I Will Never Be the Same
Update: After I wrote this post, I tore the meniscus in my right knee during my workout. As I sit here, reading what I wrote five years ago, I am disappointed that my excitement waned after my injury. I’m back on track again, though my workout now takes place in the water. Knee surgery is coming in a few months. I’m still here to be your friend if you need me. Send me a message and we’ll laugh (or cry) together.
I haven’t blogged in quite awhile. I’ve been working on other things. God gave me a gift this year. A script. It’s called The Journey, One Man’s Story. Humbly, I watched as our church’s worship ministry prepared music. I looked at all of these wonderful, loving people work so hard building sets and sewing costumes. A labor of love came together beautifully during Palm Sunday weekend. Our precious pastor (who also turned out to be a very good actor) played Jesus. Because Easter was so early this year, we only had about six weeks to put it all together. We knew that if we pulled it off successfully, it would all be because of God. And, boy did He show off that weekend! Many people told us it was the most heartfelt, moving and spiritual church production they had ever seen. It brought tears to my eyes then, and I have tears in my eyes now just writing about it. The Journey was a gift to me, a confirmation of God’s faithfulness and love. I was so grateful that He blessed it; and our performance was our gift back to him.
Last week, He gave me another gift. I began a weight loss and strength training program. It is long overdue. The death of our twins 18 years ago was so difficult, I guess I gave in to depression. Not anymore. I will never be the same again. In the past seven days, I have learned a lot about myself. I thought I couldn’t do a single situp. I did 52! I thought I wasn’t strong enough to do pushups. I can! I thought I would be obese for the rest of my life. Now, I know I won’t. With God’s help, I know I can, and will become the woman He created me to be.
Only one week without sugar, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, processed foods and meat and my “brain fog” is gone. I cannot remember ever feeling this good, this strong. I knew God made our bodies to run efficiently; His designs are always perfect. He is proving it daily to me. I have not been measured yet, that comes tomorrow, but I know how much my doctor said I weighed before I started the diet and exercise. I’m not looking forward to finding out my BMI tomorrow! But, it must be done so I can track my progress. Guess I’ll just grin and bear it.
God has given me another gift. He’s given me a love and passion for ministering to other women. This diet and exercise program has come in His perfect timing. If you are reading this, and you are struggling, please send me a message. My heart’s desire is to love you and help you if I can. We can go on this journey together. If you need to lose weight, as I do, I will encourage you (and fuss at you if you need it). If you are struggling spiritually, I will pray for you and offer scripture suggestions if you need them. I am your sister, and your friend.
Most importantly, if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please seek Him out. You may think you are “good enough” to get into heaven. No one is. Heaven is a free gift to all who believe in Jesus Christ. He’s the only person ever born who never sinned. God sent Him to earth because He loves you. Yes, He does! You don’t have to be a slave to sin any longer. See, some people think that if they accept Jesus Christ, they’ll have to give up their lifestyle. The truth is, when you surrender your life to Jesus, you don’t desire that life any more. He’ll give you new desires. And, He will give you peace. John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world (you) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever (you) believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” You see? It really is a gift. You can look at it this way:
A B C…
A…agree with God that you are a sinner; ask for His forgiveness.
B…believe in your heart that Jesus is God’s Son who died willingly on the cross for your sins. He rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven and now waits to return to earth (from the signs of the times, it could be very soon).
C…commit your life to Him (sin no more) and confess that Jesus is Lord (tell everyone). Read the Bible; ask Him to speak to you. He will! Read the book of John. Find a church where the people love and accept you; make sure they preach the truth of God’s word. You need the fellowship of other believers. They struggle, just like you.
If you need a friend, I’m here. Send me a message. God loves you, and I do too.
This is my prayer:
Lord, I pray You will help me set an example to other women. Let me encourage them; give me strength and the will to say no to all the foods I love that do not nourish my body, but harm it. May I eat as You fed Eve in the garden. Please grant me serenity and wisdom to care for myself, to love myself, as You love me. If I can serve You by helping any other women, please give them the courage to first seek You out, then lean on me if they need to. I love You, Father! Thank you for sending Your Son to die for me. I await His return. In humility and joy I pray, amen.
Until next time,
Doradear
Doradear 