Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Temple Time

Chocolate. Cookies. Cupcakes. Candy. Ice Cream. Coffee drinks that are basically dessert in a cute cup... There it is. A list of reasons I MUST work out. BUT... over the recent months, I have learned that this list of yummy goodies is only part of the reason I choose to roll out of bed super early after hitting the snooze button only once or twice instead of five or ten times, then lace up the tennis shoes that probably should be replaced sooner than later... shoo-wee.


To be completely honest, I have been struggling whether to continue to post or not. While in this part of the adoption process, there is not much to "update". Yes, we are in the season of waiting, waiting, and MORE waiting. We are confident in knowing that our God is working in our waiting - working ALL things for our good and His glory. BUT... my desire for this blog is to not only keep "our village" up to date on this journey of adoption, but to also encourage and inspire you in whatever journey you are on. If one post can do that for one person, I will keep writing and sharing. My prayer is for every post to communicate genuine transparency and love for our God and result in you choosing JOY that can be found no matter your journey - spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, etc. And for me, I am learning so much about how these different areas of my life influence each other and how they all impact my overall purpose especially in this present season of life. That purpose is simple: to KNOW GOD and make HIM KNOWN.

So, here it goes, friends... The topic that I never, ever really wanted to write about and definitely never post. Something that I hate, but love... I have always been "aware" of my size and battled that silly, 3 digit number on the scale. For me, exercise is a form a therapy, a time to focus on something other than the million other things going on inside this head. I enjoy trying new things and setting new goals in order to keep things interesting and challenging. So, even though drinking LOTS of water and being active has been a part of my daily routine for as long as I can remember, the "battle of the brain" overwhelms me often with doubts, discouragement, fear and a million other insecurities. 

BUT, recently I took some time reevaluate the "WHY?" - Why do I exercise? What's the point? What's the ultimate goal? The answers to these questions resulted in what I now call "Temple Time". In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 after writing that our bodies are made by God and for God, Paul writes, "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” Temple Time is a time to focus on your physical and spiritual journeys. The goal is not to become "America's Next Top Model", right? Mercy, NO. The goal is to be healthy and ultimately honor God with your body - the Temple of the Holy Spirit. After an early morning workout, I find myself "alive, alert, awake, enthusiastic" and more ready to dive into God's Word and spend some intentional time in prayer before getting into the busy schedule of the day.  


Accountability is also key and a part of what Temple Time is all about. No competition. No comparisons. Just people that love Jesus and want to help each other be all that God created them to be. I am beyond grateful for my sweet hubby who happens to also be my "personal trainer". Not only do we enjoy working out together and incorporating workouts that we both enjoy, but girls, there is nothing more attractive than a guy on his knees spending time with His Father after spending time training the temple. For 2016, I desired to establish a new morning routine in order to start my day with my God and in HIs Word. I do what I do throughout the day, not because I want to do things FOR Him, but instead just want to be WITH Him and aware of His presence. And although I am still learning the best flow for the morning, I have been so encouraged by the effect it has had not only on the effectiveness of my workouts, but also my study and prayer time. 


1 Timothy 4:8 says, "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."

Let me challenge you to evaluate your "WHY?" - Why do you do what you do? What is your mission? Your purpose? And how does your daily routine and choices reflect that mission and unique purpose for which you were created? How are you spending your Temple Time?

My next Temple Time goal is quite scary... Well, CRAZY, really, and I would love for you to join in! 100 burpees each day for 30 days (February 18th - March 18th) for a total of 3,000 burpees!!!! I was inspired by a friend who is in the middle of her 30 day challenge now and decided to incorporate it into my Temple Time for the next 30 days. Who's in? 


Worship in Waiting:
"Joy of the Lord" Red Collective
"Open Up the Heavens" Meredith Andrews