The New Me: February 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Choose THIS...not THAT!

Life is about choices, but who wants to choose healthy all the time? Exactly...no one! Sometimes I feel like a good ole Snicker. Sometimes I feel like a bacon, bacon, cheeseburger from Jack in the Box (my sister and I actually ate these faithfully in high school). But more than all of these urges I want to feel and look healthy. (Click here to see why)

So what does one do when a craving comes? I say choose this...not that:

You crave salty?

Choose peanuts w/sea salt

You crave sweet?
Choose fruit (God’s candy)

Here are my favorite substitutions:

My “Banana Pudding”

Actually graham crackers and a banana

______________________

My “Snickers”

Actually dark chocolate with almonds

____________________

My “Sour Patch Kids”

Actually a nectarine

(any fruit will do)

I understand cravings, I really do, but I do not want to pay for them in the gym. By that point, I’ve forgotten how delicious the cheeseburger was. I often ask myself “Is it worth taking two steps backwards?” Normally I answer “no,” but to be honest, every now and then I say “what the heck...live a little!” It’s okay to cheat every now and then, but a “treat” is only a “treat” if it happens rarely. Be smart. Choose this...not that.

- B. Landi

Friday, February 22, 2013

WHY?

Why is this happening to me?

I can live without the answer to “when” or even “where,” but I need to know “why.” I remember asking my parents “why this” and “why that” and the answer “BECAUSE I SAID SO” was just not acceptable to me, but often times, that was all I was given. Pouting, mumbling under my breath, and stomping away did not change their response.

These days I find myself, not pouting, mumbling under my breath, or stomping away, but still being very much unsatisfied with not knowing “why.” Sometimes the “why” is for myself, like “why am I not more successful at my age?” And other times it’s for others, like “why would God allow this to happen to them?” More times than not, I hear nothing. I hear no great revelation and get no glimpse of the mind and reasoning of God. But what I do hear is my asking.

No Answer, but I'm still Asking

My asking means that I believe someone is listening. My asking means someone is there. My asking means someone has answered before. I have realized that the knowledge of the omnipresence of that someone, is exactly “why.” God promises never to leave nor forsake us and it is only in calamity that we question this. Therefore only through calamity can we prove our dependence and belief in Him and in His promises.

Things happen to good and bad people for multiple reasons, but we must remember that God is always in control. The proof of our remembering is in our asking. Not just simply asking “why,” but asking for strength and courage; asking for faith and reassurance. It is in our asking that we are able to prove our unwavering faith and limit the sifting of the enemy.

Don’t stop asking “why.” But if you don’t get a response, don’t get discouraged. Know that God is there and that he cares. Know that He will empower you to endure any and all things and you will come out as pure gold. And then maybe in hindsight you will ask “why not?”

- B. Landi

Supplementary Scriptures:
The Story of Job
Matthew 7: 7-11

Friday, February 15, 2013

5 Steps to Getting FIT!

So summer is around the corner and for some reason people often interpret that to mean it’s time to get fit. Well, hey, I say whatever excuse you need to use, use! Now here comes the big question...HOW?

Step 1: Write at least ten reasons why you want to get fit
This list will serve as a reminder the day you skip a workout to sleep-in.

Step 2: Define success, by specifying a target weight or size
I always wanted to be 115 pounds. I remember weighing 119 in the 6th grade! I was one of the biggest girls in my class. I felt horrible because my best friend was taller than me but weighed less than me. It’s funny how some things stick with you over the years.

Funny enough I have not grown much taller since 6th grade so I knew 115 pounds was a reasonable weight goal I started at 135, and now I stay between 114-118 pounds.

Step 3: Make a Workout schedule
At least 3 days a week for 30 minutes, either in gym or at home.
(click here to see my home workout for inspiration)

Before having a membership, I started running up and down my street. Eventually I invested in 8 and 15 pound dumbbells for a more holistic workout. Weight training has to be a part of your regimen for the best results.

Step 4: Make a commitment to eat as healthy as possible with one cheat day a week
Since fruit is “God’s candy,” in my mind that is my candy fix for the day. Meat is not a necessity everyday so sometimes I go without. I also incorporate fasting for spiritual and natural purposes.

Step 5: DON’T GIVE UP
Many of days I find myself in the candy aisle, wondering what I’m doing there. Instead of downing myself I buy twizzlers which are less fattening than other options or dark chocolate, which is better for you than milk chocolate. I know some people say “If you’re going to do it, do it.” But I say “If you’re going to do it, do it smart! Be nice to yourself and start each day fresh!

Friday, February 8, 2013

I Kissed Kissing Goodbye - Part II "To Do and Not To Do, That is the Answer"

I tried to fix me

But nothing worked. I remember, in years past, making a conscious decision to try and live holy, but the boyfriend I had at the time was just not on the same page. Yes, he was saved and yes, he said all the right things, but in the heat of the moment and in the dark of the night, he changed. And regretfully I did too.

No, we did not fornicate, but I have always been convicted about sexual activity that leads to fornication. This includes, but is not limited to, kissing, touching, and speaking inappropriately. So I decided I had enough. I spoke to him about my convictions. I wrote a plan of action which included going out in groups, respecting a midnight curfew, and reminding each other about the commitment when the other seemed to “forget.” This worked for a while, but I soon found myself back in the same rut I had turned away from. Huh? How could this be?

So what’s the cure?

For many of us we’ve heard this all before. We’ve all tried to fix ourselves. Tried to find ways to cure: laziness in seeking God, gossiping, walking in fear, overeating, disobedience, impatience, doubt/unbelief, sexual immorality, apathy, etc. The answer to all of these issues is complexly simple. It is not just a matter of “not doing,” it is also, and more importantly, a matter of “doing.” Just making up in your mind not to do something is not enough. You must replace what you are not doing with something to do. Simply “not doing” is in fact doing nothing, which is something. And that something introduces you right back into what you decided not to do. However, when you commit to “doing,” it replaces what you are not doing and gives no space, void, or opportunity for the Devil to deter you.

Let’s make a pact

My freedom came years later, when I realized in order to “not do” I had to read more of God’s word and seek Christian fellowship for accountability. I dug into the scriptures, searching for answers on how to live a disciplined life. I read about Job, Daniel and his friends, and took note of what helped them overcome temptation. I joined a bible study and volunteered to lead discussions knowing that I would have to study in order to prepare. This gave me even more of a conviction to “not do.”

So let’s make a pact to “not do” something by replacing it with something to do! Maybe yours will be not staying out past midnight. You may decide that everyday at midnight you read a scripture and write how it applies to your life or maybe you call a friend to tell them about your day; that way when the clock strikes twelve you are not just “not doing” but you are “doing.”

To experience true freedom from sin, or even just bad habits, we must commit to DOING what’s prescribed in the word of God and “NOT DOING” will take care of itself.