When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV)
I made three resolutions this year. One, I will confess here in a public forum. I resolve to loose fifty pounds this year. Now, when any of you see me reaching for the cookie or slice of pie, placing my hand in a bag of chips or slathering butter on a piece of bread, you are all allowed to remind me of my resolution. I did not choose the number fifty lightly. We signed up with a fitness center and the personal trainer I met with recommended that amount based on a computer program for my ideal weight based on age and height. With the gym membership, came three free sessions with him. In his presence, it did not sound like too much to ask. He assured me that I could do it if I cut back on what I eat, particularly sugars and some other forms of carbohydrates, and exercise five times a week. He showed me a computer model of how my body will change over time and testimonials of other women who had done what I am setting out to do. Of course, he also recommends that I hire him to assist me with those goals, but I don’t have that kind of money. Paying the monthly gym bill will be enough. I am doing it not only for my health, but that of my family. All of us need to trim down and tone up. Tonight was my first session at the gym. My niece is going with me. We hope to be an encouragement to each other. It was easier working out on the elliptical machine with her at my side to talk to and keep pace with. The time went by quickly. I hope the workouts are always so easy, but I know that there will be times when I will have to go it alone even times when I would rather be anywhere else but in that gym. I will have to make the time in an already busy schedule to exercise as well. Not to mention keeping my hand out of the cookie jar when I am so addicted to sweets. I can calculate how many calories expended and figure out how much dessert that offsets. It is not very much. The pounds will not come off easily. I have another goal that does not waver from year to year. Like Paul, I have resolved to put Jesus first each moment of every day. Fellowshipping with other believers helps me in that quest, as does regular daily spiritual exercise of Bible Study and prayer. Keeping away from certain temptations helps me to refrain from sin as well. Fortunately, I have a personal trainer who doesn’t charge me for His help, the Holy Spirit. No matter what resolution you have made this year, if your number one priority is to keep your focus on your Savior and all He has done for you, it will help you keep your perspective on everything else.
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