Our Green Spot

Gain Strength … Give Strength

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Christy | Permalink 0

God tells us to love Him with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. (Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12, 11:12, 13:3, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27)

In our culture we neglect to do this.

One of the biggest areas we neglect is our physical body… we figure it’s our heart God is after….not our bodies! It’s easy to say we love God and study His word. But, often the body is neglected!

Here is the thing : if we are sitting at home overweight or out of shape we can’t FULLY serve God. And, we can’t FULLY serve His people. And, Jesus came to give us life… and give it to the FULL…. Body, Mind and Soul.

If we are so insecure and scared to leave our house because we fear we might be made fun of because of the weight, we are likely wasting our lives! This is not what God wants for you!!! He loves us so much that He wants us to experience and enjoy life without fear. He came to give you life! Choose life!

Another thought : if we are really to serve God with all our strength, we better have some strength to give! We don’t get enough exercise these days! We don’t have to walk anywhere. We can call or place an order online and have just about anything delivered. We don’t tend our fields like they did hundreds of thousands of years ago….even 100 years ago. We don’t have strength to give. So, we have to be purposeful and exercise our bodies to keep them in shape.

And, this is all about balance. Do I think everyone needs to be mini-body builder, super muscular men and women? No! I am saying, have some strength and endurance to give God… to give the world. Don’t waste your strength by sitting in front of your computer or TV for hours a day exercising your thumb flipping channels. Use your strength for a purpose!

There is so much need in the world! And, so much potential. All we have to do is have everyone do their part – give some of their strength. Gain strength… give strength.

If you are taking care of your body and fueling it and exercising it you are more likely to feel better to repeat the process. If you feed yourself junk and rarely exercise you will feel like crap. Always. It’s so true : You are what you eat. Eat nutritious food. Exercise your body. And, make a difference with your one and only life… your one and only body.

Fit Friday, Fitness featured

What inspired me this week?

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Christy | Permalink 0

Here is a list of books, videos, blogs, etc that inspired me this week :

Kisses From Katie

Week in Review

Crescendo

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Christy | Permalink 0

It started a few summers ago and has come lately like a crescendo of noise in my brain and now I am near fully obsessed with thoughts.

Several summers ago I read the book “Quaker Summer.” It’s a book about a woman who realizes she has every earthly possession and yet feels empty inside.

Then, when, I read Acts 2 and learned of the first church goers who sold their belongings and gave to other people as they saw fit. (Side Note : I actually did this. I sold a bunch of stuff on Ebay and at various friends garage sales and put away the money temporarily in order to gave it away as I saw a need. This was such a rewarding experience. You should try it and see for yourself! )

And, about 6 months ago I watched “Faith Like Potatoes” and seriously I have not been the same since.

The crescendo of noise in my brain really began to intensify.

And, then recently, it came to a much higher pitch when I began reading “Kisses From Katie”

I am sickened at how much stuff I have. I now loathe having so much stuff.

And, feel stuck.
I spend way to much time organizing and cleaning all my stuff. I am a slave to my stuff. Ugggh.

But, at the same time I was reflecting on Deuteronomy 24:19-22 and it talks about how God gives us what we need. And, if we have abundance we are to give it to the orphans and widows and those who need it. It does not say use every bit of it for my own purposes. It says ‘don’t use it all… Leave some for those who need it.’ There is much need in this world. And, I am asking myself about this — do I leave some for those who need it? I am so blessed! A house, cars, choices on the food I will eat, toys & electronics, running water and heat. I have everything I need. I have abundance! I don’t need any more stuff. But, too often I have no resources left to give.

One of my biggest fears is that I will have to give away EVERYTHING and then have no money to pay my bills. What popped into my head is this…. It says in Deuteronomy 24 that I need to be mindful of others and leave some for them. I am comforted by this. God has blessed me and it is ok to enjoy it and use it. However, if I am going to be a true Christ follower I need to make sure I am not greedy and hoarding and be sure to give to others as well. That is how God designed it. In fact, He commanded it. His wisdom is greater than mine and I trust that there is a good reason why a “rich” person would be held responsible to give to others.

OK, that’s all I got. I am so excited to see where else God is going to take this. More than thought… but action.

Blessings to you & your family. I pray for a prosperous New Year!