Friday, January 11, 2008

Fit for Service


As many of you know, I took about 7-8 month break from blogging starting last May. One of the reasons was to focus on getting fit. After the years of giving birth to my children and the craziness of the baby and toddler years, I had really let myself go. I had become unhealthy in my eating and struggled to exercise regularly.

During the past 7-8 months, I have lost over 50 pounds--and counting! This statement is not made to bring praise to me, but rather to give God the glory for His strength that has allowed me to be successful on this journey! I am weak, and He is strong!

Let me be clear, though, that being fit is not always about losing weight. Some very thin, seemingly fit, women have very unhealthy eating habits and do not exercise. Being fit, as we will focus on here, is about being healthy!

Why is being healthy so important? I believe that it is Biblical!


Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

We are to honor God through our bodies--the vessel He has given us to serve Him through. When we are healthy and fit, we are able to serve Him more fully and with excellence. We must seek to break unhealthy habits that might prevent our effectiveness.


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Next week, I will also post about my personal weight loss journey. Many of you have asked details, so I will take the time to share about that over a couple of posts during the week. Below are some before and after pictures. These are external changes; next week I will share the more important internal changes.




In Christ,
Kelly

28 comments:

Kelly said...

What a great idea! I am always fighting the battle of making exercise a priority. I usually get to the Y about 2-3 times a week. More around 2 times here lately! I had recently stopped eating fried foods and red meat for the Daniel study but picked it after finishing the first half. I have drastically reduced fried foods and red meat!
I am rambling- all to say- I like the idea!

Greg C said...

First time visitor here.

I am with you 100%. I too am making changes externally and internally/ I am exercising and eating right but more importantly, I am starting my day by reading the Bible. It has given me strength and courrage. As my body gets stronger, so does my mind which in turn pushes me onward.

I really love your blog.

Shawna said...

This is a great idea, Kelly. Congratulations on your efforts! I can't wait to hear more of your story.

Thanks for the Souper Bowl idea. I am sure we will use it.

Melissa said...

What a wonderful idea, Kelly! I need this so much.

Melissa said...

Kelly,

Was trying to figure out how to email you, but your comment on my blog is "no reply". Email me at breathoflife(dot)ministries(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kim said...

I am so glad you are going to share your journey. So many women struggle with this and I know it will give testimony to God's grace and strength in your life.

You look 10 years younger!

Cheryl said...

Kelly,
I'm looking forward to joining you on this journey of getting fit.
Thanks for this opportunity!
Cheryl

Mocha with Linda said...

Wow, I am impressed. I look forward to learning more and hopefully gleaning from what you've learned.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's great to "meet" you!!

Linda

Kim said...

I agree with this totally and appreciate your insight on this! I'm looking forward to hearing more!

DeeDee said...

Love this idea! I will be checking in regularly to see how you did it!

Lisa Spence said...

May God use your testimony of His faithfulness to encourage others! You are living proof!

Anonymous said...

Yay!!! Welcome back! I remember you very clearly - I was so sad to see you go, fearing you would never return! Hooray!!! And you look wonderful! SO Fit!!!!

I am totally joining in for your fridays!! Way to go! You inspire me as I have about that much to lose!

Wendy said...

You look great, Kelly!

I started keeping track of my miles for 2008 on my sidebar and several other ladies are doing this as well. I'd encourage you to do this (if you aren't already), or keep it written down somewhere. Whatever kind of exercise you are doing. I think it is a great way to keep yourself accountable.

Looking forward to following along on Fridays.

Linda said...

I am soooo in with this concept. I need to lose quit a bit of weight myself and continue to sabatoge any victory the Lord may have waiting for me.
Blessings,
Linda

Melissa in Mel's World said...

Kelly,

Yours is a wonderful testimony and I am so thankful you are willing to share with me and so many others out here in bloggy-ville.

Tell us more...

Melissa

Lori said...

Awesome idea, I look forward to reading it!!

Karla Porter Archer said...

how exciting! I need this. After four kids it is time to get with it.

Blessings,
Karla

Susie said...

You look so amazing. I can't wait to read more about your journey. It gives me real encouragement. I only have about 25lbs to lose, but it is the first one that is so hard.

Kelly said...

Can't wait to read about your journey- I , too am in the process. I have gained SO much weight over the last couple of years and don't even feel like myself.

You look beautiful!

Cindy Swanson said...

Kelly, I love the idea of "Fit Friday," and I love your philosophy of eating and fitness! Looks like you really have your head on straight about the whole thing.

I hope to take part in this as well. I'm already on a weight loss journey that began in September when I found out I'm diabetic.

Congratulations on your success. You look really lovely!

Unknown said...

This will be very inspiring. Before I got pregnant with Kyle (now 3 1/2), I lost about 10 - 15 lbs. That doesn't seem like much, but I had carried around that "little bit" of extra weight my whole life, and I feel so much better. I was able to lose it again after having him, and I think that I could still lose about 5 to 10 lbs. I too try to focus on eating healthy. Exercise is a struggle, but I know it's important, so I'd love to be inspired by your story!

I might post something next week (since I've hijacked your comments here with my little story).

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Kelly,
You look wonderful! I am anxious to hear about your journey.

Susanne said...

Praise God and congratulations on the accomplishment, Kelly. I'll be looking forward to hearing more.

Amy said...

Hi Kelly. Since your email address is not listed on your blog, could you email me at homeschoolinghearts@gmail.com.

Christine said...

Congrats! What a wonderful accomplishment! I love your new look here; it's so free and simple. I'm just getting back to you about the Jesus Storybook Bible- we love it. The way she ties in every story to God's plan for eternity through Jesus is wonderful for all ages. I find myself choking up at the end of almost every story. Blessings to you!

Praise and Coffee said...

Wow Kelly, that is wonderful, I'm looking forward to reading your story.

I appreciate the incentive, I'm working hard at making exercise a priority right now too.

Blessings,
Sue

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to say congratulations on loving yourself! :)

Jenn said...

What an incredible testimony. I, too, have started on this journey (again)! It's amazing how easily a pregnancy can start me on that slippery slope of sluggishness again. Now that the baby is 8 months old, I have run out of excuses and have started jogging and eating healthier. I want to be healthier so I can glorify God as a Mom and a wife! I look forward to learning from you.