Fit for the Kingdom

I went to the beach today to have some quiet time and the sun was out, the water was sparkling, and there were tons of people passing me on the bike path. I see all of these people in their expensive workout clothes with their ipod and perfectly shaped bodies. Our generation is so into being fit. I will admit that I have fallen into the same trap. But what happened to getting fit for God's kingdom?

We exercise to the point of obsession to impress the world and to let out our stress and to become disciplined people. We try to match the world's image of beauty and perfection.

It takes practice, dedication, and sacrifice when trying to become "fit" or "healthy". It's hard work! And so many of us try to attain this lifestyle. I have definitely tried.

But when is it that we take this same time and energy to get fit for God's kingdom? Do we practice as much, dedicate as much, sacrifice as much for Him? I don't. I should...but I don't.

Exercise and being healthy is not wrong. It's not sinful. But if we aren't becoming fit for God's kingdom then we are becoming fit for nothing. Our youth, our vitality, and anything of this world will pass away. God is the only thing that will not pass away. So I sure need to hold on tight. I need to be getting fit for HIS kingdom instead of getting fit my swimsuit.

Why do we desire to become physically fit? For our health, to live longer, to take care of ourselves, or maybe to look like a celebrity on a magazine. We try so many different classes, or workout plans, or exercise clothes, or diet plans just to look good. Women try so many of these things time after time, but we are never fulfilled. Physical fitness cannot complete us fully. There is only one who can fill us completely. Our Father.

And I pray he will change my heart to seek Him alone, instead of seeking other means of fulfillment first. I raise this issue because this is where I fall short. I am not practicing to become fit for God's kingdom in the same way that I would practice to become physically fit. I've already tried all the classes, all the "healthy living", all the rules. I've obsessed over physical fitness and I have come up more empty than ever. And trust me, I know how much dedication and practice it takes to become "fit". So if only I could apply this dedication and practice to the kingdom of God. I'm not saying it will be easy, but neither is physical fitness. And fitness for the kingdom of God has a lot more benefits than having a nice body.

Revelations 21:4 says, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

When has physical fitness ever promised to do these things? Or when has physical fitness ever fulfilled any of these promises? It has definitely never been faithful to me. But our Father, who is Love, has promised eternal life. And His promises, unlike the world's promises, do not fade away.

THIS IS DISTURBING!

I was so absolutely appalled by this website that I had to post it. It made me so upset that the media is so manipulative of women's size and shape. I knew that photos where airbrushed and retouched, but I always seem to think that models and celebrities are just as tiny as they look.

http://photoretouched.tumblr.com/

Stretch it Out!

I'm at the library right now with a sore back from slumping over my computer. So, I decided to take a stretch break! Get up, go to the bathroom, stretch your arms over your head, behind your back, twist side to side, just get that blood flowing. Sometimes when I am writing papers all day I keep water next to me and I just keep drinking the water, which is not only keeping me hydrated, but it forces me to get up often to use the bathroom. Then, when I come back, I feel relaxed and more focused.

To Refrigerate or not to Refrigerate

So this morning I was really wondering what fruits are ACTUALLY supposed to be refrigerated and which aren't. I was always taught just to refrigerate berries, but leave apples, oranges, melon, and bananas on the counter. Well, after mixed reviews online, I came to the conclusion that refrigerating apples and oranges can lengthen their life, but it may cost a bit of taste. Fruits like melons, mangoes, kiwis, etc. (ones that ripen when home from the store) can be left on the counter until they are ripe, then you can place them in the fridge for longer life. So with that said, I guess I will try sticking my apples and oranges in the fridge. Funny, I always thought the fridge made them ripen more quickly, but I was wrong!

Rotten Bananas!!!

Next time your bananas are brown beyond belief and you don't want to eat them, stick them in the freezer until you have time to make banana bread! When you have the time and the ingredients, you can just pull them out and let them thaw or stick them in the microwave and make them into delicious banana bread. Here is my favorite recipe (I tried adding a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg last time I made it and it was extra yummy:))

Banana Nut Bread

Whisk together thoroughly:
- 1 1/3 cup flour
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder

In large bowl, beat on high until lightened in color and texture (2-3 min):
- 5 1/3 Tbs. unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup sugar

Beat in flour mixture then beat in:
2 Eggs

Fold in:
- 1 Cup Mashed bananas (2-3 bananas- the more the tastier!)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (optional but so good!)

Spread batter into greased pan (can grease w/ leftover butter wrapper). Bake @ 350 for 50-60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack 5-10 minutes, then remove from pan to cool completely on rack.

This recipe is absolutely wonderful! I love it!

Baby Monkey

So it's before philosophy class and I am probably going to be late, but I just had to watch this video to up my mood. It is so great. Baby Monkey Riding on a Pig. If you want the full link here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_sfnQDr1-o. Compliments of Elizabeth Sherwood (my beautiful roommate!) :)

Dove Campaign

So last night my roommates and I were looking at the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. I had always seen it on TV and been intrigued, But I had never checked it out further. I think it is awesome how they use real models, no airbrushing, no computer alterations, nothing. These women are beautiful and it is 100% them! If you want to see a shocking video on body alterations in commercials, Youtube "dove evolution". I couldn't believe they actually did that! But I'm glad Dove stands up for what they believe. 

Dove Campaign

Soak up the SUNshine and the O2!

Today I was panicking about all of the work that I had to do and I was sitting in starbucks for way too long studying! My mom called and told me, "You need to get outside and walk around! The Vitamin D will do you well!". To which I responded..."I have all of my things and I have to study and and and...". But then I decided to listen to her advice and take a break, so Kate and I went for a walk around the marina and it definitely did wonders for me! Sometimes I get so stressed, but all I need is a walk and fresh air! So, my advice for the day is enjoy that sunshine and try going on a walk each day. Even if it is only ten or fifteen minutes. It will help you to focus on your task when you get back and it will decrease your stress levels.


Soak up that sun and fresh air!

A Psalm to take to heart

Read over this Psalm and remember how much the Creator loved and adored you when He created you and how much He loves and adores you now. When God created you, there were no mistakes, no regrets. He is perfect and He does not make mistakes. So when you are criticizing yourself for some imperfection or "flaw" remember that the Creator of the universe had a plan for your life and He loves you more than you will ever comprehend.

 ¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
   they would outnumber the grains of sand—
   when I awake, I am still with you.

Psalm 139:13-18

Eating Late at Night

So my lovely roommate Elizabeth wanted me to post this fun fact because we were just talking about this. So apparently, eating before going to bed or eating late at night does not cause you to gain weight. If your body is showing signs of hunger before bed, have a little bit to eat. If you are staying up later than normal it makes sense that your body would need more food because it is still working. And even after you go to bed, your body is still working. So instead of being hungry all night long, have a little snack if you are hungry late!

Mama always told me...

You know how people say moms are always right? Well they pretty much are, at least most of the time. My mom has always told me, “You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself first.” I always thought that was so silly and so selfish, but I’m finally starting to realize that until I learn to take care of myself, I have nothing to pour out onto other people. So with that being said, try taking care of yourself and you will learn that you will have much more to pour out onto others. I will try to listen to my own advice today :)

Nutrition Tip

So, lately there has been a big emphasis on "lean protein" (chicken turkey, no fat, no butter, etc.). Now granted, anything in excess is not good for you, but I actually learned from a nutritionist that it's important for women to make sure they get eggs, fish, butter, and even red meat into their diet! I feel like I am always told to stay away from red meat, but it is actually okay to have it once or twice a week! She called eggs and fish "ovary foods" because women's ovaries apparently are lined with fat that is necessary for women to get periods, get pregnant, etc. Fat is also important for our brains because as I learned in Lifespan and Development class today, the myelin sheath is a fatty layer that outlines the axons, which are a part of each neuron. In order for neurons to be effective in making connections, they need that fatty layer. Thus ladies, it's important to have some fat in your everyday diet as long as it isn't in excess. So...with all of that said, I'm not going to go for the lean chicken or the peanut butter for dinner tonight; I went for the steak burrito with Kerrie and the switch up in my diet did me well. :) My next addition to my limited college diet will be salmon!

SO after thinking all day about what I want to do with my blog, I have finally decided. Each post I will try to give some sort of tip, or insight, or whatever to help out the lovely women in my life. In giving advice and inspiration, it is my hope that I will be able to apply some of it to my own life. So I guess you could say this blog will be my accountability. It isn't my hope to be perfect, or just add this as something to my to do list, but it's meant to be fun! Sometimes I get down on myself or get too caught up in the image of LA, so it's my hope to discover some things about myself and to share some things with whoever may read. Hopefully my roomies will at least read my blog for a few days. The first tip I want to give you is about cooking!

So, a good friend of mine and a beautiful girl, Kerrie, told me that she often cooks in big batches, then freezes them in individual size portions in tupperware so that when she has to grab something for lunch or dinner, it is all ready and it's homemade! So today I made a few portions of whole wheat pasta, divided it all up, and added some tomato sauce, meatballs, and peas. Then I let them sit out until they cooled to room temperature and popped them in the freezer! Now I have a few meals on reserve for when I need them. And the more often you do this, the more variety of meals you will have ready in your freezer! Thanks Kerrie!!

Day 1

I have no idea what to write or how to design a blog, but I am excited! Today I will leave you with my favorite Youtube video of all times... Kittens! :)