Flashback Friday Devotion #33 [Excuses, Excuses]

Hi, Everyone.
I thought I had finished the mini-series on giving yesterday, but then I realized that I had one more point to make, which I will do on Monday, and then we'll start something new on Tuesday.
Today, please remember to pray for all those who are having or are recovering from surgery today. Please remember me in your prayers, as I write new devotions, and, as always, it encourages me to hear from you.
My family just left for school and work, and it's very quiet. I feel the tug of the Master, to spend time with Him. Typing these devotions prepares my heart, quite often. It's a blessing, and I thank you for allowing me to share.
Today's devotion, from my personal journal dated May 11, 2007, is about a topic that many of us try to avoid, but it's such an integral part of our weight-loss journey. 

Flashback Friday Devotion #33 [Excuses, Excuses]

     This morning, after my Quiet Time, I began to pray for God's teaching for me today. After getting quiet before Him, I "heard" Him ask, "Are you going to the pool today?" [I have a friend with an indoor lap pool.]
     With a cringe, I replied, "No, Father. There isn't time." I think I heard a holy "Hmm." I felt so convicted! I began to explain myself. "Lord, You know I spent days in pain, at the beginning of the week, then we had to take the car in to be checked out, then...well, I could have gone yesterday. I just didn't, Lord. Oh, I'm lazy, Lord. What's the word You use in Your Word?"
     I waited, and the word came to me..."sluggard." Ouch! It's amazing, though. I did not feel condemned. I felt convicted, but I also felt so loved!
     I went to my concordance and found "sluggard" in Proverbs 26:13, "The sluggard says, 'There is a lion in the road!'..."  I started laughing so hard, because THAT IS ME! I can't do this or that because "there's a lion in the road!" Excuses, excuses. I've got a million of them!
     Now I see that I must fight laziness, just as I fight gluttony...with God's help. I repent of my laziness, and I'm asking God to help me do some form of exercise at least 5 days of the week. If, for some reason, I can't get out to exercise, I can walk inside and/or lift hand weights. [Update: I just bought a tabletop arm ergometer/bike from WalMart.com, for just under $40, and I now have a Gazelle.]
     I desire to make permanent changes in my lifestyle, to be healthy, trim, and fit, for the rest of my life, by the mercy of God and for the glory of God.

Today, evaluate how well you're doing in the area of exercise. How can you make it a time of praise and worship? To inspire you, watch the following video of a multigenerational praise and worship dance team, who performed "I Hope You Dance" on Mother's Day. My favorite members are the two mothers, holding their baby. If dancing at church is new to you, keep in mind that "David danced before the Lord with all his might" (II Samuel 6:14), even though his wife, Michal, didn't like it. 
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=0b0e22b18e8cce 10a14f

Blessings, and I Hope You Dance,
Mary

Thanks Mary!
  what really stuck me with this  was  where you wrote: " How can you make it a time of praise and worship?"


   That "sacrifice of praise" came to mind.   We sometimes have to 'make ourselves' praise and worship when we really don't want to or 'feel ' like it....that's when it is sacrificial...the more we praise...the more  our eyes  are off oneself and our worries and our spirit begins to lift.  ..like the words of the song Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus  .."things of earth will grow strangely dim..."

Teri

Hi, Teri.
I'd forgotten I'd asked that question, but then I remembered how the Lord nudged me with that very question, when I prepared today's devotion for my OH friends the very first time. I just love how awesomely current God is, no matter the time frame. :)
Yes, "the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." :)
Thanks for reading and replying, Teri. It blesses me.
Blessings,
Mary