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."
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
New Year's Revolution
New beginnings. We've all had them. A time to begin again could be a New Year's Day goal, a move to a new town or the start of a new semester at school. Most of the time new starts catch us by surprise, sometimes when something new comes our way, we might not feel prepared. We might think it's not the right time for a change or maybe we are just plain terrified. Whatever the case, new beginnings can be new opportunities.
What's new? Is something looming in the distance, possibly a situation you might be dreading? Are you waiting for test results, an adult child soon to leave home or will you start a new job? Whatever it is, it can be an opportunity for you to trust God. I remember the spring of 2004, I was waiting for results after an MRI test had been done on my head. I had found a lump underneath my eye, in four weeks, I saw many doctors but none could diagnose what was wrong. When the MRI was finally complete, the days seemed like years while we waited for the results.
Instead of viewing your situation with worry, try applying wonder. You might wonder how God will get you beyond your fear! And that's okay. Remember, when fear grows teeth, it's called faith. Choose God's grace instead of the giddies, choose character building exercises instead of the rut of the comfort zone. While I waited for the results of my MRI, I studied Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" Instead of fear, I chose to have faith in God, the only One who knows the future.
The children of Israel were prisoners, captives of an evil king. Even when they were held against their will in the pagan city of Babylon, they were told to look for the new thing - their release from slavery. They were told to expect freedom. Things hadn't gone exactly according to their plan, the years of their imprisonment lasted longer than they expected, they thought God had forgotten them. God gave them hope through Isaiah the prophet. He told them change, new things were coming. They were told to watch, wait for it and not to miss it. "Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things:before they spring forth I will declare them to you." Isaiah 42:9
What new beginning is on your horizon? What bold thing is God asking you to do? You might feel like there are circumstances holding you captive and like the children of Israel, things haven't gone according to your plan. Choose to notice the new thing God is doing in the midst of your old circumstances. Check out Isaiah 43:18,19, Isaiah 43:10, Psalm 98:1, Isaiah 65:17. I hope this new year brings exciting things your way as you examine the areas in your life where God is working and choose to join him. Let the changes and challenges of the New Year revolutionize the way you view God. Embrace the new things coming your way!
Love and prayers,
Sheryl
What's new? Is something looming in the distance, possibly a situation you might be dreading? Are you waiting for test results, an adult child soon to leave home or will you start a new job? Whatever it is, it can be an opportunity for you to trust God. I remember the spring of 2004, I was waiting for results after an MRI test had been done on my head. I had found a lump underneath my eye, in four weeks, I saw many doctors but none could diagnose what was wrong. When the MRI was finally complete, the days seemed like years while we waited for the results.
Instead of viewing your situation with worry, try applying wonder. You might wonder how God will get you beyond your fear! And that's okay. Remember, when fear grows teeth, it's called faith. Choose God's grace instead of the giddies, choose character building exercises instead of the rut of the comfort zone. While I waited for the results of my MRI, I studied Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" Instead of fear, I chose to have faith in God, the only One who knows the future.
The children of Israel were prisoners, captives of an evil king. Even when they were held against their will in the pagan city of Babylon, they were told to look for the new thing - their release from slavery. They were told to expect freedom. Things hadn't gone exactly according to their plan, the years of their imprisonment lasted longer than they expected, they thought God had forgotten them. God gave them hope through Isaiah the prophet. He told them change, new things were coming. They were told to watch, wait for it and not to miss it. "Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things:before they spring forth I will declare them to you." Isaiah 42:9
What new beginning is on your horizon? What bold thing is God asking you to do? You might feel like there are circumstances holding you captive and like the children of Israel, things haven't gone according to your plan. Choose to notice the new thing God is doing in the midst of your old circumstances. Check out Isaiah 43:18,19, Isaiah 43:10, Psalm 98:1, Isaiah 65:17. I hope this new year brings exciting things your way as you examine the areas in your life where God is working and choose to join him. Let the changes and challenges of the New Year revolutionize the way you view God. Embrace the new things coming your way!
Love and prayers,
Sheryl
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Reaching Out to the Community
Christmas at KAXL begins with connecting to our community through our many outreach efforts. At Thanksgiving, we collected the fixings for Boxes of Love in collaboration with Here's Life Inner City (www.hlicbakersfield.org), through this effort we were able to participate in feeding over 2,000 families. And then we supported Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child (www.samaritanspurse.org) - filling shoeboxes with small gifts that will be shipped all around the world, along with the transforming message of the love of Jesus Christ. Locally, we helped launch the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Drive (www.SalvationArmy.org) in front of the Marketplace last Saturday. The motto of the Salvation Army "Doing the Most Good!" and that's keeping our money right here in Kern County to help needy families. I encourage you to take part in at least one community outreach this holiday season...it helps us to continue to see others with the eyes of Jesus! Many blessings in Jesus' name, Sheryl
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Out and About with Proverbs 31 Women!
Dear Listeners,
One of my favorite things is spending time with women. Another one of my favorite things is having a meal at a nice restaurant. I also love to teach the truth of God's word.In March, I got a speaking invitation from Debbe Haley, the co-director of a local business women's networking group called Proverbs 31. I LOVE MY JOB!
What a blessing to share my story with other women. What a privilege to tell them how much God loves them. I shared the ashes of my past and explained how God has changed my ashes into a crown of beauty. I explained about how safe we are in Christ and that God has an important plan for each of our lives. I thank Him for raising me up to a place where he can be glorified. Here at KAXL, I am invited to speak, share, MC, visit on behalf of KAXL, but also to share what God has done in my life. And that's A LOT!
A quick visit to their website will tell you about the group:
Pro 31 stands for Proverbs 31, the chapter in God's word which describes a godly wife and a virtuous woman. We are a group of working women, some self-employed, some employed by others and some partly-retired, who seek to glorify God in our work and daily lives. We have monthly lunches where we share a little about ourselves and businesses, network and receive an inspiring and encouraging word from wise, Godly women in the group. We're very pleased you've found our site and pray you'll find this group warm and welcoming. The group is for all of us and to God be the glory!
The Proverbs 31 Network meets on the second Thursday of each month, at the Petroleum Club. To find out more information and what's coming up next, check out their website -- www.pro31network.com. Who knows, maybe next month, we sit across the table from each other, with all of my favorite things - women, lunch and sound Bible teaching. See you at Proverbs 31 Network!
May God richly bless your life,
Sheryl
One of my favorite things is spending time with women. Another one of my favorite things is having a meal at a nice restaurant. I also love to teach the truth of God's word.In March, I got a speaking invitation from Debbe Haley, the co-director of a local business women's networking group called Proverbs 31. I LOVE MY JOB!
What a blessing to share my story with other women. What a privilege to tell them how much God loves them. I shared the ashes of my past and explained how God has changed my ashes into a crown of beauty. I explained about how safe we are in Christ and that God has an important plan for each of our lives. I thank Him for raising me up to a place where he can be glorified. Here at KAXL, I am invited to speak, share, MC, visit on behalf of KAXL, but also to share what God has done in my life. And that's A LOT!
A quick visit to their website will tell you about the group:
Pro 31 stands for Proverbs 31, the chapter in God's word which describes a godly wife and a virtuous woman. We are a group of working women, some self-employed, some employed by others and some partly-retired, who seek to glorify God in our work and daily lives. We have monthly lunches where we share a little about ourselves and businesses, network and receive an inspiring and encouraging word from wise, Godly women in the group. We're very pleased you've found our site and pray you'll find this group warm and welcoming. The group is for all of us and to God be the glory!
The Proverbs 31 Network meets on the second Thursday of each month, at the Petroleum Club. To find out more information and what's coming up next, check out their website -- www.pro31network.com. Who knows, maybe next month, we sit across the table from each other, with all of my favorite things - women, lunch and sound Bible teaching. See you at Proverbs 31 Network!
May God richly bless your life,
Sheryl
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