God himself!  You can find a my testimony of that event on my Facebook page.

The bible speaks of a woman in Mark 5.  She had an issue of blood that she had always had...well for twelve years, anyway!  Through her faithfulness, she knew that if she could just touch Jesus, she would be healed.  Immediately, she was.  Jesus felt His virtue and healing power leave Him and knew what had happened.  Still, He asked, "who touched me?"

Now, the God I serve knows who touched Him.  I believe He wanted to see her faith in action, as she would confess of what she did.  She touched Him.  In return, He touched her.  So,  are you reaching out in that faith, within your own life?  If not, I encourage you do so! 

Nothing comes from standing still.  Nothing comes from faithlessness.  Speak life.  Live a life full a faith and maybe, just maybe, you will be like this woman.  Maybe you will be like the Proverbs 31 woman.  Or, maybe and this is my heart's desire for all of us, you will be like Jesus...and people will see Jesus living in you.

Be blessed.

Walk in grace.

Life in faith.

People need people

Hello, world!

There's this old song that says people need people.  Is that ever true?

I was voted most bashful in my high school senior class.  I am introverted (counseling major here) and fairly independent.

But, I need people.  I love people.  See, recently and unintentionally, I hurt someone's feelings.  She wasn't a family member.   She wasn't a coworker.  She was even a friend (yet!).  But, she was and is a sweet child of God!  After working it out and apologizing to her, she is becoming quite the confidant!  You see, I didn't know that I needed her in my life, but God did.

I need people in my life!  Not only those that have the biggest influence (family, friends, church, coworkers, students) but those everyday acquaintances, only-know-via-Facebook friends.  Yes, I need them in my life.

That college-age student working at Walmart, who called this mid-30s woman a "young lady".  I need him in my life.

That person who always smiles at me at the convenient store.  I need her in my life.

The older gentleman, whom I only know through my father-in-law.  The one that waves at me everyday.  I need him in my life.

You see God has called us to be a light unto these people and to love them as He loves us.  For some people, we may be the only Jesus they see!  How awesome would it be for them to see Jesus in us?

You!   Yes, you!  You that are reading this... I need you in my life!  May God poor out His blessings on you.  And, the next time you see anyone, may you truly see them as God sees them: His!

She is clothed in strength

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and she can laugh without fear of the future"

~Proverbs 31:25

I started teaching fitness classes this week.  Fitness classes + eating healthier = a stronger, better me.    Within the last 3 weeks, I'd say I am down about 5 pounds.  Within the last week alone, I logged in about 5 1/2 hours of fitness and workout time, Monday through Friday alone.

So, picture this.  I am, not only feeling healthy, but feeling strong.  Dressed in workout clothes, for some strange reason,  I decide to do my weekly grocery shopping first.  Not wanting to change, because I know I'll do a workout when I return, I wear my workout gear to the grocery store.  So, picture me:  no makeup (I wear very little anyway), cap, workout clothes, high-tops, and my Love and the Outcome's "He is with us" off-the-shoulder sweater.  Yeah, I'm totally rocking the mid-thirties mom look.  And, I'm feeling good and strong.  Not to mention, I hear some of my REFIT® songs on the radio and I am totally jamming. 

That is, until I pass the funeral home.  The same funeral home that took such great care of my grandmother a year and a half ago.  And, I'm talking, immediate tears.  I remember her final week.  I remember her voice.  I remember how much I miss her.

Then, almost immediately, I hear a song on the radio, speaking about how strength doesn't come from this Earth, but comes from the Lord.  So, while I may feel stronger, I realize that my strength doesn't come from how many hours I workout or how well I take care of my body, even though all of those things are important.  My strength is found Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him as my Savior.

The Proverbs 31 woman...yes, she was strong and she took care of the things that were hers to take care of on this world.   But, I'm pretty sure that she realized where her strength came from too.  That, alone, is why she was able to laugh without fear of the future.  She knew who held her future.

Goals becoming Reality

Who sets goals?  Financial goals? Relationship goals?  Fitness goals?  In fact, the term goals has been used a lot online and in social media lately.  Everyone has a goal, right?

Well, over a year ago, after watching my grandmother pass away due to pancreatic cancer, my goal was simply to live better: a journey to a better me.  That's what this blog was all about.  It was my online journal, marking my progress, and hopefully encouraging others along the way.

What began with finding awesome Christian songs to workout to (REFIT® YouTube Channel), led to a certification to become what is called a "fitness expert".  Me?  The girl who abhorred PE as a child (I am an elementary teacher, so don't tell our wonderful PE teacher this!!) The girl who got a "C" in wellness class in college, because I simply wouldn't attend.  The girl who "ran" a mile in 17 minutes when I was younger.  (My husband--who is an avid runner--says, "what did you do? crawl?".)  Me?  A "fitness expert"?  In dance?  The girl who grew up as a wallflower at school dances.  The girl who was named "most bashful" my senior year!

But, I found a home in REFIT ®.  I got certified to teach this revolutionary faith-infused dance fitness class!  Yes, I'm out of my comfort zone.  But, my goals are becoming my reality.  Wonderful words from REFIT® stand out to me:

"REFIT isn't for the fit, it's for the willing."

"REFIT feels like home."

"It's not about being graceful, but grace-filled."

"REFIT is for the flawed, not the flawless."

Yes, I'm out of my comfort zone.  Yes, I'll make mistakes.  But,  I have a heart for people and the heart of REFIT® is community!  So, traditional encouragement also come to mind:

"Great things never come from comfort zones."

"One day what you struggle to achieve will become your warm-up."

"A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there."

But, for me, I look to my Savior and my God and His Word for the most encouragement.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from which comes my help!  My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and Earth." ~ Psalm 121:1-2

"And whatsoever you do, do it with your whole heart. " ~Colossians 3:23

"Let them praise His name in the dance...For the Lord takes pleasure in His people." Psalm 149:3-4

So, here I am. Over a year later.  I'm imperfect, flawed, and, yes, out of my comfort zone.  But, I'm going to look to the hills and to my Savior.  I'm going to love Him with all my heart.  And, I'm going to dance and praise His name!  And get REFIT ®!!

Are you ready to join me?

Maybe make your goals become your reality?

You were made for such a time as this.  You are enough.   You are beautiful.  You are an overcomer. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You are stronger than you'll ever know and YOU have the ability to impact others.

Lots of love,
Julie
My REFIT® page
My Facebook page 

Giving up or giving it all

"I will not cry over lesson plans."

Yes, that was this teacher's mantra at the end of a busy day.  TGIF and I was exhausted!  So, instead of continuing to build next week's lesson plans. I went home.  Home to an empty house...my husband was at work and my children were spending the night with grandparents.

This is where God turned my trial and test into a testimony.

I decided to do my REFIT workout.  For those that follow me, they already know that I absolutely adore REFIT and the heart behind it.  In fact and totally against my nature and out of comfort zone, I will attend a REFIT instructor's training soon.  (Find more information here: www.refitrev.com )

But, I'm not writing to plug REFIT.  I'm here to give a plug for God! 

Even before the workout, I knew that I wanted to start blogging more again.  But, how do you say what you think would benefit others?  There are so many great blogs and websites already out there. In fact, what I want to say to you is something you've probably heard before.

Do you give up or do you give it all?

In my moments of stress earlier in the day, I saw something that basically said:  "Don't stress over your bad days, because someone would love to have your bad days".  In a sense, I believe the message was: someone always has it worse than you do.

But, what about this revelation?  God, Himself, wants your bad days!  He wants your good days too!  He wants all of you!  When you feel like giving up, give it to God and give it your all.

In Mark 12, Jesus is sitting by a treasury.  Think of it as the offering plate in church.  There was a woman who came by and gave two mites.  Now, mites were copper coins and they were worth very little.  But, Jesus praised her.  Why?  Because it was all she had!

You see God doesn't need us to be perfect, even though he does call us to be.  He needs us to be willing to give it all.  He wants you and I to be passionate, sold out, and all in.  

I don't have to be the best at working out.  But, I am doing it.  I'm in, giving it my all and not giving up.  My testimony?  I was able to let go of my stress and do my workout, which in turned caused me to focus on the more important things in life.  

You don't have to be the best.  You do have to give it all.  Don't give up!  Give it all you've got and go for it!  Be the best you that you can be, because no one can do it better!  And, then, when you've accomplished what you've set out to do (no matter how small!), stop, breath, and give thanks!

And, now, maybe I'll go finish my lesson plans. Maybe.

White hair and reflections

I pulled out a white hair today. White. Not gray.  Mine are white and wiry. It wasn't the first and it won't be the last.

The white hair caused me to reflect on my life.  Now in my mid-thirties, if you'd have told me that my life would end up the way it is now, I wouldn't have believed you.  Did I pray for my life to be like this? Yes.

So, why should I be surprised, right? Life is good.  I'm happily married to a man, whom, if I asked, wouldn't care about white hair.  I have a great job.  I have great kids, great family, and a great church.  And, yes, I am not naive enough to not realize that everyone's life didn't turn out so great.  I do not take my blessings for granted.  

But, about a year ago, I started a journey to become a better me.  Yes, it was nearly a year ago that I lost my precious grandmother.  I honor her by becoming the best me I can be.  For her.  For my family. But, mostly, I admit, for me.

But, you see, I'm selfish.  I want more.  I want to be like Mary Magdalene.

I've always been intrigued by her story in the bible.  Jesus healed her.  Yet, we know her name.  There are several healings that were mentioned in the Bible; yet the name of the individual was not named.  So, I repeat, we know her name! 

Not only that but, upon deliverance, she was faithful.  Faithful and holy.  She followed Jesus throughout his entire ministry and was the First person to see Jesus after his resurrection!  Talk about a First Lady!

So, I'm selfish.  I want to be a better me, but I want to be found faithful!

And, yes, secretly, I am proud of those white hairs...

even if I do pull them out.

White hair is a sign of maturation.  Maybe I'm just growing older, but maybe I'm growing wiser and closer to Christ.

My prayer for you...

Dear God,

I come to You in Jesus name.  I praise you for all that You are, all that You have been, all that You will be.  God, thank you for the blessings in my life.  Thank you for white hair and imperfections, because I know that in my flaws, Your Son has made me flawless.  I thank you for salvation.  God, I ask that You touch the readers.  Help them to see their blessings.  Help them to see You when life doesn't turn out the way they planned.  Help them to truly know You and our Savior.  God, minister to them, right now.  Help them to hear Your voice, to feel Your presence, and to simply be comforted.  Be comforted in the fact that You see beyond their imperfections, beyond the flaws, beyond their mistakes, You see them.  And, You know them.  The bible says that You know the hairs on our head, even the white ones.  So, let the reader know that You do indeed know them. And love them.  And, that they will come to know You and love You.  In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen.

Be blessed,

Julie 

Holiday hectic?

If you've read this blog before or know anything about me, you know that I don't consider myself athletic, at all.

I can't do one push-up.  I can't do one chin-up.  Never could.

Phew, I feel better now that I've admitted that.  However, you also may know that I'm trying to make a better me.  This all started not long after the death of my grandmother, lost to the horrible beast known as cancer.  No, I will not make that word a proper noun.

In just a few weeks, it will be one year since my beloved Mamaw has made her residence in Heaven.  I miss her dearly and think of her often.  With that being said, I thought it was time for a new blog post.

December is a overly hectic month for me, as well as for most people reading this.  Don't get me wrong.  I absolutely adore Christmas and all things Christmasy.  In fact, I even had a Christmas wedding.

So for me, December is awesome, but hectic.  I'm a teacher, so I have classroom parties, field trips, school plays, choral performances, you name it. I'm a mom, so I also have classroom parties, field trips, school plays and performances, teacher gifts, and the list goes on.   I'm a church minister, so I have church plays, services, and parties there as well.

Not to mention, this month is my anniversary and the celebration of not only my son, but the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Am I complaining? No, I am too blessed to complain!  But, it does get hectic.  

Take today, for example.  I slept in, had breakfast with my kids, made Chrsitmas cookies, watched a Christmas movie, and made dinner for my husband.   I know what you are thinking... That doesn't sound hectic to me!  You are right! In fact, I was overly joyed with this day.  Few realize how few days like this that a teacher really gets in life.

But, even on this non-hectic day, I was busy playing a role, albeit a role I love.  I was a housekeeper, a wife, a mom.  None of these are roles that I take lightly. If you know me, you know that I don't do anything unless I can do it with all of my heart.

But, I was so hectic in my roles and making sure that life around me was perfect, that I didn't take time for me.

That was, until I received a phone call from my cousin.  Without going in to details, it got me thinking about my desire to pursue a REFIT® instructor's license.  So, while my almost-7 and 9 year olds had "me time" in their rooms (this idea started after they were too old to take naps), I did my REFIT® workout.  

It felt good. It had been too long.

Too many days of running around and making sure we have the perfect December.  Too many days of not taking time to take care of me.

God calls us to take care of ourselves.  God calls us to praise Him.

I will praise You!

For I am fearfully and wonderfully made!

Marvellous are Your Works!

And that my soul knows right well!

Psalms 139:14

Reader,

God bless you on this Christmas season!  When you are feeling holiday hectic, may you find the ultimate peace in Jesus Christ!  May you find time to take care of your family, appreciate your blessings, take care of yourself, and ultimately, remember the Reason for the Season!

Merry Christmas!

~Julie