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christianity Faith Journey faithfueled friday

Bible “phobia”

I received this Bible for free in exchange for a review as a BibleGateway Bible Grid Blogger. I have amazon affiliate links that I receive a commission from the sales, but all of my opinions are my own.  My Full Disclosure Policy 

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline

Bible “Phobia” can be a real source of trepidation

I remember growing up reading the King James Version of the Bible and thinking it was the equivalent of Shakespeare. Eloquent words strung together that I couldn’t understand or follow; It was intimidating, to say the least. Then I grew up spiritually. I enjoyed listening to sermons, reading books about devotion and faith, but when it came to the Bible. I will have to admit it became intimidating and scary. I joined a Bible studies group and still owned that same KJV Bible I had been carrying with me since I left for college.

While in Bible Study people would read the verses clearly in a language I could understand. Say what?  I would try to follow along with my KJV still lost and confused. Until one day, I noted their version of the Bible and immediately sought the help of Amazon.com. Oh, the options, so many to choose from; deciding on an NIV (New International Version) for myself and NLT (New Living Translation) for my daughter. Since then, I have purchased an Amplified Bible, too (AMP) and have become a little Bible-obsessed.

Trying something new

After a few years with my NIV Bible, I finally purchased my favorite version thus far, (NASB) New American Standard Bible. I LOVE IT!! I’ve tried other Bible and keep coming back. I have to admit I purchased this Bible because of a Bible Teacher that I love and follow Kim Cash Tate said she uses it.  Now that I have my own, I understand. I love this translation and my specific Zondervan and all the extra information it provides.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

Finding what works Best

Before, I was afraid of not knowing enough or understanding the Bible. I didn’t have my favorite verse memorize or couldn’t pull a verse out of my head to comfort someone in need. My fear of the Bible kept a significant barrier between me genuinely knowing God.  I never participated in Bible-based conversations because I had no idea what they were saying. Once I started reading the Bible (in a version I could understand), I was fascinated with it. There are so many stories, heroic, scandalous, educational, motivational, directional stories. I think every topic you could think of is covered in the Bible. I began to use the Bible to answer my questions on faith, how I should go about situations, even on the type of marriage I wanted, and how to raise my children. It’s all in there waiting to be discovered and study.  Now I try to get into the word at least once a day, and I always have my Bible near (I downloaded the Bible app).

Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

What about a Bible for those who have more questions?

Recently, I received the NIV Study Quest Bible made by Zondervan.  It is the first Bible that has Questions and Answers throughout.  I was so excited to receive this new version and immediately began exploring the Bible.  This Bible “breaks-it-down” and is a great Bible for someone who has lots of questions or newly exploring studying the Word.  After seeing all the references and resources, I gifted it to my daughter.  She is at a point where she needs more substance in her walk with Christ, and I think this Bible is a fantastic source of more in-depth discussion about the Bible but intimidating like my NASB Study Bible.  I have been catching her studying more often. She told me she loves the questions and answers.  She said she usually has questions when reading the Word and its nice to know she is not the only one. The further explanation of passages and verses has allowed her to grow and become more in-depth in her study.  It’s a pretty cool Bible!

A little extra help is, okay!

A Bible Commentary is another way to gather more understanding of the Word. Whether its separate sources or included in your Bible notes. Bible Commentaries are a fantastic way to dissects verse by verse and bring more knowledge to the meaning. Some Bibles’ include the commentary, but you can buy a separate one too that usually goes into greater detail.

 

It tells you what was happening during that time the verse was written, information about the author, and some may even give you physical location reference points for a greater understanding. Don’t let your lack of knowledge keep you away from the Word. It is fundamental to growing your relationship with Christ and creating a deeper understanding of your faith. It’s the WHY and the HOW that you sometimes need.

We need the Truth from the Word

When I first came to Christ, no one took me under their wings and showed me these things or told me I could use a different version of the Bible. Not that I needed permission, but I did need guidance. I was looking for a mentoring program but never found one. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had a Titus Women type mentorship in the Church? Many churches have it, but mine does not, I even asked and never was connected with anyone so I had to seek out mentors myself.  Online Bible Teachers became a great source. It’s not ideal but in this disconnected world. It’s nice to find a community somewhere even if it is virtual. In this modern world, we must use every tool necessary to get the Truth. There is salvation in the Word and so much to learn and grow you need to find a Bible the one that allows you to understand. I am grateful for apps like the Bible Gateway that has over 150 version right in the palm of your hand.  They also have the BibleGateway.com/plus, which is a membership that offers expanded Bible studies, resources, and more for those who are looking for more ways to connect in the Word.

Have you let your lack of knowledge or understanding keep you from the word?

Categories
christian mom faithfueled friday

Legacy

 

legacy

Ready to go home

My October began with losing my Great-Grandmother peacefully to this world.  As my Great-Aunt pointed out, she was 94.5 years old.  When you enter this world, we count the months, and when you get to a certain age, they count even more.  My cousin Jamie brought up that she was alive for 16 presidents.  She was born at the end of the first World War and lived through World War II, Vietnam, and Iraq.  The things she has done for our country, her faith being a charter member of Mt.Vernon Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Raising four amazing women, teaching hundreds if not, thousands of young Christian children through her work in the Church and leading our family for 94.5 years.

Proverbs 31:28 (NIV) Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Sitting at her repast, I took a moment to look at my grandmother’s home.  Everyone in their except my Great-Uncle was her legacy.  They were only alive because my Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother had met and started a family together.  They were blessed to leave behind Ten Grandchildren, Twenty great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.  The legacy the Gaynor’s has affected all generations.

legacy

My great grandmother has left strong beliefs of loving God, working hard, taking care of your family and your home. Every time I think of her I only can smile.  She was bold, beautiful, God-fearing (watch out for her), tell it to you straight, New York women. Always a little sassy, vivacious and ready to take on the task. Yet, from far away in her modest Seventh-Day Adventist demeanor you would not know such a fireball existed when she was behaving. My great-grandfather  had his hands’ full of the five women in his house.

legacy

Every once in a while out of the blue should always send me a care package with crafts, Bible studies for kids, art supplies and a brown paper bag of green apple straws. They would bring me so much joy and would be so unexpected.  Just like Alzheimer, my Great-Grandmommy is the third immediate family member to me that has died from Alzheimer.  Just like the surprise package one day your loved one can bring you so much joy, and then unexpectedly their familiarity with you wears off, they become distant, and that same light that flickered when you came within their presence is no longer there.  They know you, but you can tell it’s a little foggy.  Some days are good, and then others are not but every day they are pulling away from you. My great grandmommy and I often spoke till about five years ago. She would send me cards and letters of encouragement thanking me for photos of my girls.  I’m going to miss her little check-ins.

Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that He has done.

legacy

I learned a lot from being around my family for almost a week.  It had been ten years since the last time we had been reunited since my Great-Grandfather’s passing.  Hearing everyone talk about her and their perspective was nice to catch up. Watching the dynamics of my Grandmother and her three sisters.  The other family relationships interactions.

It made me think of the legacy I will leave my girls.  From silly things like sewing.  Gaynor women sew, I sew (well I used to) before three kids and all the other add-in on life. I used to sew my clothes in high school the night before I wore them.  I haven’t taught my girls to sew, and now I feel obligated to leave that with my girls.  Serve the Lord, my Great Grandmother served her church and lived a God-fearing life.  I am grateful I now have those same convictions and will leave that legacy for my daughters.  Work hard.  Another legacy that I have adopted from watching my Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother.  Honor your husband.  No matter what my Great Grandmother was doing at a particular time in the evening, she would grab my Great-Grandfather’s slipper and robe and be standing at the door waiting for him when he got home.  I also believe that you should be submissive to your husband and honor him.  Although, I do not have my husbands robe and slipper waiting for him at the door (I need to work on that) I do try to respect him and his role in our family.  Protect and love your family. I am not sure if I could say more about that she protected and loved us all at no cost.  Although, it was somber to send my Great-grandmother home. I know that she followed God, lived life and loved hard.  I hope that I can honor her legacy and leave it for my daughters to pass on to the next generation.

What legacy has your family left you? What do you hope to pass on to the next generation?

Deuteronomy 6:5-7  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

 

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faithfueled friday Weightloss Journey

What happens when you surrender?

Desire to a Passion

It started out with a desire to lose weight, and then it turned into a goal to compete, and somewhere along the lines it became a passion for sharing, but before I started this fitness journey, it was not the Bible-thumping FaithFueled™ fit chick who began. The women who started this journey was so broken, desperate, lonely and spiritually deprived. Just my motivation for starting this journey indicates where my head spaces, vanity. The superficial, meaningless outside of life. It is what had gotten me to 205 lbs at 5’3, ’’ and it was holding me captive.

Up until September 2014, I was a Christian woman who was doing everything all on my own and called on God when needed. All my needs were to be met by me; I was a “self-help,” book study junkie. Hopping from Book Studies (some people call them Bible studies but in my opinion, if you’re just skimming over a few devotional verses and ain’t cruising through the word -it’s a study of a book some Christian author wrote.) Again, just my opinion.

I wanted the fulfillment, the inner peace, the joy of Jesus and I didn’t realize it was right there just a prayer away. It was until the end of September that I became aware of what I genuinely had been seeking through food, companionship and other things. Have an intimate relationship with Christ.

 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” Romans 6:13

Reality of Weightloss

It wasn’t until I had put all my insecurities, disappointments and let downs into a scale. It’s my “Surrender to Jesus moment.” I remember it vividly it was a long week of HIIT workouts, deprivation dieting, and just plain old self-willpower that had gotten me through that week, and this planner girl likes to track, so I took my measurements, weighed myself and lost it on my scale. It was not pretty, Christian-like or even something you tell people that you actually did, but I don’t mind; I did it. I smashed that and a small dent in the bathroom wall till it was in pieces.

I had put all of my own energy into that week. I thought I was actually getting somewhere I had also done a 30-day Cleanse, and I lost inches, but that scale only went down 6 pounds. Seriously? I was hungry, sore, tired and my need for instant gratification was not met, and that is when I let all that aggression out on my scale. Until about three months ago we didn’t own a scale haha. I really had a lot of resentment towards, and that is when in despair and frustration I dropped down to my knees, and I said, “Lord, I surrender…” Along with an extensive list of everything that I was trying to control on my own and then I said, “…..Lord, take my burdens and direct my path.”

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

I Surrender

That is where FaithFueled™ Life was born on that bathroom floor out of despair. I had run the race as far as my own two feet could carry me and it was time to tag God to help me finish the race. Now don’t get me wrong it was not an instant change of behavior.

This anxious control freak had a lot of growing to do. For about nine months I tried my best to “Be still” It was probably the hardest thing that I had done in a while. I went to the Word inductively studying it, sharing my breakthroughs here on the blog and journaling (because I love to write if you didn’t notice) through my journal almost a year and a half later Bibles and Bootcamp was created. My daily devotions had inspired months of Bible research and devotional writing without me even realizing it.

A few months passed, and my exercise experience began to transform. I was praying before and after workouts which motivated me to work hard in every workout. I was meditating on memory verses during challenging exercise, and I was conquering them with ease.

I was praying every day for “Lord, give me an appetite for the things you want me to fuel my body.” Two years later I no longer crave poor choices (like I used too), I actually crave healthy things. That was a battle all on its own.

Then all of these Godcidences began that was putting the exact people I needed in my life some to the exact day it’s amazing to see God’s in action.

“11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 

God’s Plan

Then the Facebook ad that literally changed the trajectory of my life. I was scrolling (as I do almost daily) and a Facebook ad for the college I attend, Bryan University came up. I clicked “Learn More” and like that got a call from a man named George from BU. I had done those go back to school ads before and never answered the immediate ring, but this time things were different. We spoke for over two hours, and by the end of the conversation, I was gathering paperwork to see if I could get financial clearance. Like taking action on something that I never thought I would actually achieve. Two weeks later by the grace of God and some number crunching, finagling and reorganizing I was able to afford to go back to college to get my degree in Fitness and Exercise Science. First of all, say what? And then why? Why does someone need a degree to be a personal trainer? At the time I had the same question, but now that I have graduated I know exactly why- God’s plan!

A Revelation

Bryan University was challenging, and it was a huge adjustment, and very quickly I wanted to quit. It wasn’t until I was about 15 weeks in that the reason “why?” I decided to get a degree and not simply take a test was made very clear.

My professor at the time began talking to us about Special Populations. It actually wasn’t about the current curriculum it was an off topic chat that our class engaged in, but that day I had a clear, profound thought. “THAT IS FOR YOU!” I thought Senior Fitness “yep, that is what I am going to do when I grow up.”

As I have continued my degree, I have a passion for all special populations, and the majority of my VIP clients fall into that category. I actually don’t sign on VIPs who just want to look good you have to want to improve your health with me. I feel like there are plenty of trainers who can help people look good but the diabetic or 73 years, hypertensive, and metabolic disordered clients there aren’t many trainers for them. The people who just want to live a better life are usually left going it alone or with Trainers who took the cert and have no idea how to address their unique needs, understand their why or care.

Purpose Driven

The purpose-driven school I continued and now graduated from Bryan University. My plots to quit and just take the certification ceased and I actually began to enjoy everything but homework and discussion question. Then in November, I got a fantastic opportunity through NASM and AFAA they offered to pay for a certification in group training so that I could beta test their 2018 certification. So, two certs for free!!! Blessed! I took them and got certified and then my time I spent in the “desert” with God asking me to “Be still” let up and the floodgates poured out. ( I can be so dramatic, but it really did feel that way)

Since then I have been honored and privileged to be teaching group fitness classes to nearly every category in Special population. I also have gotten a job as a trainer at a fantastic gym which focuses on corrective training, sports performance and has a high special population client base.- Praise God!

Silver Lining

Through this, I have seriously filled a void with a relationship with Christ. I used to suffer almost daily from high anxiety, and now I don’t feel anxious all of the time. I used to hate being in front of or on camera….now it doesn’t bother me because my confidence has increased and I have something to say.

The education that I received at Bryan University has allowed me to be a better trainer. My client yesterday said, “My trainer never did this….(asked her to stretch, warm up AND cooldown). She also never gave her assessment for muscle imbalances. Took her money and gave her some exercises that were not at her skill level and discouraged her from doing it on her own. Through this, I have become passionate about research and am looking into evidence-based research almost daily about things of the human anatomy, kinesiology, and body mechanics. When I began this journey my go to Fitness Resource was Pinterest which I tell all my clients STAY AWAY! (That’s entire other posts 😉 )

Purpose Driven Living

I feel called to serve people through fitness. I am living and walking in my purpose. I am reflecting as I just completed an amazing Month! I got on stage for my first Figure Competition, got my degree and got my NASM Certified Personal Trainer Certification. (oh yeah I can add that one too the list) I am now working on my Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification, and I am astounded at all the things God has given me. The direction He has given me through this experience.

I also am excited about the opportunities that God has for me and set up for me in the future. I did a school presentation talking to students about Honoring Their Temple and Biblically Based Eating! We made snacks and read this amazing book for kids, called “Kool Kids & the Land of the GIants” teaching Kid’s about relying on God and honoring their temple. (My Kind of book) I have spoken at events, Church’s, two national magazine features, possible cable access fitness show, getting paid to travel and teach fitness with my family as well as amazing clients that I get to work with every single day.

You think I am inspiring? When these women achieve their goals; My  85lbs. Weight loss is going to look like small potatoes, and I get to cheer them on the entire time. I am truly blessed.

I am no longer lonely (I have a really great friend in Jesus), the people in my life are fantastic and love me unconditionally and support me and the ones who I thought did; disappeared or just left me alone…weird. (That’s another post)I have restored my relationship with my mom. I no longer care what the next step is because I trust that if it’s through God’s provision, it’s the right step for me. I feel content, at inner peace and feel the joy of Jesus.

My life has turned around from being purposeless to purposeful, and I am a testament to the glory of God creating beauty out of broken things. All because I decided to do something different, take a chance, surrender, and trust in God.

Are you holding back your potential trying to do it alone? What is preventing you from surrendering?

 

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christian mom christianity Faith & Self Care Faith Journey faithfueled friday

I just want to “Say Thanks”

Declaring Gratitude

I declared my word for 2018 as gratitude, and I knew that it would be  challenged the moment I pressed “share.”

Here I am again reflecting. Ever since December, I’m not going to lie this girl’s mental strength has been on a 4 or 5 out of 10.  Anxiety has crept its way back into my life, and it’s only because I’ve been allowing myself to rely on myself. Old habits die hard, and I am five months into my recovery from my ankle injury. I am at another commonplace in my faith journey and through the seasons.

Bad Habits Die Hard

Yep, I have been running on my own but unlike in the past. I KNOW better and know that relying on my own strength, know-how and provision will last for a moment. God has shown me some amazing things in my life when I give them to Him!

I also have too much going on; Way too much and when your “still” (whether intended or forced by an ankle injury) like in my case. It becomes pleasantly clear.

To say God hadn’t warned me would also be a lie. I knew what I was doing it as I am very capable of saying, “No.”  When God would say “slow down.” I’d say, “okay, just after this one thing.”

When God said, “Ask me?” I’d say, “Sure but let me see if this works first” and here I am ending the first quarter of 2018. Spent, warn, lost and like the knucklehead I can be; finally listening.

Different Reaction

This time it’s different. I am no longer like; “Why me?” I have yet to say that but before that would have been my first go-to. Although, I fell back into old habits. One thing that has changed is my strength in the Lord. I am lost, but I am lost in the right direction. I know the burden is too great so I know I must give it to God. Even though I was disobedient, God did not turn His back on me but persistently reminded me to lean on Him.  I also am now fully aware and have experienced an unconditionally loving Father who will never leave nor forsake me. I can turn to Him anytime and seek His grace, mercy, love and guidance. I will continue to grow. God will continue to prune me.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut 31:6

Why am I confessing?

I felt really led to share because I am not a perfect Christian. I am one of those who knows that my sinful nature will always take over my second nature to be obedient to God.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

That I too struggle with my faith walk. I think its great to see the highlight reel of life. To see how good it could be but let’s not forget and live in reality. We all struggle that’s why we need God, and we are also supposed to hold each other accountable.

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2 NASB

You can’t hold someone accountable if they don’t tell you.  It’s also an opportunity to help someone else grow or relate. The facade of perfection has to stop. Because what are we genuinely seeking? Unless it’s to be more like Jesus, it is all in vain.

Plank Challenge?

So, I am giving all the things to Jesus second quarter and seeing where that takes me. I am going to give it my best try. I’ve done it in the past and it He has always surpassed my expectations or anything that I could have done on my own.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

Working on a Grateful Mindset

I am also doing a Challenge in April! I am beginning Easter Sunday and through the entire month of April!

Each day I will be planking for 60 seconds and saying “Thank you, God!” For the little and the big things.  Each day while planking I will be reciting or meditating Scripture!  

I want to invite you to join me? There is nothing to gain but a grateful perspective.

We did a plank “talk” challenge in Bibles and Bootcamps. Most of the women chose to meditate and recite their favorite scripture.  All were shocked at how much longer they held the plank with scripture. We call them “Power Verse” in #BaB.

One day I was thinking how amazing it would be to see women expressing gratitude to God; then planking came to mind-not because it rhymes with Thanks.  I just thought of my Beauties and how powerful it would be to see people praising God and thanking Him while planking.

Will you join me?

Join my event on Facebook and hopefully join a month of Praise and Thanks as we end our first quarter! Even if you do it privately on your own, I have some verses for you to use in your meditation.  If you do want to join me merely post on whatever Social Media platform you like (I will be on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and use and follow the hashtag #TYGod

Can you be grateful even with a little bit?

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Faith Journey faithfueled friday Family

Understanding God’s Love

Psalm 127:3 (NIV) “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.”

He Gives Us Real-Life Examples

Sometimes, I wonder does God give us children to understand His frustrations, unconditional love, empathy, and desire for more than we want for ourselves. I can remember my mother telling me, “I can’t wait till you have children of your own.” Of course, it wasn’t until I had children of my own; I could understand her perspective.

Reminders in the Word

When reading the word, I sometimes relate to motherhood. It is something that is a part of my identity and that I can easily relate and understand. For example, my children’s selective hearing. I will tell my daughter specific instructions, at which she will do something entirely different or my favorite, nothing at all. Then, it ends up messed up, and I either have to help her or tell her again. Then by “GODcidence”, I am reading Jonah how God told him to flee Ninevah.

[“Cliff Notes” version, although Jonah is a very short yet powerful chapter in the Bible] He does his own thing deliberately disobeying God and sets out for Tarshish (for those new to the story which is thousands of miles in a different direction). Jonah ends up in the belly of a big fish (aka whale). God the Father delivers Jonah and again tells his hard headed child to go to Ninevah and deliver a message.

Jonah 3:1-2 (NIV) “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

As I am reading this, of course, I think “man Jonah sounds like my daughters’.” There is a difference, though; our God has so much more compassion and patience than I. He is slow to anger (which I am working/praying on).

More than I deserve

Jonah 4:2, 4-5 (NIV) 2 “He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.”

It even angered Jonah to think after all he had done God still provided. Even though Jonah had no right to be angry, God still provided Him shade from the sun. Just like when my twelve-year-old gets mad at me for doing what’s right for her but not the way she wanted me to. Doesn’t make me stop loving or caring for her. I am her mother, who still loves her and will always do anything to provide.I sometimes sit back thinking I am so undeserving of His grace. God reminds me of the grace and unconditional love through my girls. Comparing God’s love to a mother’s love is the only way I can make sense of His unwavering love.

None Like Him

Now, I know the story of Jonah is not about how to love your children, rather obey the Lord and to forgive everyone. Comparing it to my kids helps me gain perspective. (Since, coming back to my faith I have found several different applications of the story of Jonah.) There is no man that would give their Son for me much like how I would give up everything for my girls, (which “Godcidentally” God has given me them too). I am grateful for my Heavenly Father’s unconditional love and although sometimes I feel I am not worth it or don’t like how things are done. At the end of the day, He loves me for who I am, and that will never change.

What helps you understand God’s love?