Faith Hope and Love

Not many people would consider themselves "proud" to be questioning their faith and their views and their standing with God, but I am, and here is why:

The constant questions I have regarding my Christianity is not a sign of weakness, rather, they are slight signs of doubt. I am not saying doubt it good, because I am well aware that doubt errs on the side of Satan, but doubt is what reminds me that I have something stronger than that doubt. I have faith, I have hope and I have love. I push through doubt because I remind myself to trust God and His will He has for me. Sometimes it is hard to go through my daily routine giving grace and thanks for all I am blessed with, so when issues and circumstances arise where doubt surfaces, I am reminded that I need to take time to be thankful. The questions and the doubt reign me back in, as if they are my daily reminders to not get so distracted in fear and worry that I forget to have faith and trust.

Externally, how does one NOT have questions about their faith? There are so many denominations, so many beliefs, so many practices, traditions and ways to worship. There are questions of who's beliefs are right and who's are wrong. And we mustn't forget the one of the most powerful external factor in faith: the influence of others. We are all susceptible to falling victim to damning remarks from others based on faith. People will even basically tell you that you aren't a Christian unless you live your life just like they do. Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for people who believe they are doing God's work, but I just don't believe God wants people to believe they are more "right" in their practices than others.

Internally, I have grown to understand that my relationship with God is just that....MINE. I make a conscious effort on a daily basis to share the bonds of that relationship through good deeds, prayer and love. Recently, I have delved more into deeper meanings and the foundation of my relationship with Him, and I feel comfortable saying that while I am not perfect, I am still a follower of Christ. 

We are currently seeking a church to attend regularly, and while there are so many out there, I am starting to wonder if it matters which I choose. I am learning that it is not up to the pastor, preacher, priest...etc to persuade me to believe, think or feel one way or another about the message. It is MY responsibility to read and understand that scripture or message, and what it means to me and how God intends on it to pertain to my life and my understanding of His word. I am proud of the personal relationship I have with God, and so I try not to let others influence my spiritual reflection because, just to be honest, it does not concern anyone else but He and I. I am consistently growing in my faith, and I am comfortable sharing my faith and love, but I will not sacrifice the relationship I have with Him based on other people believing they are more "right" in their ways of living.  I do not understand how we can diversify Christianity when in the end we are all striving for the same fundamental unity. 

Every day is a chance to grow, and every day I choose to try harder to seek out those opportunities. Again, I am not perfect, but I perfectly okay with that. 

Peace and Joy,
Beth

Strides

We made it through to another week!

Many of you know through my other blogs that I am working on improving my overall health. Well, I have made some strides toward this effort, and the simple act of merely starting this project already has me feeling better.

My first step: Buying new running shoes. Why is this so great? I am now void of excuses for why I am not running. This step was more than just buying shoes...it was a realization. I now see that the REAL first step in getting to a better you is to get rid of all of your excuses. Excuses become crutches, and those crutches give us something to lean on when, in reality, we are able enough to utilize our under-appreciated amount of strength to push through.

Second step: Spectator Burnout. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE watching, cheering and supporting MJ and others on their big days and HUGE accomplishments, but there comes a time when you ask yourself, "Why is it again that I am not out there with them again?" This question surfaced in my thought process as I stared at the finish line of the Gulf Coast Half Marathon this weekend in Pensacola. It was the first time I truly missed the thrill of the challenge. I am so blessed and so proud of the fact that I know someone who endures this challenge frequently, but it is time I become proud of myself as well. I will always continue to support and spectate at these events, only now I want to do it as a participant. I want to share the experience, talk about the challenges and celebrate the victory. It's about time.

Third step: Picked out a race. I am highly considering the Kaiser Half Marathon in Gulf Shores. It is in November, so I have PLENTY of time to train....with no excuses. I don't care if I don't break 2:30, I just want to finish....to accomplish the taste of victory that I have been neglecting myself of. It's nice to be thirsty for a challenge...and it will be nice to quench that thirst with success.

Next step: Get Healthy! I will choose better foods, I will take care of myself. There are people out there who would give anything to have a healthy body. People with disease, illnesses, terminal conditions and so on. When taking on that perspective, how can I NOT take more care of myself. I sometimes take my health for granted, and it's time I develop and maintain consistent healthy habits. Let's get real, though: I will be realistic with this goal, so treating myself from time to time is going to happen.

Having said all of this, it makes it muuuuch easier to attain these goals when I am surrounded by the very best people who exemplify such a lifestyle. MJ is an every day inspiration, we can all see why. She is the epitome of fitness. Life has handed her cards that could have ceased all motivation, but no...not her. She pushed through. She has the mentality I strive for, and I am proud to say I am getting there. I don't expect to be as fast as her or as strong as her (right now at least ;) ), however I will be crossing the same finish lines, going to the same gym, and trying just as hard as she does. I know plenty of other runners too..several of my closest friendships developed BECAUSE of running. How could I give up something that has done so much for me?!

My sister, Nikki, lives by the phrase, "Live free", and it has changed her perspective on a lot of life perceptions. She has a free spirit and it seems to work for her, so I will take it one step further for my health goals and say "live free from excuses".

Thanks to the support and encouragement from the people closest to me, I feel like this goal is already getting easier.

Peace and Joy,
Beth