The Right Tools

I just got my first opportunity for using a senior discount. AARP has been sending me membership cards for six years. I’m saving them to make a full deck (you never know, they might come in handy someday). Colonoscopies have become part of my preventative schedule. Hot flashes replace my once cold hands and feet. And, I’m not happy about it!

Shape Up With Shannon

I’ve been fighting the good fight—I exercise, eat right, and highlight my hair on a consistent basis. But gravity is happening with or without my permission so I need a new strategy.

My niece is a personal trainer and I just asked her to get personal.

I sent her a list of my equipment, you know, balance ball, five and ten pound weights—I’ve got some tools; I just need to know how to use them more efficiently. I will probably never be svelte, but I can at least lose my fluff. It’s not enough to have all of this equipment—I need to use it, right?

Now I know what you’re thinking. My outer self is decaying but my inner is being renewed day by day. Could we agree on weakening instead of decaying? At least that leaves room for hope.

courtesy of www.morguefile.com

I spoke with Shannon today and she got me set up with weight work four days a week. She mentioned she struggled several months ago too.

Shannon says: 

If we think fitness is something we need to take control of all on our own, we are so wrong. It's true; God can't put our fork down, say no to cheesecake, or make us move our bodies. But He says He wants to be in all things. This message rang in my head at one point this winter after my workouts, I was laying on the floor exhausted and crying after two months of killing myself with diet and exercise with no results. And, I just kept hearing, "I want to be in all things." I finally gave it up to Him.

That's me, folks—tired of diet and exercise with no results. So, I have begun to take steps. The first of which was to contact Shannon for her help.

Shannon is starting a group at her church called, In His Image. Tell us Shannon, how did this come about?

After surrendering, I continued my hard work, but I would listen to devotionals on the elliptical. Go to prayer about my diet and exercise and for a little needed motivation on those tough days. He lifted my heart, and oddly enough, my body began to change. I realized the connection between body, mind and spirit, so In His Image will address the whole person.

I need to flex both my physical muscles as well as my spiritual ones—Might as well go for the package deal so when this goes down, I go down stunning!

Seriously, though. I do need both the tools and the instructions to use them. My fit ball and free weights can help me in the physical realm. The Holy Spirit and the Word of God can take the spiritual. And, I need accountability. God is interested in our wholeness—body, mind and spirit. And, He provides the right tools to get them in shape.

I'm very excited for Shannon's new venture!

What are you doing for your whole-self these days? 

 

                                     Jeanne

 

You can join Shannon for In His Image:

August 3rd at 1 pm.

Calvary Bible Church

348 South Hiram Rd.

Hiram, Maine

Find Shape Up With Shannon on Facebook 

 

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