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Morning Essentials

We were early to school this morning, which, truth be told, is rare. Not that Annelise has a lot of tardies or anything (three, I think) but we usually pull into the car line with smokin' tires and Annelise has to, um...make a run for it. Nice, no?
Recently, I've made a deal with myself that I will do my daily bible reading (I started following the read-the-bible-in-a-year plan again that I fizzled out on last year), bible study lesson (started a new book study on Ruth that's really good so far) and journal writing (trying to find the lost journaler within again) before anything else. So far this plan is working and I feel so much better knowing I've gotten the important *stuff* accomplished first. I also take a little time to work on my monthly scripture challenge. Here is my verse for the second part of the month:
"...train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and life to come." 1 Timothy 4: 7b-8
It would be great if I extended my little deal with myself to include exercise before I do anything else, but I'm not quite there yet. However, I can tell you that I had a short date with Jillian Michaels yesterday and plan to meet with her again today for another energizing workout. I hadn't done The Shred in quite a while, having preferred my Beachbody workouts, but honestly, I haven't even been doing those (or at the most once or twice a month, which you know, doesn't actually yield the best results). Even though Jillian annoys me (Why so angry, hmm Jillian?) I like that the workout routine combines large muscle groups with smaller ones, throws in cardio and abs too in a short, effective workout package. I hope that doing this will be my gateway drug into regular (I'm a little scared to say daily) exercise again.
And, just so you know, I don't tell y'all about my attempts to improve spiritually and physically to sound like I've got it all together because, hello, have you met me? All I'm doing is trying to do (and be) better. I fail a LOT and pout for a while and then I try again. And repeat. Case in point, take this past Sunday morning when I was getting ready for church. What started out as an innocent step onto our new scale before hopping into the shower led to a rapid fire downward spiral of my mood. By the time I wriggled myself into my knock-off Spanx, followed by my dress that was still too snug and tried to apply make-up to my by that time sweaty face I was in a state of self-loathing that could not be vanquished. I was also running late (no surprise there). I'm ashamed to admit that I gave up and decided not to go. You know that scripture about not giving the devil a foothold? (Ephesians 4:27) Well, I did and he ran rampant with my insecurities and I allowed him a victory in that battle.
"Submit then yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
I need to remember that. And practice it.
Happy Tuesday y'all!
Posted by Holly at 12:30 PM Labels: scripture challenge, spiritual matters, the dailies

 Hey Y'all I'm Holly. Nice to meet you! That's What She Said Marathon Memories