Impossibly Possible

I don’t like to “fail.” But really, who does? And after 3+ years of trying, yesterday I FINALLY accomplished something I envisioned as impossible.

I confess I lived a good chunk of my life trying to play it safe. If I couldn’t do something perfectly, I would find a way to skip it all together and seek to excel in an area where I knew I could achieve near perfection (in my own strength.)

It was an EXHAUSTING way to live! I felt like something was missing, but I was scared to go to church. What if the Pastor said “Turn to Galatians” but the people around me saw that I didn’t know where that was?!?

I believed that lie of needing to be perfect for waaaayyy too long.

So I decided to follow Jesus, stumbling in the right (ish-most-of-the-time) direction.

The physical health aspect of my life was similar. I ate as a form of control and semi-rebellion growing up. I was very overweight but getting healthy seemed way beyond me, so I always said, “Maybe later.” It seemed impossible so why even try?

Until 11 years ago. About the same time I started actively seeking Jesus, something shifted in my heart. I started to make some different choices in an effort to take care of my body.

I had to keep me eyes focused on what God was doing in me. Not how fit my best friend was or how easily someone else lost weight. Not how fast my now-husband runs or how much someone on Facebook can deadlift.

It was about my journey. Seeking to let God accomplish what I envisioned as completely impossible in my life.

I was still afraid of failing. I used the word “IF” as my perfection caveat. Now, I seek to find the balance of grace and obedience, because IF is no way to live. “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”” (Mark‬ ‭9:23‬)

So yes. After more than 3 years of trying, falling short, then pushing it to the back burner of my Fitness Bucket List, I was able to pass the Army PT test! (No, I’m not joining the army…)

The 2-mile run, from a girl who just a few short years ago couldn’t/wouldn’t run more than a quarter mile without wheezing or wanting to cry. The push-ups, which just a few months ago I couldn’t do a single one on my toes with proper form. Th sit-ups, when beforehand it made my entire body tired just trying.

God has and continues to accomplish the impossible in my life. I give Him all the glory and celebrate the daily victories, no matter how great or small. I invite you to do the same.

It’s not about perfection, my friends. It’s about progress. Here’s to living in the light of His grace and inviting Him to do “impossible” things in our everyday.

In Him we can,

 

 

“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”” ~Luke 18:27

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The Christian Runner’s Creed

If you have been hanging around 7 Days Time this year, you know that God has calling me to do some pretty outrageous things… At least for this girl who formerly hated running with a passion.

Yes, He has called me to become a runner. This year, by the complete grace, power and strength of Jesus, I have went from a gal who couldn’t run a mile to someone who ran a 10K (6.2 miles) and then also recently completed my first half-marathon (13.1 miles.)

I think I have become a crazy person… If not a crazy person in general, at least one who is more and more crazy about Jesus every single day. [Read more…]

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Operation Fortitude Fitness (Month #5)

Is it seriously June? Last I checked, June is month #6 in our calendar, which if my stellar math skills prove correct means we are nearly halfway done with 2012… seems like just 5 minutes ago we were ringing in the New Year.

I guess time flies when you are living for Jesus.

But a new month means another monthly reflection of my Smart Goals for 2012. So let’s hop to it! [Read more…]

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It Is Well… With My Soul

Sometimes, I pray while I exercise. And no, I am not talking about praying like “Please Lord Jesus, help me to finish this last half mile running strong, without throwing up or tripping on my own feet.” (Although I do frequently pray  something similar.)

In this particular case, I mean praying for others. Specifically those of you on my iPad Prayer List app. Now before you think I am trying to cut corners and multi-task, please know that 1) I still have my quiet time with Jesus in addition to my exercise prayer time 2) I never read/pray while on the treadmill, only the stationary bike and/or elliptical should I risk breaking my face and 3) For some unknown reason, I can concentrate and focus exceptionally well during a challenging workout, just as  good if not better than when I am sitting in my chair in my living room. [Read more…]

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Pumping Iron with Jesus

“Ninety-eight…ninety-nine… one-hundred!”

Oh hey. Didn’t see you there. Sorry, I was just working out… you know, pumping some iron, getting in shape. (Does that sound a little too much like Will Ferrell in Anchorman?)

Obviously, I am not pumping iron… but instead am clicking keys. At a pretty rapid pace, I might add. But I didn’t get to this typing speed overnight. [Read more…]

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Hurt So Good (Five Minute Friday)

Today, I am linking up with The Gypsy Mama and hopping aboard the “Five Minute Friday” experience. She gives us a prompt. Then we write, fingers flowing, purely for the joy of writing. For five minutes. And five minutes only. No editing. No profound outlines and thought development.

Just write. So today, join me on my first Five Minute Friday… Todays prompt: ACHE.

GO.  [Read more…]

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