Dear KAXL Listeners,Family,Friends,
You are the best support system in the world! Thank you for your outpouring of love and support during the untimely home-going of my husband of 28 years, Pastor Paul Giesbrecht. I’ve so appreciated the concern you’ve shown by sending cards, meals, financial donations but most importantly, your prayers.
It's been good to be back at work at KAXL. I hope to share with you some of funny stories and heartfelt memories of my husband. You can still share your own thoughts by going to the online guestbook at www.kaxl.com or http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bakersfield/obituary.aspx?n=paul-eugene-giesbrecht&pid=134730157.
I anticipate telling you how encouraged our family has felt from your expressions of compassion. Our God is great, and each day, we are learning new things about His sufficiency. The truth is, God “heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) We are in the process of being healed and it may take years! Thanks for walking with us.
Love and prayers, Sheryl Giesbrecht
Special Note – From the KAXL Staff:
Please remember, we, as a staff at KAXL are still grieving our loss. Although Paul was Sheryl’s husband, he was also very much involved with our projects at KAXL. Please show us your understanding by doing these things for us:
Things We Need:
Please don’t stop praying.
Please keep sending us your favorite Bible verses about peace, comfort, hope, healing or other words of encouragement.
More prayer – the holidays are coming, we will miss Paul during the holidays.
Things We Don’t Need:
Questions about the accident, how Paul died, other details about the trauma we are working through.
Advice – unless we ask for it.
Pat ‘Christian’ answers.
If you don’t know what to say, just remember, sometimes words aren’t necessary.
Pray for us, we really appreciate your prayers.
Thank you, KAXL Staff
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A Tree of Life
In 2004, I wanted to sponsor a child through Compassion International. So many children need sponsors, I wondered, how would I choose a Compassion child? I thought it might be fun to find one who shared my April 1 birthday and I also wanted a little girl. I hoped to someday make a trip to Africa, so I asked for one from any country in Africa. The Compassion staff matched me up with then five year old Caroline Ndinda Musyoki, born April 1,1999; living in Mungala, Kenya. For five years, my dream and prayer has been that someday I would get to meet my Compassion child in person!
This spring, my dream came true. After a day of air travel, we were on the ground in Nairobi, Kenya and the next day, we on our way to our child’s village. I could hardly believe my prayers were answered. Though it seemed like several hours as we bounced along the road, our four wheel drive vehicle crawled in and out of potholes the size of craters. My stomach was in knots with nervous anticipation and the smell of diesel fuel, I wondered if Caroline was as nervous as I. We pulled up to the site of the Mungala project, the African Inland Church (AIC) Mungala, our host Jim led us inside to find the Compassion staff was assembled inside the office with Caroline.
“Karibu” (welcome in Swahili), said Caroline, as she timidly took my outstretched hand, she greeted me with a shy smile and bashful eyes. I wanted to jump up and down and hug her, but I knew I needed to restrain myself. In Kenya physical touch in public is not always appropriate. Our group settled into the cramped office to get acquainted. Introductions were passed around starting with Caroline, then Paul and myself. Jim Makunda, our Compassion host from the Kenyan office interpreted as we met AIC Mungala project chairman, Hughs Ndonye, Joseph Mutua, elder of the AIC Mungala church, Ruth Mbinya, the AIC Mungala project social worker and Betty Killu, AIC Mungala project health worker and nurse. We enjoyed ‘taking tea’ together and ended our time in the office with a time of prayer for the project, the sponsors and the children. I didn’t think it could get much better than this!
On April 19, I ran across this verse in my devotions, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." Prov. 13:12 Little did I know how God would make my dream of meeting my Compassion child come true.
Paul and I were escorted outside, to the lawn of the project; and walked into an experience we’d never forget. We were directed to kneel with Caroline, beside freshly prepared holes, while the staff handed us two yearling avocado trees. In Kenya, the avocado tree is a prosperous tropical fruit and an important staple of the diet. The staff’s planning for our visit was evident and very meaningful. “These symbols of life”, they said, “are a reminder for us to pray for you.” We had come from our home bearing gifts of stickers, pens, a Bible and even groceries for Caroline and her family, yet we were unprepared for the gifts we would receive from our African friends. As we finished the planting process, we patted wet soil over the bare roots, covering each hole, then watering the newly planted tree. We knew in much the same way, there was a spiritual parallel: we had just planted, fed and watered our relationship with our child and the Compassion staff.
“The Great Exchange,” is an inside joke for us. When Paul and I go on mission trips, we think (along with most Americans) we are going there, to encourage them. The Great Exchange happens when we go. The mere act of going says “I love you.” When we enter their world, we choose to overlook differences, lay aside our agendas, likes and expectations. That’s when we come away with more insight, blessings and compassion for people than we ever thought possible. The nationals pray, “Dear Lord, thank you for our food. Please provide for those who are hungry tonight.” We know those praying understand what it means to go hungry, not to know where their next meal will come from. These are among the more than 1 billion in the world who live on less than $1 a day are considered the poorest of the poor and lack the resources for basic survival. Yet they get it – the show us the value of life, the worth of family time and are grateful for bare-bones basic necessities. Humbling, isn’t it?
The Great Exchange happened when Caroline and the people of the small village of Mungala, Kenya offered us their love by spending time with us. The unhurried moments together over a cup of tea, talking about Caroline’s school, favorite color, names of her family members. They loved us through when we joined our hearts in passionate prayer for our families, our ministries, Kenya, Compassion and the United States. They loved us when we enthusiastically planted avocado trees together. This was symbolic, a tangible statement of permanence of our commitment to Caroline through Compassion. It also affirmed our commitment to the AIC Mungala Compassion project, and more importantly, to God’s work in the world.
“The trees are a reminder for us to pray for you,” said the project director, “we will never forget you. When you come back to visit us, you will see the trees have grown and have given us fruit, and so has God’s work.”
A planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3b
Thanks for your prayers - Bwana Asifiwe! Praise the Lord!
Sheryl
This spring, my dream came true. After a day of air travel, we were on the ground in Nairobi, Kenya and the next day, we on our way to our child’s village. I could hardly believe my prayers were answered. Though it seemed like several hours as we bounced along the road, our four wheel drive vehicle crawled in and out of potholes the size of craters. My stomach was in knots with nervous anticipation and the smell of diesel fuel, I wondered if Caroline was as nervous as I. We pulled up to the site of the Mungala project, the African Inland Church (AIC) Mungala, our host Jim led us inside to find the Compassion staff was assembled inside the office with Caroline.
“Karibu” (welcome in Swahili), said Caroline, as she timidly took my outstretched hand, she greeted me with a shy smile and bashful eyes. I wanted to jump up and down and hug her, but I knew I needed to restrain myself. In Kenya physical touch in public is not always appropriate. Our group settled into the cramped office to get acquainted. Introductions were passed around starting with Caroline, then Paul and myself. Jim Makunda, our Compassion host from the Kenyan office interpreted as we met AIC Mungala project chairman, Hughs Ndonye, Joseph Mutua, elder of the AIC Mungala church, Ruth Mbinya, the AIC Mungala project social worker and Betty Killu, AIC Mungala project health worker and nurse. We enjoyed ‘taking tea’ together and ended our time in the office with a time of prayer for the project, the sponsors and the children. I didn’t think it could get much better than this!
On April 19, I ran across this verse in my devotions, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." Prov. 13:12 Little did I know how God would make my dream of meeting my Compassion child come true.
Paul and I were escorted outside, to the lawn of the project; and walked into an experience we’d never forget. We were directed to kneel with Caroline, beside freshly prepared holes, while the staff handed us two yearling avocado trees. In Kenya, the avocado tree is a prosperous tropical fruit and an important staple of the diet. The staff’s planning for our visit was evident and very meaningful. “These symbols of life”, they said, “are a reminder for us to pray for you.” We had come from our home bearing gifts of stickers, pens, a Bible and even groceries for Caroline and her family, yet we were unprepared for the gifts we would receive from our African friends. As we finished the planting process, we patted wet soil over the bare roots, covering each hole, then watering the newly planted tree. We knew in much the same way, there was a spiritual parallel: we had just planted, fed and watered our relationship with our child and the Compassion staff.
“The Great Exchange,” is an inside joke for us. When Paul and I go on mission trips, we think (along with most Americans) we are going there, to encourage them. The Great Exchange happens when we go. The mere act of going says “I love you.” When we enter their world, we choose to overlook differences, lay aside our agendas, likes and expectations. That’s when we come away with more insight, blessings and compassion for people than we ever thought possible. The nationals pray, “Dear Lord, thank you for our food. Please provide for those who are hungry tonight.” We know those praying understand what it means to go hungry, not to know where their next meal will come from. These are among the more than 1 billion in the world who live on less than $1 a day are considered the poorest of the poor and lack the resources for basic survival. Yet they get it – the show us the value of life, the worth of family time and are grateful for bare-bones basic necessities. Humbling, isn’t it?
The Great Exchange happened when Caroline and the people of the small village of Mungala, Kenya offered us their love by spending time with us. The unhurried moments together over a cup of tea, talking about Caroline’s school, favorite color, names of her family members. They loved us through when we joined our hearts in passionate prayer for our families, our ministries, Kenya, Compassion and the United States. They loved us when we enthusiastically planted avocado trees together. This was symbolic, a tangible statement of permanence of our commitment to Caroline through Compassion. It also affirmed our commitment to the AIC Mungala Compassion project, and more importantly, to God’s work in the world.
“The trees are a reminder for us to pray for you,” said the project director, “we will never forget you. When you come back to visit us, you will see the trees have grown and have given us fruit, and so has God’s work.”
A planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3b
Thanks for your prayers - Bwana Asifiwe! Praise the Lord!
Sheryl
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Going to Africa...Again!
Dear Friends, I am so excited you've logged on to my blog, here's a very detailed prayer guide for you, so you know where I am and what I am doing each day of my trip. Thank you so much for your prayers and love. I am representing YOU and KAXL around the globe. Listen for my interview with my Compassion child, Caroline. Watch the KAXL home page for picture updates as I can get them posted. Love and prayers, Sheryl
Sheryl & Paul Giesbrecht’s Prayer Guide - Africa 2009
Now may the God of hope make you full of joy and peace through faith,so that all hope may be yours in the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
4/20 3:00 am – Airport Bus to LAX
Pray for safe flights, connections, luggage efficiency, ministry to other travelers we meet along the way.
8:30 am – Depart LAX Northwest Airlines – Seattle, WA
12:55 pm – Depart Seattle, WA – Amsterdam
4/21 7:40 am – Depart Amsterdam – Northwest Airlines – Nairobi
7:05 pm – Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
4/22 8:00 am – Depart Compassion office in Nairobi to visit our Compassion child, Caroline Musuoki at her home and school.
Pray we would encourage and bless Caroline and her family. We have been her monthly supporters for five years with Compassion International. We will visit her home, school and project site.
6:00 pm – Return from Compassion project
4/23 6:00 pm – Depart on evening flight to Kitale
4/24 6:00 pm – African Theological Seminary (ATS these are ICM seminaries) Graduation Dinner honoring graduates
Pray blessing and honor over the graduates, many of whom are bi-vocational pastors, who will be better pastors and leaders because of their seminary training.
4/25 10:00 am – ATS Graduation Ceremony & Celebration in Kitale, Kenya
Praise the Lord!
4/26 10:00 am – Preaching in Church services
Pray we will give out God’s Word with the power of the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to the needs around us.
4/27-30 9:00 am – ICM Leadership Meetings
Pray for wisdom and strength, as we prepare and respond to the opportunities we are given to minister in the name of Jesus.
4/31 6:00 am – Travel to Uganda by car
5/1 6:00 pm – African Theological Seminary Graduation Dinner honoring graduates
Pray blessing and honor over the graduates, many of whom are bi-vocational pastors, who will be better pastors and leaders because of their seminary training.
5/2 10:00 am – ATS Graduation Ceremony & Celebration in Tororo, Uganda
Praise the Lord!
5/3 10:00 am – Preaching in Church services
5/4-5 9:00 am – ATS Leadership Summit (Paul)
Pray for wisdom and strength, as we prepare and respond to the opportunities we are given to minister in the name of Jesus.
5/6-9 9:00 am - ICM Leadership Meetings (Paul)
5/8-9 9:00 am – From Ashes to Beauty Women’s Conference (Sheryl)
Pray Isaiah 61:1-3.
5/10 10:00 am – Preaching in Church services
5/11 6:00 pm – Evening flight from Kitale to Goma, the Dominican Republic of Congo
Pray Romans 15:13.
5/12 9:00 am – Pastor’s Seminars in Goma (Paul)
Women’s Seminars in Goma (Sheryl)
Pray Isaiah 61:1-7
5/13 9:00 am - Pastor’s Seminars in Goma (Paul)
Women’s Seminars in Goma (Sheryl)
Pray the men and women who hear our messages would believe what God says about them. Pray that they would stand firm on their Identity in Christ. Pray they would use the In Christ I Am bookmark to walk in freedom in Christ.
5/14 9:00 am – Ministering in the Refugee Camp (prayer session with refugees)
5/15 6:00 pm – Sheryl takes evening flight from Goma to Nairobi
5/17 10:10 pm – Sheryl departs Nairobi to Amsterdam
5/18 1:25 pm – Sheryl departs Amsterdam to LAX
3:25 pm – Sheryl arrives at LAX, takes Airport Bus to Bakersfield
5/15 9:00 am – Paul, Grace Cabalka, Holly Culhane depart on evening flight to Kinshasa
5/16 9:00 am – Paul visits American school of “Tasok” in Kinshasa
5/17 10:00 am – Preaching in Sunday services
5/18 9:00 am – ICM Leadership meetings and lunch with ICM DRC staff
5/20-21 9:00 am – Launch of MLM Vol 2 in DRC: Vision Casting and Square 1 with the Atemas
5/22 6:00 pm – Paul departs Kinshasa to Nairobi
5/24 10:10 pm – Paul departs Nairobi to Amsterdam
5/25 1:25 pm – Paul departs Amsterdam
3:20 pm – Paul arrives LAX, takes Airport Bus to Bakersfield
Pray for those who have heard and believed God. Pray they will trust God is at work in their lives will continue to walk in freedom in Christ and know God has a plan and a purpose for everything He allows to happen in our lives.
Pray Ephesians 2:10 and Jeremiah 29:11.Thank you for your prayers in Jesus' Name! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
To donate your tax deductable love gift to Sheryl & Paul Giesbrecht's Africa Trip 2009, mail to: International Christian Ministries, P.O.Box 9071, Bakersfield, CA 93389-9071, Attn: Goma Trip - Giesbrechts
Sheryl & Paul Giesbrecht’s Prayer Guide - Africa 2009
Now may the God of hope make you full of joy and peace through faith,so that all hope may be yours in the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
4/20 3:00 am – Airport Bus to LAX
Pray for safe flights, connections, luggage efficiency, ministry to other travelers we meet along the way.
8:30 am – Depart LAX Northwest Airlines – Seattle, WA
12:55 pm – Depart Seattle, WA – Amsterdam
4/21 7:40 am – Depart Amsterdam – Northwest Airlines – Nairobi
7:05 pm – Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
4/22 8:00 am – Depart Compassion office in Nairobi to visit our Compassion child, Caroline Musuoki at her home and school.
Pray we would encourage and bless Caroline and her family. We have been her monthly supporters for five years with Compassion International. We will visit her home, school and project site.
6:00 pm – Return from Compassion project
4/23 6:00 pm – Depart on evening flight to Kitale
4/24 6:00 pm – African Theological Seminary (ATS these are ICM seminaries) Graduation Dinner honoring graduates
Pray blessing and honor over the graduates, many of whom are bi-vocational pastors, who will be better pastors and leaders because of their seminary training.
4/25 10:00 am – ATS Graduation Ceremony & Celebration in Kitale, Kenya
Praise the Lord!
4/26 10:00 am – Preaching in Church services
Pray we will give out God’s Word with the power of the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to the needs around us.
4/27-30 9:00 am – ICM Leadership Meetings
Pray for wisdom and strength, as we prepare and respond to the opportunities we are given to minister in the name of Jesus.
4/31 6:00 am – Travel to Uganda by car
5/1 6:00 pm – African Theological Seminary Graduation Dinner honoring graduates
Pray blessing and honor over the graduates, many of whom are bi-vocational pastors, who will be better pastors and leaders because of their seminary training.
5/2 10:00 am – ATS Graduation Ceremony & Celebration in Tororo, Uganda
Praise the Lord!
5/3 10:00 am – Preaching in Church services
5/4-5 9:00 am – ATS Leadership Summit (Paul)
Pray for wisdom and strength, as we prepare and respond to the opportunities we are given to minister in the name of Jesus.
5/6-9 9:00 am - ICM Leadership Meetings (Paul)
5/8-9 9:00 am – From Ashes to Beauty Women’s Conference (Sheryl)
Pray Isaiah 61:1-3.
5/10 10:00 am – Preaching in Church services
5/11 6:00 pm – Evening flight from Kitale to Goma, the Dominican Republic of Congo
Pray Romans 15:13.
5/12 9:00 am – Pastor’s Seminars in Goma (Paul)
Women’s Seminars in Goma (Sheryl)
Pray Isaiah 61:1-7
5/13 9:00 am - Pastor’s Seminars in Goma (Paul)
Women’s Seminars in Goma (Sheryl)
Pray the men and women who hear our messages would believe what God says about them. Pray that they would stand firm on their Identity in Christ. Pray they would use the In Christ I Am bookmark to walk in freedom in Christ.
5/14 9:00 am – Ministering in the Refugee Camp (prayer session with refugees)
5/15 6:00 pm – Sheryl takes evening flight from Goma to Nairobi
5/17 10:10 pm – Sheryl departs Nairobi to Amsterdam
5/18 1:25 pm – Sheryl departs Amsterdam to LAX
3:25 pm – Sheryl arrives at LAX, takes Airport Bus to Bakersfield
5/15 9:00 am – Paul, Grace Cabalka, Holly Culhane depart on evening flight to Kinshasa
5/16 9:00 am – Paul visits American school of “Tasok” in Kinshasa
5/17 10:00 am – Preaching in Sunday services
5/18 9:00 am – ICM Leadership meetings and lunch with ICM DRC staff
5/20-21 9:00 am – Launch of MLM Vol 2 in DRC: Vision Casting and Square 1 with the Atemas
5/22 6:00 pm – Paul departs Kinshasa to Nairobi
5/24 10:10 pm – Paul departs Nairobi to Amsterdam
5/25 1:25 pm – Paul departs Amsterdam
3:20 pm – Paul arrives LAX, takes Airport Bus to Bakersfield
Pray for those who have heard and believed God. Pray they will trust God is at work in their lives will continue to walk in freedom in Christ and know God has a plan and a purpose for everything He allows to happen in our lives.
Pray Ephesians 2:10 and Jeremiah 29:11.Thank you for your prayers in Jesus' Name! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
To donate your tax deductable love gift to Sheryl & Paul Giesbrecht's Africa Trip 2009, mail to: International Christian Ministries, P.O.Box 9071, Bakersfield, CA 93389-9071, Attn: Goma Trip - Giesbrechts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hopelessly Devoted
I am a woman of many moods and they all require chocolate. If chocolate were prescribed for feelings, maybe dark chocolate would be given for occasional bouts of depression. With financial trouble, maybe chewy caramel and nuts with milk chocolate, or for stress - semi-sweet chocolate with rice krispies. So many emotions, so many chocolates, so little time. Hopelessly devoted to chocolate? Hardly. Though today's variety of chocolate enticements might offer a temporary emotional escape, the chocolate hangover and extra pounds are definitely not worth the indulgence.
Good ole Webster's defines 'devoted' as a verb - a person who is set apart for a purpose. Hmmm, when you put it that way, I guess I am not as devoted to chocolate as I thought. Although the chocolate fix might be fun and satisfying for a moment, it's definitely not a healthy way to cope.
We are all devoted to something or someone; our job, husband, children, church or God. But just how devoted are we? A recent article in my newspaper showed what true devotion looks like. Darlene was a 48 year old woman who was terminally ill. Her dying wish to be married to her sweetheart, Scott was granted, just twelve days before she died. Darlene had stopped her anti-cancer treatments right before their wedding ceremony. Toward the end, as Darlene's cancer took over her body; she could not speak or even communicate with her new husband by blinking her eyes. Yet devoted Scott never left her side, he read her Bible verses, held her and comforted her. Darlene died peacefully, in the arms of her new husband, a short twelve days after they were married. Now that's passionate devotion.
God is hopelessly devoted to you.He is absolutely crazy in love with you. Jesus' dying wish was for you to know God's love. In John 17:23, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." When we choose to believe God loves us, it makes a difference in every decision we make and every turn we take.
God keeps you safe in his arms of love. His love will never let you go. He has an important plan for you. God affirms this love in Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness." God has loved you before time began; he has loved you for all eternity. What does devotion look like? It's God giving His Son Jesus to die in your place. I John 4:10, "This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." God is hopelessly devoted to you. Now it's your turn.
Hopelessly devoted to God? It's entirely possible; it is a choice we make every day, to believe God loves us and to walk out our devotion one step at a time. We can show the love of God with abandon in the way we treat our families, friends and church members. For starters, tell those around you "I LOVE YOU!" every time you get the chance. God gives His strength to us to show others what true devotion looks like, even to those we might view as unworthy, undeserving or unlovely. Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest says, "You can never be the same after the unveiling of a truth. That moment marks you as one who either continues on with even more devotion as a disciple of Jesus Christ, or as one who turns to back as a deserter."
Good ole Webster's defines 'devoted' as a verb - a person who is set apart for a purpose. Hmmm, when you put it that way, I guess I am not as devoted to chocolate as I thought. Although the chocolate fix might be fun and satisfying for a moment, it's definitely not a healthy way to cope.
We are all devoted to something or someone; our job, husband, children, church or God. But just how devoted are we? A recent article in my newspaper showed what true devotion looks like. Darlene was a 48 year old woman who was terminally ill. Her dying wish to be married to her sweetheart, Scott was granted, just twelve days before she died. Darlene had stopped her anti-cancer treatments right before their wedding ceremony. Toward the end, as Darlene's cancer took over her body; she could not speak or even communicate with her new husband by blinking her eyes. Yet devoted Scott never left her side, he read her Bible verses, held her and comforted her. Darlene died peacefully, in the arms of her new husband, a short twelve days after they were married. Now that's passionate devotion.
God is hopelessly devoted to you.He is absolutely crazy in love with you. Jesus' dying wish was for you to know God's love. In John 17:23, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." When we choose to believe God loves us, it makes a difference in every decision we make and every turn we take.
God keeps you safe in his arms of love. His love will never let you go. He has an important plan for you. God affirms this love in Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness." God has loved you before time began; he has loved you for all eternity. What does devotion look like? It's God giving His Son Jesus to die in your place. I John 4:10, "This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." God is hopelessly devoted to you. Now it's your turn.
Hopelessly devoted to God? It's entirely possible; it is a choice we make every day, to believe God loves us and to walk out our devotion one step at a time. We can show the love of God with abandon in the way we treat our families, friends and church members. For starters, tell those around you "I LOVE YOU!" every time you get the chance. God gives His strength to us to show others what true devotion looks like, even to those we might view as unworthy, undeserving or unlovely. Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest says, "You can never be the same after the unveiling of a truth. That moment marks you as one who either continues on with even more devotion as a disciple of Jesus Christ, or as one who turns to back as a deserter."
Thursday, January 29, 2009
9 Ways to Get Fit on the Cheap
Running the race doesn't have to break the bank.
As promised, I am posting the article from the Contra Costa Times on Sunday 1/23/09:
Nine Ways to Get Fit on the Cheap
by Jessica Yadegaran - Contra Costa Times - 1/23/09
Can't afford a gym membership? Makes sense, given the financial climate and the need to tighten our belts. But if you want to tighten that belt holding up your jeans, money is no excuse. There are plenty of ways to work out and get itno shape at little or no cost.
Below, find nine fabulous ways to get fit on the cheap:
1. TV as trainer. If you subscribe to digital or cable or get On Demand channels, you may have access to FitTV, which features found-the-clock exercise programming. Tighten your tummy with the belly-dancing show "Shimmy." Get toned with world-renowned trainer Gilad Janklowicz on "It's Body Sculpt with Gilad Janklowicz."
2. Squats are free. Incorporate them into real-life moving patterns. Try what he calls the "live lift" the next time you're picking up your kids' toys or grabbing that pen off the office floor. Simply bend from the hips -- not from the knees while keeping your spine straight and stable.
3. Find a buddy. Research has proved that people are more likely to exercise when they have someone to do it with. So, grab a friend or family member before or after dinner. Then walk. Jog. Bike. swim. Find a form of exercise and a time that works and stick with it. In the beginning, commit to 30 minutes of exercise two or three days a week.
4. One-legged moves. You don't need a gym or even hand weights to see results from resistance training. Using your body weight is usually more than enough. Challenge yourself by working one at a time. Sit in a chair and stand back up on one leg. Three sets of 10 repetitions three times a week are recommended.
5. YouFit. Did you know you could be getting in shape while watching YouTube? No, not with those quirky Croatian music videos. A search of "fitness" yields 28,000 results, including salsa dancing workouts, abdominal workouts by Ford models and a series of mine-minute workout videos catered to woemn and weights.
6. Take the stairs. Let's face it, they're all around you -- at the mall, the library, and all parking structures. So skip the elevator and channel your inner Rocky.
7. Get toned with iTunes. If you have an iPod, you can download hundreds of fitness related podcasts.
8. Stretch. Yes, improving flexibility aids in weight loss. Tight muscles decreas blood flow, which can slow down fat elimination.
9. Look around. Your environment - your house, your community - is full of exercise tools and resources. The track at the nearby high school. Walking and hiking trails.
What a great article, found right in my local newspaper. I've seen some recent statistics that are really shocking: 65% of adults are overweight. Obesity is a preventable illness. Exercise can help tackle obesity.
It can be a difficult thing to add exercise to our already full schedules, but it is well worth the effort. We can balance our lives by exercising regularly. Taking care of our bodies with exercise doesn't have to be a chore. Figure out what type of activity you are going to do, when you are going to do it, who you are going to do it with and begin. The are so many benefits. Dr. Norm Wright says, "Good physical conditioning strengthens the body's immune system and increases endorfins which are the brain's natural tranquilizers." We can't afford NOT to exercise. The benefits are out of this world.
"Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away,yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:6-18
Stay Strong,
Sheryl
As promised, I am posting the article from the Contra Costa Times on Sunday 1/23/09:
Nine Ways to Get Fit on the Cheap
by Jessica Yadegaran - Contra Costa Times - 1/23/09
Can't afford a gym membership? Makes sense, given the financial climate and the need to tighten our belts. But if you want to tighten that belt holding up your jeans, money is no excuse. There are plenty of ways to work out and get itno shape at little or no cost.
Below, find nine fabulous ways to get fit on the cheap:
1. TV as trainer. If you subscribe to digital or cable or get On Demand channels, you may have access to FitTV, which features found-the-clock exercise programming. Tighten your tummy with the belly-dancing show "Shimmy." Get toned with world-renowned trainer Gilad Janklowicz on "It's Body Sculpt with Gilad Janklowicz."
2. Squats are free. Incorporate them into real-life moving patterns. Try what he calls the "live lift" the next time you're picking up your kids' toys or grabbing that pen off the office floor. Simply bend from the hips -- not from the knees while keeping your spine straight and stable.
3. Find a buddy. Research has proved that people are more likely to exercise when they have someone to do it with. So, grab a friend or family member before or after dinner. Then walk. Jog. Bike. swim. Find a form of exercise and a time that works and stick with it. In the beginning, commit to 30 minutes of exercise two or three days a week.
4. One-legged moves. You don't need a gym or even hand weights to see results from resistance training. Using your body weight is usually more than enough. Challenge yourself by working one at a time. Sit in a chair and stand back up on one leg. Three sets of 10 repetitions three times a week are recommended.
5. YouFit. Did you know you could be getting in shape while watching YouTube? No, not with those quirky Croatian music videos. A search of "fitness" yields 28,000 results, including salsa dancing workouts, abdominal workouts by Ford models and a series of mine-minute workout videos catered to woemn and weights.
6. Take the stairs. Let's face it, they're all around you -- at the mall, the library, and all parking structures. So skip the elevator and channel your inner Rocky.
7. Get toned with iTunes. If you have an iPod, you can download hundreds of fitness related podcasts.
8. Stretch. Yes, improving flexibility aids in weight loss. Tight muscles decreas blood flow, which can slow down fat elimination.
9. Look around. Your environment - your house, your community - is full of exercise tools and resources. The track at the nearby high school. Walking and hiking trails.
What a great article, found right in my local newspaper. I've seen some recent statistics that are really shocking: 65% of adults are overweight. Obesity is a preventable illness. Exercise can help tackle obesity.
It can be a difficult thing to add exercise to our already full schedules, but it is well worth the effort. We can balance our lives by exercising regularly. Taking care of our bodies with exercise doesn't have to be a chore. Figure out what type of activity you are going to do, when you are going to do it, who you are going to do it with and begin. The are so many benefits. Dr. Norm Wright says, "Good physical conditioning strengthens the body's immune system and increases endorfins which are the brain's natural tranquilizers." We can't afford NOT to exercise. The benefits are out of this world.
"Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away,yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:6-18
Stay Strong,
Sheryl
Monday, January 26, 2009
Running the Race...Join me for an Internet Interview 1/26 @ 6 pm
All of us are all in the race...the question is - how are we competing? Some are still waiting to start, some are limping along and some have been close to calling it quits. If you want to run the race well, it takes discipline. Good ole Webster's dictionary defines discipline as 'training that produces orderliness.' But it is more than that, discipline is a choice, a decision to obey the rules of self-control. The Bible has a lot to say about discipline and in today's study, we reviewed one of my favorite verses,
"Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get acrown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Don't miss my internet radio interview tonite! I am privileged to have the opportunity to talk with Donna Partow and partner with you in the 90 Day Jumpstart to a New You, it's not too late to join the online support community for the women's Bible Study - Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be. This is a life-changing Bible study you don't want to miss. I am honored to be part of Donna's team as the Fitness Guru--and a cancer survivor. We will be taking your questions and praying for requests on the air.
I know internet radio is new to most of you, but you CAN do it. Check out my FACEBOOK page to follow this link to the Radio Show page.
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=35679&cmd=tc
You can click the button to listen right on your computer (and participate in the chat) or call (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 35679
Cheering you on in the race,
Sheryl
"Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get acrown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Don't miss my internet radio interview tonite! I am privileged to have the opportunity to talk with Donna Partow and partner with you in the 90 Day Jumpstart to a New You, it's not too late to join the online support community for the women's Bible Study - Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be. This is a life-changing Bible study you don't want to miss. I am honored to be part of Donna's team as the Fitness Guru--and a cancer survivor. We will be taking your questions and praying for requests on the air.
I know internet radio is new to most of you, but you CAN do it. Check out my FACEBOOK page to follow this link to the Radio Show page.
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=35679&cmd=tc
You can click the button to listen right on your computer (and participate in the chat) or call (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 35679
Cheering you on in the race,
Sheryl
Friday, January 9, 2009
A Living Sacrifice?
What does it mean to be a Living Sacrifice?
Have you ever wondered, if I’m offering my body as a living sacrifice, like it says in Romans 12:1, then why does it keep crawling off the altar? Are you tired of the diet roller coaster? Tired of losing weight only to gain it back? Are you sick of starting an exercise program only to quit? Are you frustrated because you promised yourself, "This time I will succeed?" My desire for you is that you will care for your body, mind and soul as an act of worship, not guilt. We can do this through joining together in the 90 Day Jumpstart to a New You (www.DonnaPartow.com). I will be praying for each of your success as you lean on God for strength.
When you think of caring for your body, most of us automatically think of diets.1Corinthians 6:19 and 20 is often used as a verse to motivate people to say on diets. It is: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
But taking care of our bodies is much more than just a diet, it’s a lifestyle. I think of it as an act of worship to God. It’s like this -- when we become Christians, the Holy Spirit fills us and lives in us. We no longer own our bodies. “Bought at a price” refers to slaves purchased at an auction. Christ’s death freed us from sin, but also obligates us to his service. Many people say they have the right to do whatever they want with their own bodies. They think this is freedom but they are really enslaved to their own desires.
Who do you belong to?
If you live in a building owned by someone else, you try not to violate the building’s rules. Because your body belongs to God, you must not violate his standards for living.
As people of the Word of God, we are free to eat and drink whatever we want, but in everything we do we must glorify God. "If the Son has set you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36.
What does it mean to you to be a living sacrifice? Send me a note or post on my blog. I pray for each of you to be the people of God He wants you to be, to walk in the spirit, filled with His Word and sharing the Love of Jesus until He comes.
A word of encouragement from Leonard Sweet, from his book Soul Salsa, “Just as the health industry is moving from treating disease to creating health, so the church must redesign itself as a place that creates wellness rather than attends the sick. And wellness incorporates body, mind and spirit.”
Here's to Feeling Fine in 2009!
Sheryl
Have you ever wondered, if I’m offering my body as a living sacrifice, like it says in Romans 12:1, then why does it keep crawling off the altar? Are you tired of the diet roller coaster? Tired of losing weight only to gain it back? Are you sick of starting an exercise program only to quit? Are you frustrated because you promised yourself, "This time I will succeed?" My desire for you is that you will care for your body, mind and soul as an act of worship, not guilt. We can do this through joining together in the 90 Day Jumpstart to a New You (www.DonnaPartow.com). I will be praying for each of your success as you lean on God for strength.
When you think of caring for your body, most of us automatically think of diets.1Corinthians 6:19 and 20 is often used as a verse to motivate people to say on diets. It is: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
But taking care of our bodies is much more than just a diet, it’s a lifestyle. I think of it as an act of worship to God. It’s like this -- when we become Christians, the Holy Spirit fills us and lives in us. We no longer own our bodies. “Bought at a price” refers to slaves purchased at an auction. Christ’s death freed us from sin, but also obligates us to his service. Many people say they have the right to do whatever they want with their own bodies. They think this is freedom but they are really enslaved to their own desires.
Who do you belong to?
If you live in a building owned by someone else, you try not to violate the building’s rules. Because your body belongs to God, you must not violate his standards for living.
As people of the Word of God, we are free to eat and drink whatever we want, but in everything we do we must glorify God. "If the Son has set you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36.
What does it mean to you to be a living sacrifice? Send me a note or post on my blog. I pray for each of you to be the people of God He wants you to be, to walk in the spirit, filled with His Word and sharing the Love of Jesus until He comes.
A word of encouragement from Leonard Sweet, from his book Soul Salsa, “Just as the health industry is moving from treating disease to creating health, so the church must redesign itself as a place that creates wellness rather than attends the sick. And wellness incorporates body, mind and spirit.”
Here's to Feeling Fine in 2009!
Sheryl
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