Training for a Spartan Super Training: My Next Level

Determination, perseverance and consistency are the three main words that pushes me as I continue on my journey for the Spartan Super.

I just signed up for the Warrior Dash since it has always been on my fitness bucket list ever since they came to Hawaii in 2012. I'm wishing I could do it for timing but there were a lot of family and friends that were willing to sign up! It's okay-my goal is still the Spartan Super in 2014. 

I've been consistently exercising as well as changing my eating habits as you may have noted in my previous blogs. 

But, I'm preparing for the next level of fitness because all this time, I've only been incorporating what I've done with my former boot camp classes because my trainer's workouts are aligned with Spartan Race workouts. However, I just downloaded the Spartan Race eBook (helloooo, why didn't I do this sooner?!) and they provide a workout plan as well as the philosophy behind Spartan Race.

I love the fact that the Spartan Race is more than just an "obstacle race". It's a lifestyle change, which I've inputted my own perspective to fuel me. It's like my walk with God. To be what God has called me to be and to show my heart is always with Him (like maintaining a healthy lifestyle not just for obstacle racing), I need to prepare myself (daily devotions), plan (read my Bible), and daily exercise (live by speech and actions).

There is no way that you can take a hiatus from either because you'll fall off the wayside (backslide) and that is way more harder to get back on track. Granted, it's doable to return but why do you want to do that when all you have to do is continually maintain physically, mentally and spiritually?

Taking it to the next level. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me.

Spartan Tough

Mind-set: Perspective, Choices and Determinations

I don't think I'm on a momentum high still yet from the Spartan Race because it has been one week since I completed the Spartan Sprint Hawaii race. 

But, it put something back into perspective especially when I've decided to train for the Spartan Super. 

It's making me take a hard look again on what I have allowed to come in the way of what is / is not a priority. 

It's not that I let myself completely go but it brought me to that point and going through the Spartan Race and finishing it made me realize that I needed to up my game.

What is interesting is this can be looked at in a person's walk with God. You can be consistently reading His word, attending church, etc. But you get distracted until a friend contacts you asking if you want to get together and before you know it-other things come along to distract you to where what was important has suddenly been placed on the shelf. 

And excuses with not going to church or doing your daily reading is pretty much like excuses with not exercising-it does not fool anyone. 

Last Sunday, I chose to do something that will change everything spiritually, physically and mentally. 

I'm going to train for the Spartan Super, however, I'm going to make sure it doesn't interfere with my relationship with God and my family especially my husband. 

If I can train then I know I have time for God and my family. This is where balance comes in to keep everything in perspective and realistic. 

Here are a few things that I've done:

1) my husband will help me train

2) Cleaned up my eating. I'm not incorporating cheat meals yet because I need to get my body use to the change. 

3) Created a schedule that will not take time away from my family or my ministries that I'm involved with

4) Resolved that if I can incorporate training-my devotions and time with God is my utmost and highest priority because without Him in my center is a setup for failure. 

I'll be keeping you posted on my journey with my Spartan Super Training.

Keep me in prayer

It's not about me or you

I like community outreaches, however, my only experience was with adopt-a-highway. Yesterday was a first with a big community outreach event like Convoy of Hope.

Few weeks ago, our Sunday bulletin provided info for church members who were interested in assisting because there was a need for volunteers in the prayer tent. 

First, I was excited but then doubt entered my mind because I don't have a boldness like others. However, the Sunday after-there was the announcement again. I decided that I'll go. 

As the week approached, I kept praying that God keep me focused on what I'm being called to do...

I was called to volunteer

I was called to glorify Him

I was called to represent Him to the best of my ability 

Friday afternoon was a rally but I was late in picking up my t-shirt. Ugh...

I arrived early yesterday morning and picked up my shirt. 

I inquired where the connection tent was located and then I was directed. As I helped set up chairs-I still kept praying for God to place me where He needed for me to be and to give me the heart and strength to minister for Him.

See, I didn't go there to represent me or my church to gain more numbers. I went to Convoy of Hope for God to use me in praying with someone seeking prayer or to open the door of opportunity for someone wanting/seeking to know Him more. 

I prayed that the intent of others didn't distract me from God's calling. 

I prayed that the intent wasn't about numbers but the intent was for souls. 

I prayed it was not a competition of churches, donations or works.

I prayed that everything said and done was a sincere effort and that if there was any glory or thanking-it was raised to God.

It's not about you 

It's not about me

It's about that person or family needing to hear, 

"Is there anything I can pray for you today?"

Connection...it's all about Him

Double blessings and Second Chances

God knows the person meant for you. 

One who will love you through thick and thin. 

One who will be your best friend and  your strongest critic.

One who will be your biggest supporter in cheering you on in whatever endeavors you are pursuing. 

I have been blessed twice with such a man who is my high school sweetheart. 

Our relationship has been a lot of valleys and mountain tops yet through it all as Dan shares, we always manage to come back to each other because in our hearts, we never left.

Our double blessings (besides the twins) is that we have two wedding anniversaries! 

Today as I write this is our "first" wedding anniversary.

If we didn't divorce, we would have been married 15 years as of today. But, it is what it is and lessons were learned during that time that brought us to our "second" anniversary, which is on November 19.

Second chances are meant for you to realize what you screwed up on and to become better the second time by knowing what you need and not do to make a marriage (or anything) work. 

Second chances from God is truly meant to honor Him by showing through your thoughts, actions and speech that you will not take advantage or take what He has blessed you with for granted. 

Second chances at marriage is affirming with God that you will honor the vows by honoring Him first and your spouse second.

Second chances is knowing the mercy and grace of my God who knows what / who we need in our lives.

I am double blessed at the second chance God gave to me and Dan and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

My Daughter

"She grew up on the side of the road

Where the church bells ring

And strong love grows

She grew up good

She grew up slow

Like American honey

Steady as a preacher

Free as a weed

Couldn't wait to get going

But wasn't quite ready to leave

So innocent, pure and sweet

American honey"

-Lady Antebellum, "American Honey"

When I first heard the lyrics of this song, I thought of my daughter. Mind you, if you're reading this, please don't think that I'm using rose-colored glasses when it comes to my children because I don't. These lyrics literally describes my daughter to a T. 

I'm writing this blog as the clock ticks towards midnight that will officially announce that my daughter is 23 years old.

 

I had her at 19 and we praise & thank God blessed us with a daughter who is the complete opposite of her parents. 

She gave her heart to the Lord at the age of 7. She willingly participated in church activities (still does). She self-motivated herself in school, graduating summa cum laude and earning a scholarship to attend a business college. And she still had the time to boss around her brothers. 

Today, she still continues to be involved in church ministries and I know she has a deep love in teaching and guiding young girls to be Christian women.

She's a working gal now!

And is a great aunt to her nephew

Through all these accomplishments and growing into a beautiful, young adult. I know it is not easy because I know it grates on you on how people will continually remark on how good you are that seems as if there is an underlying expectancy for you to maintain a high standard. 

Krys, my prayer for your 23rd birthday is that God will quiet your soul because the twenties is trying to find your identity yet many have fallen because they've run way ahead of God not waiting for His timing or allowing Him to unfold His plans for them.

I also want to encourage you as you read this blog post to stand strong and give your dreams to God. Allow Him to determine your steps on where you should go and how you will grow. 

I love you...don't ever change for the world

"Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.

Gonna tell you how much I love you, though you think you already know.

I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.

You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

You're beautiful baby from the outside in.

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.

Go on, take on this whole world.

But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl." -Tim McGraw, My Little Girl

Vacation: A time to relax

I'm on a one week vacation while family from out of town is visiting and it is too relaxing. 

My goals for this week was to run, go to the beach and read. I've done all three and I'm now dark. 

Yesterday morning while Dan was out in the water, I sat on the sand reading and looking around. This made me realize that at times, God will tell us to slow down when we are rushing too and fro taking care of our families, working, church ministries, community activities, etc because we don't allow ourselves to catch our breath. 

It was nice to do things without feeling rushed. Next week is another story but I'll focus on right now-enjoying my family and the freedom to dig my toes into the sand and just breathe easily. 

Nothing is more important than relationships

Last summer, our family had a family reunion in Las Vegas. Families from Arizona, Washington and Hawaii came together having so much fun that our children who were graduating from high school decided to combine their graduation party together in Hawaii (just so they could see each other again before our next five year reunion)!

Since that time, we've planned from reserving the hall...

the food...

and entertainment...

As you can see, it was a great success with memories that not just the graduates but our entire family will cherish. 

It is the love we have for one another that is vital in keeping the bond intact through the good times and bad.

It is not a requirement. It is not a inconvenience. It is not a "when you feel like it" feeling. 

It is an everyday nurturing that thrives on the ebb and flow of giving and receiving unconditional love.

Our family knows this and it is hard work but in the end, hopefully everyone especially our children will continue the legacy that we leave with them and the upcoming generations that nothing is more important than relationships.

Colossians 3:14, "...And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity..."

An inside look of a Christian parent to a young adult

You have that one child who for some odd reason can't stand you anymore.

You feel it in the way they talk and their actions

You stand there and look at them and wonder...what have I done to you that makes you hate us?

You try to talk with them while they shrug their shoulders and mumble nothing yet their stance is full of suppressed irritation making you feel as if you are in the wrong

A whole myriad of emotions goes through you from wanting to cry to wanting to slap them across their face to yell and say, "Who do you think you are? I gave BIRTH TO YOU! I provided THIS! I provided THAT! I tried my BEST! I brought you to SUNDAY SCHOOL! I brought you to YOUTH! and yet you stand here making me feel as if I am the worse parent in the world while I have always tried to protect you and support you."

You begin to start second guessing yourself and wonder about your parenting skill until a sense of calm washes over you with a gentle voice saying, "That's exactly what you did wrong, you have stood time and time again for your child when you should have let them fall to learn to rise up and stand on their own."

Your heart breaks...

You stare off in the distance and struggle with the inner turmoil of "If I let them fall on their own, what will happen? Will they resent us (but your child resents you already)? Will they die in their backslidden condition?"

God certainly knows what we (you) are going through. After all, we were wayward kids to Him once.

I don't know what to say at this point because I'm angry, offended, hurt, sad...

And through these emotions and struggles, my husband texted me,

"We'll get through this"

All that I am...

All that I am is because of God.

Seriously, I'm having a tearful and greatful moment because I'm reflecting on recent events. I can't help it because I am looking back and I am amazed of where God has brought me from to where I am now.

Who wouldn't be in awe especially if He had to pick you up, dust you off, point to the mirror and tell you, "See that dirty girl (or guy)? You are beautiful...so why do you want to continually be dirty? Trust me and I'll create you to be more than you ever thought you could be."

I am blessed. Not because of me but because of Him.

All I can say is that I hope and pray that I will consistently shine for Him and that no one will stumble or fall because of my idiotic actions that does happen from time to time.

Do you deserve it?

Forgiveness...do you deserve it? Do others deserve forgiveness from you because of something they may have done to offend or deeply hurt you? This has been on my thoughts for the past few days because of circumstances beyond our control.

What do we do in these type of situations? Do we lift up our fists and say "HAH! I got you where I want because YOU are so WRONG and I am SO RIGHT"

Who gives us this right that we can do that to others to tear down when we are no better than anyone.

Who gives us the right to throw that stone to make sure they know they have sinned yet we have sinned as well?

We do realize that there is no degree level of sins in eyes of God? Sin is sin...

And while pain and hurt depends on the offense...there is still that part of you that you should have opened to God to ask Him what can you learn from this situation.

Can we be the better person and clearly say, "I forgive you"

Forgiveness doesn't mean that you have to allow the person back in your life or to continue in what they are doing to you. It is standing up and saying that you will no longer have it tie you down with bitterness and that you will be moving on even though it is to distance yourself from the person.

I am not any better than anyone but I do know that I am a child of God who has called me to be a testimony to my family, friends or anyone in this world that I want to make sure I represent God in the best way that I can by abiding by His word on how to treat others.

The hard thing about it when we are so refusing to forgive is the fact that God loves that person just as much as He loves us.

When it is the hardest thing to do...then this is where you need to lean on God...trust in Him...and just ask Him to break your wall and allow yourself to love them according to how God is asking you to love.

It is a hard process but it is a step to freeing yourself from bitterness that will eat at your soul and imprison you to where it will be difficult to break free into becoming who God is calling you to be.

Be the better person and give it over to God.

He > i

Warning Light

Your thought for the Day – "Warning Lights"

“Be Bold in what you stand for and careful what you fall for.” -- Ruth Boorstin

Scripture:
“If we acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and just, that He forgive us of our sins, and cleanse us from all wickedness.” -- 1 John 1:9

Reflection:
Our cars have warning lights on the dashboard that tell us when something is wrong that needs attention. They say things like "Check gauges," "Door ajar," "Tire pressure," "Battery level," etc. The lights are there to protect us, and to protect the car from being damaged.

When one of those lights comes on, we can do the wise thing and stop to find out what the problem is, and get it fixed. Or we could just carry around a little hammer and smash the light.

That sounds silly, but it's just what we sometimes do in our spiritual lives. We are doing something wrong, engaging in something that is wrong, and we get a warning light from our conscience. We might ignore the sign--smash the light, so to speak--and go on. But a car will stall if we ignore the warning lights, and our spiritual lives will stall if we ignore the prompting of our conscience.

In 2 Samuel 11-12, we see the result of ignoring the warning lights. King David has taken the wife of one of his soldiers, Uriah the Hittite, and now she is pregnant with David's child. David tries to cover what he has done by getting Uriah to go and sleep with his wife. When that doesn't work, David engineers his death. So now David is guilty of adultery, deception, murder.

The warning lights, the "guilt lights," have come on, and David has chosen to smash them. He hasn't dealt with the guilt properly, and he is miserable.

Maybe you have guilt in your heart right now; you've seen the warning light of your conscience come on. If so, you need to pay heed to it and take care of it, not just smash it with a hammer. God give us forgiveness each and everyday.

Prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, we ask that You would help us to turn away from the temptations we face, and to live a life of integrity. Help us to walk blamelessly, to do what is right, and to speak the truth at all times so that we may honor You in all that we do we pray. Amen.

~Taken from COL (Chaplain) Sherman Baker's "Thought for the Day"
Tripler Army Medical Center

It's faith...not magic

Extraordinary prayer and fasting are not tools to get whatever we want from God. They are demonstrations of radical submission and surrender to God's power and will. ~Unknown

No matter what...

"No one gets left behind" is my thoughts when I am praying for the young adults that grew up in the church I am attending. Actually, it is my prayer for any young adult who grew up in the Church and have decided to journey through the secular world. Probably that sounds literal to others especially because some have chosen to live an extreme lifestyle according to our thoughts but to God...they are worth the prayers and encouragement.

This past Wednesday night, I had a discussion with the girls I teach and we were discussing about the graduated youth who are now young adults and no longer attending church or serving God. There was also the discussion about Facebook and thoughts of what we see/read. Granted, some of the things posted is mind-boggling but that is what they have chosen and all we can do is keep them in prayer. One of the girls remarked how some have chosen to remove them from their list because the youth / young adults post things that are filled with either swearing, drama, or something ridiculous that we as Christians do not take part of. However, I admonished and shared that is any individual's choice to remove them from their friend's list because it is their accountability on what they see or read. One of the girls remarked how my son had been removed from a person's friend list because he was swearing and I already knew that he was removed and that is the choice of others who they want on their list or not.

Now, how can I put this without yanking up someone's underwear and go defensive? I can't but I will go on and say...there was a chance...an opportunity for that wayward individual(s) to read Godly posts that will hopefully put a check in their heart and remind them how much God loves them but now it is a missed opportunity because it confirms according to the thinking of the youth/young adult that everything is conditional and they cannot meet the high expectations.

Granted, they know what they learned in Church but we have to remember that they were coming on their parent's salvation. Not their own personal relationship with Jesus. So, what do we do as their former Sunday School or Youth Teachers? Pray for them from afar?

Well, let me share MY conviction and what God has laid on my heart...I knew these youth who are now young adults and I love them still no matter what... My heart and prayer is still for them to rise up and be the person God has called them to be. And I will not remove them. These youth/young adults will have to remove me first.

Why?

Because my prayer is that whatever I post through Scriptures or encouragement or when I check-in at church will catch their eye one day and they'll remember...and that God will use that opportunity to pierce their heart with a love they feel that will bring them to their knees crying out to Him and loving Him in their OWN personal relationship with Him...knowing that despite where they have gone that there is a way back to God before it is eternally too late.

Sounds very dramatic, doesn't it? But, it's not. In this day and age, we have resources at that tip of our fingers to reach out to those who have decided to turn their back on God to show that no matter how far they run...God is always there...and that no matter what they have done...God loves them still...

My husband used to be part of that crowd when he was a young adult and with the prayers...the running into individuals who was still serving the Lord that just showed love..unconditional love...left a door open for him to give his heart back to the Lord and start serving God with a unwavering love and commitment because someone believed he was worth it...

And these youth/young adults are worth it...

Then I said, "O LORD,You have driven me from Your presence. Yet I will look once more toward Your holy Temple. I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But You, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to You in Your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to You with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone." Jonah 2: 4-9 NLT

"Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night." Psalm 51:1-3 NLT

"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 NLT

The Hype, The Caution, The Choice....it's your call.

Lately there have been articles regarding Harry Potter since it is the end of the Harry Potter series and the soon to be "Breaking Dawn" of the Twilight Series. Before you roll your eyes or point fingers and call me hypocrite, I will be the first to raise my hand and admit I have read ALL series of Harry Potter and Twilight.

Bottom line is that reading or watching the movies is a personal choice especially because I read these books out of pure entertainment since l love reading.

In my personal opinion, I don't think anybody is less of a Christian or going to hell for reading Harry Potter or Twilight. The real alarm is if you read these books or anything and placing it or anyone above God because this alone breathes idolatry.

I am just thankful for God's grace because I can share MY story of "Immortal Love" with the world, which is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Change

We can not stop change. If you keep living, you will face change.

But you can choose to face change with an attitude that will lead to growth and improvement, or you can choose to face change with a negative attitude, digging your heels in the dirt and trying to hold back progress with all your might.

Change can be challenging, but just so you know... God doesn't change, neither do His expectations of us.

He is consistent...always.

His Law is consistent...always.

His character is consistent...always.

~K. Rinehart, Thought for the Day

Parental Agonies of a Prodigal Son

So, I want to be melodramatic while lying half on the couch with my arm over my forehead weeping big tears and crying very ugly. But, I am pretty sure my friend will be inspired to draw a picture of me and put a very great Scripture underneath.

Some people will wonder why am I airing out dirty laundry? If you believe so, then stop reading because I love blogging and this is my way to vent. I pretty much talk in my car by myself to God but also...I love writing.

Okay, enough...onto the agonies of a prodigal son.

My older son has deemed himself old enough to make decisions for himself. As parents who have tried to raise their kids to the best of their abilities according to God's ways, we tend to turn to panic mode (well, I do) and fear...

"My son will die in his sin if he doesn't repent and give his life over to God."

There...that's my fear. My son will die in his sin of forsaking God to live according to the ways of the world.

Just writing it makes me want to beat my chest and weep really bad because how can you just stand by and watch your son fade away?

But, as I write this...I know that my son is a child of God. God is a better parent than I am because He has patience that I don't have. He has a merciful heart while I have a the rod of lightning wanting to strike him in the head when I hear him say "I don't want anything to do with you guys, I'm tired of you guys."

This brings to mind the movie "Parenthood" when the mom is running after her daughter who is running away with her boyfriend (Keanu Reeves). She's witching and yelling at her daughter then as her daughter drives away she stops and yells "call me! I love you..." and walks away dejectedly back in the house.

There are times when I think I am going bipolar because I think too much. I overanalyze alot of things and worry. My husband told me "don't think so much, God has everything in control."

This past weekend, my sister sent me a picture of my kids. It was during a time when our family was going through a major trial. I looked at Krystyn and said "We really put all through alot but you guys stood strong. Thank you."

As I write that paragraph, the deliberate tauntings of my son's girlfriend plays in my ear and I shake my head.

Each parent differs and will accept what they want and how they want. They are even willing to compromise.

But, this is where Dan and I stands..we stand on the Word of God...you cannot compromise the Word of God to fit the ways of the world. That's watering down His Word and it will not be effective because there will be no conviction to the heart to become a better child of God.

Nevertheless, it is interesting how your own child will try to apply what he has learned in Sunday School, Royal Rangers, Youth Ministry to justify his actions and condemn our own by using the following phrases...

"You have no right to judge me..." Is standing firm on the Word of God judgement? No, we're stating fact not condemning you to hell.

"We didn't need your approval then nor do we need it now." You're right...you don't need approval from me nor do you answer to me. You'll answer to God. Again, is that judgement? No, it's a fact for believers in Christ.

I am pretty sure people will say "Oh Malia...you need to lighten up. They're still young and you remember how you were right?"

You're right...but that doesn't give our kids the right to make the same mistakes we do especially when we've been transparent to them enough to say "don't be stupid like we were."

When it comes down to it...God blessed us with choices. And as a parent of children who are now young adults...we are in the learning phase of letting go and letting God take care of our children as they make choices that are either according to God's ways or the ways of the world.

Should we give up and say "okay, we'll compromise with you two."

No, because as this was thrown into my face of "we don't answer to you" applies to me. I don't answer to them nor do I seek their acceptance because I will answer to God as well....


"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 NIV