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In association with the “BODY BUILDING” sermon series from Asbury United Methodist Church, we have created this blog for you to share your experience about what you are doing to take care of:
1.) Your physical body (how are you exercising and eating right?)
2.) Your spiritual life (how are you “working out” spiritually?)
In association with the “BODY BUILDING” sermon series from Asbury United Methodist Church, we have created this blog for you to share your experience about what you are doing to take care of:
1.) Your physical body (how are you exercising and eating right?)
2.) Your spiritual life (how are you “working out” spiritually?)
50 comments:
On the subject of Body Building , one MUST read The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan in order to understand why the food industry has made it so hard to be healthy. It is a very, very complex subject. Much of it is because of the genetically engineered corn that is produced. That corn is now pervasive in many products we buy so it is no wonder that so many people have an obesity problem.
http://www.michaelpollan.com/omnivore.php
My wife has been trying to explain to me what I am doing wrong. It is REALLY, REALLY tough. Most of the food, including the so-called healty food, is not very healthy. It goes far deeper than switching to salad and seafood. (salad dressings are often the kiss of death). Understanding what they do with carbohydrates is very important. You have to really study to understand what to buy and not to buy. Even diet sodas contain corn sugars that readily turn into bad carbohydrates. It is very difficult to find a healthy pasta in either a grocery store or a restaurant. Even the so-called whole grain pastas (and breads for that matter) are full of unhealthy carbohydrates. For pasta, you have to go on the web. You would think that a can of tomato soup would be healthy but the soup is loaded with sugar as is orange juice.
My younger brother was diabetic and had heart problems before he passed away and my sister has a pacemaker so I have some genes that I must be aware of. I am 68 years old and my weight has been pretty good (184 lbs.) But I was noticing that my glucose level was increasing as I got older. My doctor seemed accept this as normal even as it rose from the 90s to over 100. This past May, I had a physical and my glucose level was 120. So I decided that I needed to change unless I wanted to become diabetic.
By paying attention to my wife's advise, my weight is now 170 lbs and the last reading of my glucose was 81.
After Dr. Harrison's challenge to the congregation in the 11:00 service to get in shape spiritually and physically, I decided to take that challenge. For the past two weeks I have gotten up EARLY everyday to walk almost three miles. I return to lift weights (3 days a week-arms; 3 days a week-legs.) On Monday and Thursday I go to a WONDERFUL exercise class at Asbury. It is an hour workout in the gym that begins at 4:30. There is something about working out with others to keep you on track. Our teacher, June, is so into God and worship it hardly seems like we are exercising! Spiritually speaking I have started a Beth Moore Bible study that I had not finished. My walks are my favorite time because I talk to God all the way.
Hello to Tom and my fellow Asburians. I really needed this challenge to push me. I have about 50 lbs to lose physically and spiritually, well, I'm usually cramming all my daily Bible readings into Saturday, sometimes even Sunday morning. Not good. I know.
The daily Bible reading and prayer journal is the best thing our church has ever done for us and I am so thankful. It really, REALLY does make a difference. I could never read the Bible and gain anything on my own, but this puts the focus out there by subject and it really sinks in. I love it.
I will check in each week and post my progress. Nine weeks will end around October 9, my wedding anniversary. I would like to be at least back to the weight I was at when I was married, which is 40 lbs less than I weigh now.
I have joined a women's work out place, right across the street from my office. I'm going there at lunch at least 3-5 days every week. I'm watching what I eat, but have found that strict dieting doesn't work for me. I just try to eat healthy most of the time, rather than depriving myself every day and feeling guilty every time I eat. As long as I keep exercising, that seems to work.
So good luck to you and let's get moving! God Bless.
In our fast paced society where everything is made to eat and run it is hard to slow down long enough to prepare and enjoy the right kinds of food. I have challenged myself to stop the fast food track and cook at home. I take the time to eat some kind of oats for breakfast (to reduce cholesteral) and have increase fruits and vegetables throughout the day.
Spiritually, I have added listening to the Daily Bible Readings, whole chapter, while eating breakfast instead of just the normal read and run approach. It puts the prescribed verse(s) in perspective and I have gleaned many new thoughts, and a calmer spirit to start my day.
First time I've ever blogged. I appreciated Todd Craig's previous Asbury blog last year....and I appreciate Joe Spence taking on the challenge of getting this up and going.
I have been trying to cut back on bread & sugar, and as Bob (who I asked him to blog his comments - he's a very insightful guy!) emphasizes, I've just got to cut down on the size of the portions. Eating a 6" sub, instead of a footlong (even if they are about the same price) & not eating until I'm stuffed. I've also started exercising again. It truly is one of those "80% behavior & 20% knowledge." My wife, & all 3 kids are highly engaged in healthy lifestyles.
As far as my spiritual life, I've had the privilege to be at Asbury Seminary (Wilmore, KY) since Monday (until this afternoon) where I and some pastor friends do an annual Bible study. We started doing this in 1999 in anticipation of "Y2K. when we studied the Book of Revelation (I preached on it in January of 2000). After the "Body Building" series is over, I'll be going through Thessalonians, which was our study last year. This week our study was on Acts 1-7. Wow! I can hardly wait to preach on this - but will most likely be part of next fall's preaching series. It's been a rich week of spiritual refreshment. And I got to be with some of my long-time friends (one, Adrian Cole, I've known for nearly 40 years).
Thanks for participating in this blog - I'll be interested in reading your thoughts, too.
(Frank told me in the gymn this evening that his Adult Discipleship Community was thinking about doing something together - power walks, or whatever - during these 8 remaining weeks.)
Tom Harrison
Bravo to everyone inspired by Tom's body-building challenge. I, too, am focusing on losing weight and walking/jogging regularly again before I celebrate my 70th in Sept. Being motivated can make all the difference in achieving one's goals. Thanks, Tom!
As a long-distance runner for over 20 years, training for a specific race kept me motivated. Ran with the Tulsa Running Club into my late 50's. Had to give up running marathons at 59 but am able to finish an occasional 5K. Signed up recently to run the Race for the Cure 5K in Tulsa on Sept. 20. When the Tulsa Run 5K comes up Oct. 25th I will happily be in the 70-74 age group with much slower competition (smile).
Keith Johnsgard, psychologist and marathoner, wrote "An inactive lifestyle violates our genetic warranty. Not to exercise is not to be fully human." Don't let anyone tell you you're too old for that - NIKE SAYS IT BEST - JUST DO IT!
Dave and I thank God every day for leading us to Asbury UMC and the Seekers Community. Our lives have been blessed beyond words.
God bless each and every one of you.
Lord, I so sore my bones are aching from the exercise, and I'm starving, I'm craving a snickers bar, I hope there out of them at the vending machine, I settle for fruit..
help me Jesus,
Spiritually, after listening to Tom yesterday talking about the blog I wanted to participate and sharing some thoughts, hey number 8the on the blog, on 8 month, read on, MY bodybuilding experience. I wanted to say that the Asbury has meant a lot to me and my family, I never forget when we joined in (8) August 2003, it was our family birthday present to each other, two of my girls and myself celebrate birthdays this week of August along with my Mother and sister earlier in the month, WOW a tough month for me financially (SOE) state of emergency, Lord I don’t know how I doing it but I know your there with me everyday…. But the BEST present to our family is when we joined as members of the church. Thank you Tate C. for referring Asbury to me.
Physically:
I'm getting my workout walking around this huge place every Sunday. Try walking to the Venue68 and back a couple of times….
Thank you Asbury friends and Love you all,
To keep myself healthy physically, I eat 5 small meals a day, eating plenty of colorful fruits and veggies, and include a large amount of antioxidants such as berries, green leafy veggies, black beans, walnuts, coffee, and green tea (which is my favorite). Also, I drink about 10 glasses of water daily, and I do not drink pop. In the evening, I alternate power walking/jogging around the block, and use 2 pound weights. I then ride my bike around the block. Spiritually speaking, I attend church and small group weekly. I have subscriptions to magazines such as Joyce Meyer, Charles Stanley, and Today's Christian Woman. They are extremely insightful. Also, I watch Joyce Meyer every morning. I find hearing God's word daily starts my day off spiritually stronger, and her confrontational style helps me relate the Word to my everyday situations, feelings, and thoughts. Also, everywhere I go I look for ways to bless people. For example, I buy those small lotions from Bath & Body Works and give them to the cashiers where I shop. It doesn't cost a lot, but it really makes them feel special, and of course I make sure they know I'm a Christian, and not just some nice person. It not only makes them feel good, but it makes me feel very happy and content. God Bless!
Taking care of my physical body is a daily challenge. When I'm able to get up at 5am and get to the gym, I do it. If I need to sleep in, I try to do yoga or weights at home for a shorter amount of time Even streching makes me feel better! I try not to beat myself up when I can't fit everything in. And I try to ignore all the new aches and pains because they keep me away from what I want - a stronger body. At the end of the day, I'm setting a good example for my daughter by taking care of my body and eating right.
I could use a little more strength training spiritually. I've allowed my busy lifestyle and work schedule to keep me from continuing my journey with god (started 4 years ago). I'm trying to surround myself with a spiritual network and it's amazing how much stronger I feel. Spiritual training for me is about making time, acknowledging God's grace in everything, being thankful, and asking for help daily.
I'm going to start a bible study at lunch with my work colleagues who are father along in their journeys. I've never been to a bible study before. I think it will be fun. I hope it will keep me connected to God during the week, when the stress of life allows me to pull away.
Two months ago I began going to the gym we joined three years ago. I started riding an exercise bike. While doing so I observed others using equipment. I then began using equipment after my go nowhere bike ride. I enjoyed praying, listening to audio books or music on my I-Pod while pedaling. However, two weeks ago I took my Daily Bible Reading to the gym. It is now with me every time I go. I leave the gym feeling like I made a disciplined effort to care for my body and spiritual needs. I am thankful for the sermon series, and grateful God has helped me find exercise enjoyable and use the time to read His word in daily study.
Excellent series, I must say...thanks to the daily prayer journal, we can all have the discipline we need to work on our spiritual selves. I look forward to doing mine each day and spending that time drawing closer to my Lord and Savior. It has been very convicting, but isn't that just how God works. I love being challenged to step out of the world and instead step out in faith! On the physical note, a little FYI for you...As of August 27, 2007, Oklahoma held the 9th highest rate of adult obesity at 26.8 percent and the 17th highest rate of overweight youths at 15.4 percent in the nation, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health (TFAH). We, as Christians, know all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us. Through Christ, let's begin changing these statistics here at Asbury! I presently work in the field of health and wellness and would love to help anyone interested in losing weight. God bless!
I am going share story of My bodybuilding experience this past weekend but it’s not actual physical body building experience or workout but, one where I was serving the body by volunteering in a way I have never have before….so here goes….
Its Friday night its 5:30 I’m entering the Venue68 for the Pillar concert working as volunteer security, I am stepping out of the box completely for the church on this one. I never done security or never been to a Christian rock concert, (check that off my bucket list!!!!!) But I will tell you I have witnessed something I want to share to---- before the start of the concert I ran into a friend of mine and her son Gabe, remember his name for later….
I was going through my shifts at security and stage help. It was a great experience, meeting the musicians, and other people in the church. Hey!!! it was a cool family concert event and I applaud everyone who participated to making this happen…It blew me away totally, great music, entertainment by the illusionists made it a great family time, Theordess Avery, KESSLER, where all great…I had my two daughters went, and friends of mine in the neighborhood attend the concert
BUT there is a story of Jesus making his message “For the Love of the Game “ by Pillar…….remember Gabe the boy I met at the first of the evening with his mom, you see……….there is a story to be told about his being on the stage Friday night, Pillar doesn’t know Gabe nor his family. There is not to many people know the tragic story of his family losing the oldest son a couple of years ago, in a car accident at Woodward park, I couldn’t imagine the pain the family has gone through…and his Mom, sister and Dad (I pray for you!!!) Back to the concert…. during the song "Turn it up" Gabe got the chance. I think his sister declined, to get up and sing with Rob and Pillar this one verse in the song, it went like this… from the song "Turn it up"
Turn it up- throw up your hands in the air - all the people everywhere let me hear you say woah, oh, oh, yeah yeah- Let the stereos play-all the people everywhere- let me hear you say woah,, oh, oh, woah, oh oh yeah yeah… I’m learning to breathe again- Maybe we’ll meet again…(ending it with a back flip with his sister next to his side)
I was blown away by the lyrics and what just happen then…. God has his Destiny. This just totally blew me away, how did Rob lead singer picked Gabe out of all the people, I can’t describe the feeling I had after this concert and the next day, I had bought the new Pillar “For the Love of the Game” that night and have really enjoyed the message there sending out to the youths.
I found Rob Beckley lead singer of Pillar in an interview about there new CD and the message they are sending…
“For the longest time we were like, "We're a rock band!" Yeah, we are. I get to say we play rock 'n' roll for a living, and there are very few people who get to say that, which is pretty cool. But we also get to change people's lives, and for the first time, I feel like I've grasped the concept of "WE GET to change people's lives!"
The whole idea behind For The Love Of The Game stems from the fact that we've been doing this for ten years, and I personally love it more than I ever did! And after working for ten years, not many people can say that they love their job more now than when they first got started. For me, that spawned the idea: I love this game; I love what we get to do! When I really started to think about it and took it a step further, the revelation became very powerful to me. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul talks about going to the stadium. He writes:
"You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. . . ."
I was unbelievably blown away by that! I was like, "That's For The Love Of The Game!”— that's it right there. The Game is the pursuit of Christ. It's the same as Paul's metaphor of the race. It's win or loose, it's heaven or hell. There are no redos. It's the game of life. It's the pursuit of Christ—and the passion and the love of it is what drives us!
I keep saying in these interviews: "I shouldn't have to wake up in the morning, drag my feet, and say to myself, 'I have to go read my Bible if I want to be a Christian.'" It shouldn't be out of obligation or a half-hearted attempt to do this. We should want to know more about God, and we should be excited to learn more about Him.”
Gabe, it was great meeting you and thanks for being there with your mom and sister and making this message clear-The Game is the pursuit of Christ ……
I’m learning to breathe again, maybe we will meet again
Friends
Brad J
I am also participating in this challenge to lose weight and to be able to be active again. I am also joining the 100 pushups challenge (be able to do 100 pushups without stopping) in six weeks.
I think being healthy involves not only caring about myself and my body, but the earth and the world I am leaving behind for my children. I routinely recycle my newspapers and plastic and glass bottles at the met recycling center at the wal-mart at 81st and lewis. The met recycling centers are scattered all over Tulsa and it only takes minutes to take recyclable items over there. My girlfriend's son said I am the only person he knows who does that.
Thank you Tom for the challenge. When you announced it in our 9:15 service I felt that day as if you were looking right at me. I have started (with the help of my dr) an excerise program of walking. I have MUCH weight to loose and it is not going to happen overnight. So far I have kept to the walking schedule. I have also kept to the new diet changes (more are to come I am warned).
I do well spiritually. I have daily time with the Lord in prayer and in reading (love the journal too). So, I do well here. My battle will be physically! My name is Jan. Thanks Dick for creating the blog! Thanks Tom for the blog idea!
As for Spiritual body building I like Paul's statement in verse 3 "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you". I like the way Paul addresses the people he is talking to here--"every one of you". It appears Paul believes a lot of people are afflicted with a high opinion of themselves and to make a "sober judgement" of the reality takes a "measure of faith". I think there is a good comparison with the physical condition of most Americans and their spiritual condition. We are a nation of overweight and out of shape people with an equivalent spiritual condition.
Hi everyone! Just checking in and reading everyone's posts. So far I'm doing OK, but could be progressing a little better. I've lost a few pounds and I'm encouraged, even though I have a long way to go. I have a couple of resources to share, I just started reading a book called The Body God Designed by Gregory L. Jantz. It seems to be pretty good so far, especially in the way of helping me accept my body as God's design. I've also found a free resource on MSN where you can track your weight, meals, exercise, etc. It can be found at: http://health.msn.com/dietfitnesswellnesscenter/default.aspx I find that tracking is key in my overall success.
Spiritually speaking, I'm keeping up with my daily Bible readings and I'm finding this week's topic very interesting. I'm learning so much!
God bless you all and keep it up!
I guess my URL didn't come through, sorry about that! To access the Health & Wellness tool in my previous post, go to MSN.com, the click on Health & Fitness at the top, then click on Dite & Fitnees at the top. Scroll down and you'll see 4 Free Tools for Fitness.
I discovered the second example in the Bible where 5 is greater than 10,000. 1 Cor 14:19, where 5 words can be greater than 10,000 words. The other example is where Jesus fed thousands with 5 loaves of bread (and two fish). 1 Cor 14:19, "however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue." Does anyone know any other examples in the Bible?
Lev 26:6 " 'I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country. 7 You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. 8 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.
9 " 'I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. 10 You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new. 11 I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. 13 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.
Ephesians 4, I like the theme of these scriptures:
One body, one Spirit, one hope, one calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God, one Father, one unity of the Spirit, and one bond of peace.
Paul said it best when he said our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. What a responsibility we have to keep our bodies and minds finely tuned so that our life purpose can be carried out to the glory of God.
Proper care of our minds and bodies heightens our ability to be the good stewards that God requires. Proper feeding is necessary. Remember "garbage in and garbage out" means we must use care in feeding our mind, body and soul. One way to do this is to set aside time each day to keep healthy, using proper food and exercise for the body, and spiritual enlightenment for the mind.
Tom has us on the right path. Now to get started by making the care of our bodily temples a top priority. For me I read Scripture or inspirational writings each day and write my thoughts and prayers in a journal. Plus, I exercise by taking daily 30-minute walks and playing golf. Most importantly I listen to my wife, doctor, and spiritual advisor, Dr. Tom Harrison.
Ozzie had a great post. Well said, Ozzie. I seem to do well at the prayers, journaling, and bible study. I fall down on keeping my body fit. I have my Doctor enrolled to help me get a better handle on my physical condition. Thanks Tom for getting us going on this!
Dear Tom,
Thank you for your inspiration. We are also on the road to lose weight and become healthier people. Congratulations for losing 2 lbs. last week! Good job!
Sincerely,
Connie and Darrell Moore
OK - I am inspired! I am trying to eat healthier. I was raised on foods that are totally "Color-Coordinated"... Brown, Yellow and White. I still LOVE those foods most! Potatoes,Meat, Bread,Butter,Gravy,Macaroni! You get the picture! Every now and then, we had processed meat - ugh. I still love it all. At least I don't ever crave sweets. I work out 2 days a week - but formerly walked 2 other days a week until my walking partner quit. So... I quit. I have to go early due to my job! I need to walk at 5:30 or 6AM and I'd like to walk about 4 miles on Tuesday and Friday. IS ANYONE INTERESTED IN WALKING WITH ME? I AM A 62-YEAR OLD WOMAN AND DON'T WALK EXTREMELY FAST, BUT AT A GOOD PACE. I used to walk on the Creek Turnpike at 5:30 am. All Year round unless precipitation. I NEED partners. The Creek is not dangerous in the mornings even in the dark. There are a LOT of people out there. I just won't go alone. Please call if you would commit to walk with me. Plus, we might make a new friendship. As for spiritual growth, I am trying to do the prayer journal, but sometimes I only do it a couple of days a week.. that's still ahead of my previous history - I will get better. Tom, thanks for the challenge/s. I hear you at 8am in the chapel. As for push ups, I can only do about 10 or 15 - I could do a hundred, except for the PAIN!!
If anyone wants a walking partner, call 640-9344. Also, is the gym workout at 4:30am or pm?
The health of the brain is at least as important as any other part of the body.
Prayer is vital to the health of the brain. We have a part of our brain called the "reflexive" brain that is driven by mostly by primitive instincts. We also have a "reflective" brain that causes us to stop and think before acting. When you are reading a book, the bible or doing something like praying, you are more likely to be in your reflective brain. When we spend more time in reflection, our subconscious mind can become become involved. It is the most powerful problem-solving tool that we have because it works for us without our being aware of it. God have us a fabulous gift when he gave us our brain and we should make every effort to keep it healthy. For me, the subconscious mind is the best manifestation of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Like the rest of the body, it also needs to be exercised to maintain its plasticity. This is accomplished by learning new activities that continually challenge the mind to develop new neural pathways. Neuroscientists have shown through studies of MRI scans that age need not be a barrier to brain development.
For my initial experience with the daily bible reading, at first I had difficulty understanding some parts of it. Tom told me to get a study bible. It helped and before long, my unconscious brain began remapping the subject so it began to make sense. It is much like learning a foreign language. When you immerse yourself in thought, reflection and prayer, your unconscious mind becomes involved and solves problems for you that you often could not solve consciously.
Additionally, you have to turn off the television - in particulary those television programs that put you into your "reflexive" brain. A few years ago, Emory Medical School conducted research into something called "neuromarketing" but cancelled the research for ethical reasons. However, television news programs rely heavily on neuromarketing by selecting news subjects and how they present them to get you angry. Then they switch to commercials which is shown to increase sales because of your agitated state of mind. I'm not making this stuff up. This web site is quite unabashed about showing you how they do it:
http://www.salesbrain.net/
If you wish to improve your brain's health, you can Google "brain plasticity." Simply reading up on the subject will help your brain.
Thanks for the motivation, Tom. I went right out and bought myself a treadmill. A fancy one at that! Yep, it's got all the bells and whistles on it. It even has two cup holders on it. The one on the left holds my Pepsi and the one on the right holds almost a whole bag of M&Ms!
Bodybuilding - Please check out Dave Draper's website:
http://www.davedraper.com/
Dave is former professional Bodybuilder turned Christian. I would highly recommend signing up for his free weekly email newsletter - it is full of excellent exercise advice plus inspiration.
I also own a couple of his books, "Brother Iron, Sister Steel" (bodybuilding) and "Your Body Revival" (weight loss).
It's encouraged me to wake up every morning at 4:30am and hit the gym before work for the past 5 years.
Now I just need to focus more on the diet... :(
Good luck!
Greg
Jog, jog, jog and blog, blog, blog .. I'm tired of being an over-weight hog! --- I'm glad Pastor Tom can motivate.. maybe now I'll get thin and get a date! --- I've grown so much over the past couple years.. and I'm not talking weight, I'm talking spiritually heres (had to rhyme) --- I read my Bible now every day.. and prayers are something I always say --- How'd I do it, you wanna knows? .. Well I'm in CR, yep I'm "one of those"! --- But Jesus loves me now I realize .. and sometimes it brings them tears to my eyes! --- But I'll keep on walkin' down this incredible path .. Oh, I mean joggin', breakin a sweat, and then takin a bath!
In support of the Body Building campaign, the Purpose Driven Fellowship community has scheduled several fitness/social/devotional events throughout the month of September. Here is our announcement:
It's that time of year again, "Are you ready for some Body Building?"
Pastor Tom Harrison is preaching on Body Building and has challenged everyone to get in shape, work out and eat right. PDF would like to tackle the challenge by offering several physical activities as social events in September. This is an opportunity to lunge out and try some new sports and exercise classes for fun, fitness and fellowship. We had several PDF members jump at the opportunity to lead our group. Each event will include some coaching for your spiritual health too. You need not be an athlete to participate and we hope you'll step out and try something new. We are planning a tennis drill, a bike ride, a yoga class and an exercise/ strength training class, a volleyball night and several opportunities to join others in walking groups. Everyone is encouraged to attend, but no need to run out and purchase equipment we'll share if needed. Sports are some of the best ways to really get to know other people when they let their guard down. Let's get physical- don't miss the thrill of victory and the fellowship with friends. Look for all the events on the new calendar this Sunday at PDF. Go Team!
After listening to Pastor Tom encouraging us to share our journey for spiritual & physical health, I decided to share my story. On Oct. 12, of last year I learned that I had breast cancer. I, like everyone that has had this happen was shocked. I had tried live healthy all my life. I went through two surgeries, chemo, and radiation. I started having trouble with my knee during chemo. I found out that I needed a knee replacement. I thought I had taken my breast CA diagnosis well, but I was mad about having to have surgery and scared. My immune system was suppressed because of my chemo & radiation. I was in so much pain, I could hardly stand it. I decided to do all I could to get ready for this surgery. As soon as I was done with my chemo, I found a personal trainer and started working with him 3 days a week. My muscles were pretty much mush after chemo. I also started eating extremely healthy. Organic food, low fat, whole grains and no refined sugar. As soon as it warmed up, I started swimming an hour a day. One week after I finished my radiation treatments (33), I had my knee replacement.
I had so many people praying for me. My class, The Seekers, friends, the Broken Arrow Christian Women's Cub and people that I didn't even know. I am happy to tell you that because of my determination to be as physically fit as I could be for this surgery & the power of prayer I did great. It wasn't easy, but I am walking at least a mile a day, continuing my weight training & eating healthy. And because of the power of people praying for me, I made it! My radiation oncologist told me that my follow-up mammogram was clear. Thank you Asbury friends for all your support.
It is such a thrill to me to hear Paster Tom’s messages of Body fitness to compliment our Spiritual fitness. As a personal trainer, fitness & nutritional consultant for over 30 years, this message hits home, as I have always said, “a healthy, fit Christian is an effective force for God in this world. As we value and care for the bodies that God has given us, the world is given a better opportunity to see that our lives are worth investigating to find the source of our joy, our confidence, our health and our faith.
Three years ago I was approached by members of Asbury to run my group fitness class in the gym and we have been doing exactly that each Monday and Thursday.
The workout is not just for females, as it encompasses weights, abs, upper body, lower body supersets and thigh, adductor, knee, ankle and foot strengthening. There is a warm up and a cool down and all is done to music that exalts Jesus. (truly a motivator)!
This workout known as ‘Inspirational Fitness’ was taught by myself and instructors that I have trained for $15 per session and in Florida it is $20 per session.
Here at Asbury, it is $5 and the first workout is free. As well, if you bring a new friend, you and that person will workout in that session for free!
Please log on to www.riseuptohealth.com and get a feel for what Rise Up To Health is all about. Especially check out the ‘Testimonies’ of many whose lives have been changed by submitting their bodies to the King of Kings; Our Lord Jesus.
Would love to see you at a workout; currently 4:30-5:30 p.m Mondays and Thursdays! Walk into the gym anytime after 4:15 and I will greet you along with others. All weights, mats and equipment is there; just bring yourself, a good pair of training shoes, comfortable workout attire and WATER!!
The other option is to set up a one on one workout time with me for gradually moving you from a place of being ‘unfit’ to ‘fit’. Many have worked on their own with me for 4-5 sessions and then felt ready to try the ‘group’ class. Individual workouts are $25 per session.
I exhort you to come on board (teens to 60’s and many 70 year old’s do one on ones or 2 on one workouts with me!! ACCOUNTABILITY is key to maintaining your health and well being throughout your life. It’s Never Too Late……Just do it!
In HIS Service June Syko
Here is the short devotional we will be reading at one of the PDF "Body Building" fitness/social/devotional events: The journey to God starts with one small step. After that it's one step at a time. He doesn't expect you to run the mile-but He promises to give you strength to go the distance.
Walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. Jeremiah 7:23
My community, Storm Shelter, is a small but wonderful collection of God's talents. I have an excellent example of how God builds his body of believers to work together for his purpose.
One of our members announced Sunday that her neighbor was in dire need of getting her yard/home cleaned up by week's end or the city was going to put a lien on it. In two days, our Becoming leader had assembled enough people to mow, weed-eat, cut down & pile tree limbs, and repair and a couple of sections of fence. There was also a big praise when a garbage collector hauled away the pile of limbs that had been on the driveway.
It's an honor to use our bodies to witness to our neighbors and glorify God!
Tips for an Exceptional, Superb & Powerful Life!
1.) Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
2.) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3.) Buy a DVR, tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4.) When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to________ today.'
5.) Live with the 3 E's --Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6.) Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did last year.
7.) Always pray and make time to exercise.
8.) Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of Six.
9.) Dream more while you are awake.
10.) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
11.) Drink plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
12.) Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13.) Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14.) Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15.) Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class .......but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16.) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17.) Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18.) Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19.) Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20.) Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21.) You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22.) Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
23.) Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24.) Ladies - Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china and wear our fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Everyday is special.
25.) No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26.) Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27.) Forgive everyone for everything.
28.) What other people think of you is none of your business.
29.) Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!
30.) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31.) Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
32.) Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
33.) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
34.) The best is yet to come!
35.) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
36.) Do the right thing!
37.) Call your family often.
38.) Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: 'I am thankful for __________.' Today I accomplished _________.
39.) Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40) Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and ENJOY!
LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH. LIFE'S A GIFT ... UNWRAP IT!
Have a Blessed day. Please share with friends!
I have been trying to keep up with the prayer journal each day and I've been fairly consistent. That helps my spiritual life by building discipline and security. Concerning physical fitness, I've added raw goat milk to my diet and that has been wonderful. Of course with eating, smaller portions are the goal, but I have a very checkered track record with that.
One thing I've done over the past couple of weeks that has really made a huge impact on the way I feel is to drastically increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables I eat each day. I can really feel the difference during the day when I eat more fruits and vegetables. I haven't been taking advantage of the variety of food God has created. You know all those vegetable trays with dip that people put out at a party, they are actually good every day.
Also, one verse of scripture that Darlene Johnson quoted last week has been one of my favorites for a long time. Galatians 5:6 "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means ANYTHING, but FAITH working through LOVE." It's an amazing thing to say considering Paul's background.
I agree that it should be "both-and" as opposed to "either-or". The are both tied together and flow together without a break. I think Paul makes this connection in Romans 1:16,17, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the rightousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it written, "But the rightous man shall live by faith".
BRAVO ON YOUR SERMON, SUNDAY.
MY HUSBAND AND I GIVE 20 PERCENT OF OUR INCOME TO THE LORD; THROUGH ASBURY UNITED METHODIST. 10 PERCENT FROM MINE AND 10 PERCENT FROM HIS. WE DO NOT HAVE LARGE INCOMES. HOWEVER; WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH GOOD HEALTH, WONDERFUL CHILDREN AND GR CHILDREN. WE HAVE LEARNED TO LIVE FINE ON 80 PERCENT. ISNT GOD GOOD TO GIVE US THE 80 PERCENT? ONCE I LEARNED THE SCRIPTURAL LESSON THAT ALL WE HAVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN HIS LIFE CHANGED FOR THE BEST. BODY BUILDING BECAME SPIRITUAL AS WELL AS PHYSICAL AND MENTAL.
FORMER LUTHERANS WHO LOVE ASBURY
In my NAS version they use a few different words than the NIV version quoted in our prayer journal:
Rom. 12:12 (NAS) "rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer"
The early church had to deal with affliction and tribulation unlike anything we have experienced. Although we deal with other types of affliction we don't have the state government like the Roman Empire, or the religious authorities constantly persecuting the church. What's amazing is Paul's reaction to all the tribulation that he was enduring from these sources as revealed latter is this chapter, "be at peace with all men".
And I agree also with Tom concerning serving and giving to the church. I know some people are suffering economic afflictions but there are many ways to serve and give.
Great series of sermons Tom.
On the spiritual side the daily bible readings and diary are wonderful. I try and stay ahead a week or so.
I've been running for years and try and supplement with resistance training.
My weakness is the eating and I think losing weight is all about the eating. I'm doing better right now. We'll see how long that lasts.
One of my favorite verses of scripture is in this weeks journal: Habakkuk 3: 17-19, the closing verses of the book of Habakkuk. Paul quotes Habakkuk in Romans 1:17 "But the righteous man will live by faith" (from Habakkuk 2:4), and again refers to Habakkuk in Romans 3:21 (and other prophets).
Another of my favorite verses from the book of Habakkuk while rereading this week: Hab: 2:1, "I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart, and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me and how I may reply when I am reproved". (NAS). This short book in the Bible was obviously a favorite of Paul.
I know exactly what Pastor Tom is going through with his sister's alzheimer disease. My mother passed away last year after suffering with that disease for several years. It was a shock to learn she had alzheimers and then the slow spiral down over several years was a terrible journey. I do know what you are going through and pray for those going through alzheimers.
WOW! This Is Awesome!
Pastor Harrison to dedicate a series on the matter of taking care of your body! I commend this pastor and am excited to see what Goda has in store for the people of this church!
My name is Jonathan Conneely and I am the founder and President of Dynamic Sports Development, here in Tulsa Ok. I am also the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Oral Roberts University and the Founder of Bootcamp Tulsa.
I waas so excited about Passtor dedicating a series to this that I wanted to personally invest into the people of Asbury Methodist.
I would like to give $20 off to any and all the women that are a part of the congregation for our Women's Only Get Fit 4 Week Bootcamp.
The Bootcamps are held 3 days/week for 4 weeks and are fun energetic workouts in a women's only atmosphere.
Now is the time to take control of your life by taking control of your health!
Just imagine what Asbury will be like....Watch Out TULSA!
Get registered today or feel free to contact us with any questions.
Jonathan Conneely
www.BootcampTulsa.com
918-528-4296
Thank You Coach JC, that is very generous! The web site is great and I am so excited that Tulsa has this opportunity. My friends and I have been looking for a class like this to get us out of the gym.
I just contacted them and the total with the Asbury discount of $20 is only $157.00 for 4 weeks of workouts. For personal training at my gym it's $45 a session! I am in, let's do this together and get fit.
Me: I love you so much God...
God: how much is so much?
Me: it's alot, I mean alot, a whole lot, so much of so much. I got the cross the hangin on my neck with my dog tag "all things are possible"...... you gave me my life God
God: I love you too, this much with his hands stretched out to the side...just like he died for us on the cross.
I love you God......
Today's reading in Acts 4: 12-37 is powerful. There are many aspects to this but I like Peter and John's final response to the high priest and others, verse 19 and 20, "But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge, for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard". I love that response from Peter and John. They basically said they would heed God and not the high priest and was not afraid to say it no matter what the consequences.
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