Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Sport or Fitness (02/15/07)
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TITLE: Fitness Checklist | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lauri Gruen
02/21/07 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I even prepared a Fitness Checklist to get ready for the big day.
10 Steps to Successful Fitness Training
1) Quality equipment
2) Proper warm-up
3) Set goals
4) Wholesome Diet - plenty of water, eat lightly
5) Develop a F-I-T plan - Frequency, Intensity, Time
6) Find a buddy
7) Resist temptation to make excuses
8) Journal to record progress, frustrations, victories
9) Ask the experts for advice
10) ENJOY!
January 2nd finally arrived; I set my alarm the night before one hour earlier than usual. As soon as I heard that shrill alarm, I was ready to engage the number one excuse; “I’m too tired.” After a 2-minute pep talk, both feet are planted on the floor. With squinted eyes, I grope for the coffee machine. The first 8 ounces of water will have to wait until sunrise at least.
I doubted 8 ounces of caffeine was included on my checklist. Nevertheless, entering the darkened, chilly, pre-dawn room clutching that warm cup of coffee surely brought comfort. Thank you Lord, you’ve brought me to the place I desire, at your feet, ready to enter your spiritual training program. I slowly reached for my brand new “One-Year” Bible. Yes, this was THE year! I was determined to discipline myself to read the Bible every day and become spiritually F-I-T! Only with the Lord’s help, of course. It was obvious, not five minutes into this new program, the devil was trying to abort the mission. (See Step no. 7 above)
I pulled out the Fitness Checklist tucked inside my Bible and contemplated if I was prepared for my adventure into the Word.
1) Quality equipment: My Christmas present to me: a brand new, leather-bound One-Year Bible with shiny gilded pages.
2) Proper warm-up: Prayer is a must! “Dear Lord, Thank You for Your Word and Your faithfulness to lead me on this path of Your truth. Please allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate Your Word, which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
3) Set goals: Read the entire bible in 365 days.
4) Wholesome diet: Index cards with Scripture written out. “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.” (John 4:14) “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Mt 4:4)
5) Develop a F-I-T plan: First thing every morning, I will read 2-3 chapters for at least 20 minutes.
6) Find a buddy: How comforting to know my sister in the Lord, 800 miles away, is also starting her journey into the Word on this very same morning.
7) Resist temptation to make excuses: I told the devil this morning, “Get away, I am NOT too tired to spend time with my Lord.”
8) Journal to record progress, struggles, victories: With ears to hear, pen to record and notebook to fill, I was ready to document this journey with God.
9) Ask the experts for advice: A mature Christian friend agreed to share her insights with me on Scripture, as needed.
10) ENJOY! How sweet it is to feel the Lord’s presence embrace me as He teaches His Word to me.
Genesis 1:1 - ready or not, here I come!
* * *
I never had much athletic ability. I don’t have any secret training strategies or tips for peak performance on the field. Truth be told, I was always the last one picked for a team in school.
Enter God.
He single-handedly called me by name and picked me for His team. He is training me for His army to battle the enemies of His Kingdom. This challenge is just as fierce as any known sport to man; amateur, pro or Olympic style.
Like any athlete or soldier, it is my choice to get fit. Spiritually, that is; by studying, embracing, eating and breathing His Word. Though I might start in a sedentary position on my knees and never experience muscle pain or fatigue, I know there are imperishable crowns awaiting me as I discipline myself to run this race with endurance.
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