Friday, October 29, 2010

No Quick Fix

You should have seen the biceps on this girl! I was attending a party for the neighborhood kids to meet each other, and one of the moms had amazing arms. It was obvious that she was a fan of the gym. "Nice guns!" I said, using the euphemism for defined biceps, to strike up a conversation with her.

I was probably a little envious of her physique, and even felt a little inferior comparatively. But the truth is she didn't have a magic potion or secret weapon. She went to the gym 5 days a week. She did cardio and lifted weights. She put in the time, and saw the results.

Do you ever feel a little envious of some one's relationship with God? Do you ever feel inferior? The truth is, they don't have a secret weapon either! They are putting in the time, and seeing the results. They are studying God's Word and spending time in prayer.

There is no quick fix in physical fitness, or in spiritual fitness. We have to put in the work. My new friend shared that she loves going to the gym now. "Once you get into the routine," she shared, "you feel bad if you miss a day." Spiritual fitness is the same way. Once you get into the routine, you won't want to miss a day.

Why not start building some spiritual muscle today!

"She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm."
Proverbs 31:17, Amplified Bible


Chatty Kelly

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

7 Things

There are two schools of thought on Memes, (prounounced like dreams, with an M). One is that they are a waste of time and distracting to your readers and your brand. The other is that it gives your readers a glimpse of the real you and they are relationship building. Regardless of which you believe, my beautiful friend Bella Mella tagged me in a meme, so I am playing along. I hope you will enjoy getting to see a glimpse of me this way.

1. Not counting attending church, what is your favorite activity that you consistently do on Sundays?

The only activity I consisently do on Sundays (besides church) is writing my Monday blog. And I do enjoy it. But spending time with my family without having an "agenda" of things we have to do is my favorite thing.


2. At what age or season in your life do you feel you looked your best?

My sweet husband says I look better every year. And while I physically looked my best in my late 20's, I would say that I am a better package today. I have the confidence I lacked then, and I still am not too hard on the eyes. I wouldn't mind losing a few pounds, but then almost every woman would.

3. Would you rather win a personal makeover/shopping spree with an image consultant, a one room makeover/shopping spree with an interior designer, or a personal chef who would cater a fabulous meal for a party at your home?

I definintely would like the personal make over and shopping spree. While my home could use a spruce up (and I am challenged in decorating), and I would love to have a fancy catered meal with my friends, no way could I resist teh shopping spree. Really.

4. If a movie were made of your life, which actors would portray you and your husband?

Linda Carter (Wonder Woman) is who I've been told looks like me. But if I get to pick, I'd have to say Anne Hathoway. My husband? I've been told he looks like Jon Voight. But I think I would have him played by Simon Baker.

5. If you had the power to choose one of these, which would it be?
I would be taller * I would never go gray * I would always look younger than my age.

Who cares about height? I'd have to say always looking younger than my age.


6. Which of these positive first impressions would you prefer to make?
funny * friendly * confident

It's my hope that all three of these impressions always come through with me. But if I had to choose only one, I think it would be confident.

7. Pie or Cake?

Who's cooking? Pie...chocolate fudge pie.

Chatty Kelly

Monday, October 25, 2010

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

"Here I am, signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours."
Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Stevie Wonder, 1970


Signed: A signature is placed on a document, or your "mark" is put on a document to show approval or ownership. (Signing a mortgage, car lease or library card all show both agreement with the terms, and ownership of the item.)

Sealed: In the 16th-18th centuries, if you had an important document, you would "seal" it. That is pour wax on it and mark it with your seal, sometimes found in a signet ring. A seal was either a mark of authority or, more commonly, a mark of identification.

It's interesting that both signing and sealing are defined by putting our mark on something. Did you know that as Christians God has put his mark on us? 2 Corinthians 1:22 says, "He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (emphasis mine).

We are marked by God, showing His authority and ownership over us. We're signed & sealed, but what about delivered? Oh, friends. That is the best thing that comes with being sealed by God is the deliverance that comes through Jesus Christ! It's exciting to be able to say to God, "Here I am. Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm Yours!"

Musical Musings:
1. Do you believe you are marked with the seal of God showing his ownership of you? If not, why not confess your faith and accept Jesus as your savior so you can know you are marked with His seal.
2. Consider buying a wax seal set. Every time you seal your letters to friends, remember that God has sealed you with His mark.
3. Sealing wax, after melting, quickly hardens forming a bond that is difficult to separate. Consider that that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Karaoke:
Dear Lord, I am so excited to bear your seal! Thank you God for loving me so much that you have marked me so that nothing can separate me from you. Fill me with the peace and joy of that deliverance. I'm Yours! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Rock On: 2 Timothy 2:19 says, "Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his." Revel in the fact that you are His today.

Chatty Kelly