Mental Changes

Hello to all my peeps!

I want to send a special shout out to Rika: Thanks, Sis for working out with me! It was not only helpful, but it also made me feel loved that you were willing to hang out at the gym instead of at Starbucks! :) Also, go us for stepping it up and jogging instead of only fast-walking the whole time!

I can't remember if I mentioned this before, but one thing I've been consistently praying for is a change of attitude towards exercising. I knew that in order to maintain a regular schedule of exercising I would have to start enjoying it. Honestly, that was one of those prayer requests about which I always thought, "If I can just get to a place where I don't hate it, I'll be satisfied. I don't think I'll ever enjoy exercise, but at least I'll be able to tolerate it."


The other day, while I was on the treadmill listening to some classic rock, I caught myself smiling at nothing in particular. I liked the song that was playing, I felt slightly winded but not overly tired, and I felt healthy. In that moment, my smile went from smirk status to a full on grin. God had performed an insanely cool miracle: I was enjoying myself while exercising! This thing that I thought was impossible had actually happened! While I don't relish getting up early, I do look forward to going to the gym now and if for some reason I can't make it in the morning I think, "Do I have time to go tonight? BSF finished at 9pm…is that too late to go?"


It may not seem that huge to someone else, but this is a pretty big deal in my opinion. Big enough that it's gotten me thinking: Where else in my life am I settling for satisfaction when I could have enjoyment? John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." While that's slightly out of context, it's still so applicable! Jesus laid down his life for us, not so we could live on the sidelines settling for ok lives, or even good lives. He has plans for us and if we obey and follow him, he can make our lives great!


Life will never be without trials and disappointments; sometimes it's downright awful, but I'm learning that trusting Jesus to control my direction is always best. I didn't think he would, but without me realizing it, he's been molding and reshaping my heart. He is sloughing off my immature qualities and burnishing me into something that reflects Him.


To those of you who can relate to asking for a miracle that you don't think will happen: don't let that stop you from asking! While I technically knew God was capable, I just didn't think he would change me. Let's stop selling ourselves short when approaching our Father. He is gentle and loving, and when we ask for something in line with his will, he's promised to come through for us! John 15 even says, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." So lets go out and start glorifying our more than worthy God!