UNKNOWN TO ME
The #5MFW #write31days word for today is unknown. My quest for a healthier lifestyle seems to be going well, but the result is still unknown to me. Will I be consistent and continue with these new habits?
Often when I decide to make changes and start an exercise program, I don’t get very far. Either I catch a cold or hurt my back or something else happens to stop me in my tracks.
Many things are unknown each day. We can make plans and they can be interrupted or even pushed aside. It’s easy to get discouraged especially if we put so much attention on one area. If we fail, then it might seem like all is lost.
I have tried to be aware of this, which is one reason I am focusing on several different areas. If I lag behind in one, I’m sure to do better in another. In the past I made weight loss so important that I neglected other parts of life that needed attention.
NOT HIDDEN FROM GOD
By trying to build good habits in more than one area, I hope to find a balance.The outcome is still unknown to me, but I will press on. When discouragement threatens to undo me I will remind myself not to dwell on the failures. I will remember to look at the progress I have made and gain inspiration to keep going. Above all I will seek wisdom and strength from God, my Father. The unknown is not hidden from God, and I can rest in that knowledge.
Status of New Habits
The three recent habits of exercise, devotions and drinking 6 glasses of water a day are going well.
Devotions:
This is my fifth day in a row to bring my coffee to my upstairs place for a time of devotion. This time I read Psalm 34 and found much encouragement. Then I turned to my journal and read Deuteronomy 6:4-5:
The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul, and with all your might.
I prayed that I would love God with my whole being and be true to Him. Then I spent time in prayer giving thanks and interceding for those who came to mind.
Exercise:
Saturday I did the T-Tapp 15 minute workout. On days I don’t do the full routine I try to work in hoedowns several times a day. They are a great way to burn fat and get your heart rate up with low impact. This video will show you the proper technique.
Yesterday and today I walked because the weather has been so nice. Most October days here seem to have a rich blue sky with few or no clouds.
On my walk today I stopped to chat with a young neighbor expecting her first child. I had made apple butter and wanted to share some with her. We had a great conversation which I believe encouraged both of us. Sharing and spending time with others also contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Water Intake:
Both Saturday and Sunday I met my quota of drinking six 8oz. glasses of water. So far today I drank three and will easily finish another three before the day is over.
I’m linking up with #Glimpses, #LMMLinkup, #inspirememonday, #TestimonyTuesday
*All photos taken while on walks today and yesterday.
***To find all my #write31days posts, click on the the left button below or on the Write 31 Days 2016 tab at the top of my blog.***
What gorgeous blue skies in your photos! I’ve been working on exercising regularly this year. It’s hard to be consistent when there are other seemingly more pressing things to do, but I keep reminding myself that it’s not a waste of time: it’s a valuable use of my time.
Yes, I love the blue skies! I know what you mean about being consistent. So many times I just don’t want to exercise, but I have to keep reminding myself that it is needed for my health. Yes, it’s a valuable use of time. 🙂
Thanks for visiting and for your encouragement. Blessings to you!
I didn’t know what hoe down was (well I thought I knew but I was wrong) and I’m interested because she claims it promotes brain health. I saved it as a favorite, thanks for sharing! As always, it feels like we could be neighbors.
Yes, those hoedowns really do help, Nancy. Thanks for visiting and it would be great if we were neighbors! Blessings to you!
So much THIS: “The outcome is still unknown, but I will press on. When discouragement threatens to undo me I will remind myself not to dwell on the failures.”
Yes, thank you, Tara, for your support and your encouragement!
Blessings to you!
Lovely, Gayl! Way to go on these new habits. Those same habits are ones that have challenged me in the past few months primarily because we have been traveling a great deal and these tend to not work well with the less structured routine I can have at home. I salute you my friend for your efforts! I am using the You Version app to use Professor Horner’s system of reading through the Bible and I am behind, but expect to finish the Bible before the end of the calendar year. It’s an interesting system what has you reading the book of Acts once a month. You read from different sections and I thought I might get confused, but it has actually helped me to see the whole of His Word in a broader way. Blessings on your commitment and faithfulness.
Oh, I understand how hard it is to have any kind of routine while traveling. It’s an effort to find the time to exercise and even the other habits we so want to do.
Thank you for your encouragement, Pam, and your support. I’m glad you stopped by.
I haven’t heard of that system of reading through the Bible. It does sound like it could be confusing, but it seems to have helped you. Maybe I’ll check it out sometime. Blessings to you!
So many things can deter our great plans. For me it was Hurricane Matthew. We are back online but not our children or my brotherinlaw. So we have a house full.
My 31 days may stretch into November
Yes, so many people were affected by Hurricane Matthew. I have a friend in Jacksonville, FL, that has been without power since Friday afternoon. I’m glad you have your power and can provide a safe place for family.
Of course, even though having a house full can be fun, it doesn’t leave much time for writing. Give yourself much grace. The writing will come even if it is in November. Maybe that’s just the time someone will need to read your words.
Blessings to you!
Hi Gayl, I love this thought: “By trying to build good habits in more than one area, I hope to find a balance.” It is so good to look for those areas in our lives where we need more balance. I know that REST was never a high priority in my life, and God has had to show me how resting is a part of healthy living also. I am so glad that God knows all about these Unknown areas in our lives, and He is so trustworthy there. Thanks for the inspiration that you continue to bring! –Blessings!
Thanks so much for your continued support and encouragement, Bettie! Yes, I have to remind myself that rest is necessary not optional.
I’m glad you were inspired and glad you are here. Blessings to you!
next time we’re together…we will have a hoe-down show-down!!!!!
Yes, Susan. You’re on!!!! 🙂
Good for you, Gayl! Your first two are areas in my life that I have to have in balance in order to be a nice person :). I’m a heavy water drinker, so when I had kidney failure last year and my doctor told me I could only have 48 oz. of water a day I thought I would die from the restrictions! I survived, though.
Glad you survived. 🙂 I usually drink some water every day, but I know I have not been getting enough. That’s why I wanted to include it to keep me accountable.
I agree about needing the balance in the first two to be a nice person. 🙂 I get that very well.
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Anita. Blessings to you!
I enjoyed your motivational post, and I am certain your neighbor enjoyed your conversation as well as the apple butter. It is one of my favorites! How truly kind of you to visit with her and offer this gift.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Shirley! Have a great week. Blessings to you!
Good for you! Thank you for these great reminders and encouragements to live healthy! I really like what you are sharing about being with others and how that is part of a healthy life, plus time in God’s word, drinking water, and exercise. It is very balanced.
Thanks for cheering me on, Sara! I do believe all those things are important to have a balance in our daily lives. I’m thankful there is grace enough to cover when we fall short.
I appreciate your encouragement. Many blessings to you!