I had an interesting conversation with one of my friends last night. We were talking about change in our lives and how maybe we need to experience a little "hurt" and push through it to see the cool stuff that God has in store for us. She used the example of running, and how sometimes we want to stay at a slower pace because it seems easier and yet it is actually harder on our joints. It's not until we just push through and up the pace, that our joints will thank us for the smoother, less jolted run. She then compared it to being a mom and doing the day to day stuff and let's face it, it's a thankless job. We chauffeur our kids around, makes lunches, wipe bottoms, wipe faces, wipe counter tops and no one really says thanks (at least not very often). The thing is, you are in this stage of life for a very specific reason. God wants you where you are and He will use your circumstances for good if we seek Him. So the question is, do we embrace our circumstances or do we continually fight God, shaking our fists at him at Him in rebellion?
I often struggle with this very thing. Just when I think I have things figured out and feel like I'm doing okay, my circumstances start changing. Really though, I didn't have anything figured out! Why on earth do I even try to take the reigns when it comes to my life? Are they not much more safe in the hands of my heavenly Father?
When disciplining children, you often hear of parents telling them, "this is going to hurt me much more than it hurts you". I am confident the child does not agree with this at all, but as a parent I realize the truth in that statement. I hate the look I get from my kids when I need to discipline them, but if I avoid it I am not doing my job in raising them as Christ calls me to. Don't you think that Christ feels the same way when he sees us trying to control our own lives without Him? Yes, He gave us free will and we can make our own decisions, but tell me, when you and I do things our own way how does that normally turn out? Yeah, me too. I make a mess of things.
So although you may be going through something big or small that seems to hurt a little, know that God will use that circumstance to make you stronger in Him. It may even give you a stronger platform in which to speak to someone else who doesn't know Christ and is going through the same thing.
I'll leave you with this verse from Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Grateful,
Katy
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sure, I'm Content as long as...
Do you find that you are content in most situations? I'm not talking about settling for the mediocre. We know, especially as followers of Christ, that we are not called to be mediocre Christians, but to always strive to be more like Christ. What I mean when I ask if you are content is, are you filled with the joy that only Christ can give no matter what your earthly possessions might be. Are you content with your circumstances? Beyond that, are you using your circumstances, that God has allowed you to be in, to further serve Him more? Luke 16:10 says, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." God knows exactly how we use what He has given us, whether it is very little or much.
Many times I catch myself thinking I am doing pretty good with the whole contentment thing. I give myself a pat on the back and congratulate myself with "being good" with my circumstances. That is usually the approximate time God will gently remind me that this may not be the case. You see, I may think I am content, when in reality I am content as long as I have control. I tell God, "sure I will be content in all situations, as long as you keep my kids safe and healthy, as long as my husband doesn't lose his job, as long as I can get my workout in each day, and basically as long as I get to do things the way I want them done." What??!! That isn't contentment at all! That's conditional and that's not what Christ calls us to be.
It is scary to pray and tell God that you will be content with all He has for you no matter what. Everyone, especially myself, fears the unknown. Remember, that Christ will never give us more than we can handle. Do not mistake this for me saying Christ will never let your life go through tough times, because chances are if you have not had to deal with hardships yet, you will. So who will you cling to during those times? Will your stubbornness and desire to fix things yourself get in the way or will you cling to the only true rock, Jesus Christ?
Philippians 4:12-13
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Grateful,
Katy
Many times I catch myself thinking I am doing pretty good with the whole contentment thing. I give myself a pat on the back and congratulate myself with "being good" with my circumstances. That is usually the approximate time God will gently remind me that this may not be the case. You see, I may think I am content, when in reality I am content as long as I have control. I tell God, "sure I will be content in all situations, as long as you keep my kids safe and healthy, as long as my husband doesn't lose his job, as long as I can get my workout in each day, and basically as long as I get to do things the way I want them done." What??!! That isn't contentment at all! That's conditional and that's not what Christ calls us to be.
It is scary to pray and tell God that you will be content with all He has for you no matter what. Everyone, especially myself, fears the unknown. Remember, that Christ will never give us more than we can handle. Do not mistake this for me saying Christ will never let your life go through tough times, because chances are if you have not had to deal with hardships yet, you will. So who will you cling to during those times? Will your stubbornness and desire to fix things yourself get in the way or will you cling to the only true rock, Jesus Christ?
Philippians 4:12-13
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Grateful,
Katy
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Patience....REALLY?!
Oh to be a patient person. I don't know about you but patient is one of the last words I would use to describe myself. It bothers me too, because I really admire people who are patient. I often find myself telling my kids things like, "hurry up and finish your breakfast or we will be late for school, or can you please walk a little faster, or Mommy is running late, PLEASE get in the car quickly!" When I think about it, who's fault is it that we are running late? It certainly is not my children's fault (although I do sometimes wish they would move faster) it's their mom's fault! I didn't properly plan ahead of time and because I tried to squeeze too much in, we are LATE!!
After both of my pregnancies, I was not patient at all when trying to lose that baby weight. I really thought if I ate well and exercised consistently that the weight I had gained should come off in a couple weeks, no problem! I didn't care that it took 9 months to put it all on. I wanted immediate results. I had seen those pictures of celebrities and even people I knew that left the hospital looking like they had never been pregnant, why not me too? My stubbornness and inability to accept the fact that losing weight takes a lot of patience and consistency in diet and exercise left me feeling pretty frustrated. Finally with the support of my husband and also a "biggest loser" competition with my family, I was able to lose the weight at a steady and healthy pace.
My husband often laughs at my impatience. He is quite the opposite of me and has no problems waiting for things. He finds it very humorous when our children express their impatience with a "come on!" or a loud "hmpf!" because they sound just like their mom. So as hilarious as I think that is, I know it is something that I can only change with the help of Christ. He is the ultimate example of patience. He continually sees us doing really stupid things and He STILL loves us! Sometimes I really can't wrap my mind around why Christ continues to love me and I often find myself wondering how He can be so patient with me. If I could only love my husband and kids with a tenth of how much Christ loves me and show them patience in the same manner, well, I can only imagine what kind of super mom/wife I would be. The thing is, I can become a more patient person. I can be a more loving and forgiving person. I just need to rely completely on Christ and not myself. Yes you read correctly, rely on Christ, not me! Believe me, I like to think I can do it all myself, but I can't and I never will. Christ will do it and I will just hold on to Him for the ride.
Colossians 3:12-13
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Grateful,
Katy
After both of my pregnancies, I was not patient at all when trying to lose that baby weight. I really thought if I ate well and exercised consistently that the weight I had gained should come off in a couple weeks, no problem! I didn't care that it took 9 months to put it all on. I wanted immediate results. I had seen those pictures of celebrities and even people I knew that left the hospital looking like they had never been pregnant, why not me too? My stubbornness and inability to accept the fact that losing weight takes a lot of patience and consistency in diet and exercise left me feeling pretty frustrated. Finally with the support of my husband and also a "biggest loser" competition with my family, I was able to lose the weight at a steady and healthy pace.
My husband often laughs at my impatience. He is quite the opposite of me and has no problems waiting for things. He finds it very humorous when our children express their impatience with a "come on!" or a loud "hmpf!" because they sound just like their mom. So as hilarious as I think that is, I know it is something that I can only change with the help of Christ. He is the ultimate example of patience. He continually sees us doing really stupid things and He STILL loves us! Sometimes I really can't wrap my mind around why Christ continues to love me and I often find myself wondering how He can be so patient with me. If I could only love my husband and kids with a tenth of how much Christ loves me and show them patience in the same manner, well, I can only imagine what kind of super mom/wife I would be. The thing is, I can become a more patient person. I can be a more loving and forgiving person. I just need to rely completely on Christ and not myself. Yes you read correctly, rely on Christ, not me! Believe me, I like to think I can do it all myself, but I can't and I never will. Christ will do it and I will just hold on to Him for the ride.
Colossians 3:12-13
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Grateful,
Katy
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Am I being Intentional?
What comes to mind when you think of the word intentional? Perhaps you think planning ahead of time or thinking through something before you give your opinion or maybe having a goal in mind and taking the correct actions to make that happen.
Many times while teaching a fitness class I remind those there to be intentional in their movements. To think through the muscle they are working at that specific time and not to let their mind wander. For example, I tell them to think about the bicep muscle working as they are doing a curl. I also remind those at my class to be intentional about working hard in class, whatever fitness level they are at. They need to decide at they beginning of class, before things get tough, that they are going to work hard and not quit. I don't want anyone just working at 50%, I want 100% from each person. I often tell them that I am not in the business of wasting anyone's time. I also know how good they will feel about themselves once they are done and know that they have worked hard.
Being intentional in your exercise habits is a small example, but what about in our relationship with our spouse and our children? What about the most important relationship we have, the one with Christ. Are you intentional about spending time with Christ, reading His word, spending time in prayer and using the abilities He has given you to serve others and tell them about Christ? What about your relationship with your spouse? Are you intentional about loving them? I'm not talking about a quick hug or kiss, although that is important. I'm talking about serving them, lifting them up on a daily basis, thanking them for the sacrifices they make for you and even bragging to others about your spouse. It will get back to them whether you were putting them down or speaking highly of them and wouldn't you rather it be the latter?
Things don't just happen, it is a result of our actions. I tell my classes often that you just don't "happen" to get in really great shape, you have move your body and watch what you put in your mouth. In your marriage, you will reap the benefits of being intentional and putting your spouses needs ahead of yours. The same goes for your relationship with Christ, it won't progress if you aren't putting the time in. He longs to spend time with you and you will be blessed beyond what you could imagine if you discipline yourself to spend time with Christ and obey his leading.
I will leave you with this from Hebrews 6:10-12
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."
Grateful,
Katy
Many times while teaching a fitness class I remind those there to be intentional in their movements. To think through the muscle they are working at that specific time and not to let their mind wander. For example, I tell them to think about the bicep muscle working as they are doing a curl. I also remind those at my class to be intentional about working hard in class, whatever fitness level they are at. They need to decide at they beginning of class, before things get tough, that they are going to work hard and not quit. I don't want anyone just working at 50%, I want 100% from each person. I often tell them that I am not in the business of wasting anyone's time. I also know how good they will feel about themselves once they are done and know that they have worked hard.
Being intentional in your exercise habits is a small example, but what about in our relationship with our spouse and our children? What about the most important relationship we have, the one with Christ. Are you intentional about spending time with Christ, reading His word, spending time in prayer and using the abilities He has given you to serve others and tell them about Christ? What about your relationship with your spouse? Are you intentional about loving them? I'm not talking about a quick hug or kiss, although that is important. I'm talking about serving them, lifting them up on a daily basis, thanking them for the sacrifices they make for you and even bragging to others about your spouse. It will get back to them whether you were putting them down or speaking highly of them and wouldn't you rather it be the latter?
Things don't just happen, it is a result of our actions. I tell my classes often that you just don't "happen" to get in really great shape, you have move your body and watch what you put in your mouth. In your marriage, you will reap the benefits of being intentional and putting your spouses needs ahead of yours. The same goes for your relationship with Christ, it won't progress if you aren't putting the time in. He longs to spend time with you and you will be blessed beyond what you could imagine if you discipline yourself to spend time with Christ and obey his leading.
I will leave you with this from Hebrews 6:10-12
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."
Grateful,
Katy
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