She Makes Herself Strong

Hello Friends,

As you know, my dear, handy husband has been helping me to outfit my new office hideaway. Someday I’ll show you pics of all the lovely real furniture he renewed for use in my workplace. For now I’ll share pieces that provide me with a bit of inspiration for a message to write for you, and in turn share a bit of my personal life too. The most recent addition is a beautiful bookcase that he designed to my specifications for a couple of particular uses.

What office would be complete without a bookcase of some sort! I wanted to bring my reference work together into one place so I could actually use some of it at times. I really missed not having a dedicated work space for the past several years, and so I’m feeling quite blessed to have one now. Due to all the large windows in my new space, there is only one narrow wall a bookcase could fit so Jim had to custom build it to size. I didn’t just want any old bookcase, because I had a dual purpose in mind, and so I’m calling this most recent beautiful addition a book cupboard. It has six shelves that graduate in depth to hold 3-ring binders, organizers, and a few books. But the center attraction is the middle shelf that Jim designed especially to hold a small TV/DVD combo unit. He custom made the TV stand to fit the 71/2” shelf, and installed a power cord that invisibly runs down the back right corner of each of the lower shelves and out the bottom side of the cupboard.

You might ask what I need a TV for in my work space. Well, after not being able to run for exercise this past year, I really miss having an abundant flow of oxygen to my brain, which helps to keep my neurology strong(er), and so I’m going to add resistance workouts to my office work routine. Working out in my office as opposed to going to a gym (which I don’t have time for anyway) will be a more efficient use of my time. Working out and running have been the best things for me and I’ve missed not being able to do at least one of them regularly. I practically lived in my car for all of 2011 and a chunk of 2010, working with various team members on website projects and getting the new LOLACHE members’ benefits ready. I was rarely home, and any routine I did have went by the wayside to get the websites launched.

Now I have the blessing of finding my way toward a real routine once again; one that includes taking care of my personal health needs. This year I plan to make myself strong again! That is the reason for the TV/DVD unit and a place to put it. Jim just brought my weights from home, and so I get to begin this Monday working out with a favorite DVD I used to use.

The word “strong” means to stretch, strain, and reach. This activity is what working out and stretching exercises consist of, making the body stronger. I’m not interested in having a lot of physical power, but I do want more passive power. I want the ability to endure more with a constitution strong enough to bear up to the fatigues of my workload, which is always there to overwhelm my neurology and take me out of productivity. Gratefully, I’ve been able to sustain the spiritual attacks of the enemy through many trials and sufferings, all by the grace of God, and with faith and assurance that He’s fighting my battles with me. But due to weakened neurology, I also experience the attacks in my body and health. And so, I want to be able to physically sustain the continual attacks that come my way, making it necessary to fortify my physical body as well as my spirit.

This Scripture makes a lot of practical sense to me, both spiritually and physically.

“God is strong, and He wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. ~ Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Message)

To successfully stand up against the enemy, I must be prepared, firm-footed, prompt, and ready, able to resist and stand my ground, and having done all the crisis demands to stand firmly in my place. Practically speaking, this looks like being able to run up hills (healthy heart rate), walk on logs (great balance), climb on logs (muscle strength) and jump off of logs (sustain impact), and hike for extended durations (good stamina). Can you tell we live in the Northwest?

However, it also looks like being able to stand for several hours of ministry at our late Tuesday night meetings when my weakened neurology wants to be in bed. It also means being able to pick up the pace of my life a bit so I can get more accomplished in the same amount of time. It means being able to talk on our  bi-weekly conference calls for a two-hour stretch with a stronger voice and without coughing. It means being able to sit at the computer for more than two hours a day without it doing me in for the rest of the day. It means that I’ll have the hope of being able to reach out to more people, which is very hard for me to do anymore. It means many more things, especially being able to participate with Jim in caring for our precious little Grandson, Jesse, once in awhile. And so, I’m making myself strong!

The real killer combo is to pray while working out, combining two strength training exercises into one—spiritual strengthening with the physical. Since I need to count during workouts, I made a habit of praying in brief phrases—praises and thanksgivings—in between sets so I can stay focused. Becoming physically stronger will also increase energy to my prayer life. It all works together, and as I arm myself with strength, both physical and spiritual, I feel much better and become so much more productive.

I’m so grateful the Lord is leading me out of the “urgent mode” lifestyle that I’ve been living. It’s a huge welcome relief, and I’m approaching this season with great anticipation about feeling stronger again. Do you have a need for stronger resistance to the enemy? Why not make a plan with the Lord for how you can carve out a bit of time in your day to focus on making yourself strong? I’ll be remembering you in my prayers as I workout, and I’d love to know that you’re reading my messages and if they’re inspiring you a bit. Thank you!

I pray you are blessed with increasing spiritual strength to stand firm in your faith.

So grateful to be in the Lord’s service,

Marilyn Howshall for Lifestyle of Learning™ Ministries

P.S. I almost forgot to let you know about an inspiring new product in our eStore. “Remembering Ellen” will inspire and encourage you with increased understanding about the Gospel of Reconciliation. It’s the true story of my friend, Barbie Poling’s, mother who experienced miraculous reconciliation during an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s Disease. I was deeply blessed to witness the numerous miracles that took place in the Poling family that changed their lives forever, to the glory of God. The package is only $25.95 and includes the 17-page story written by Barbie, and 3-1hr audios of Barbie and me sharing the stories that surrounded the events, and you also get 3 accompanying audio transcripts. If you’re a member of LOLACHE, don’t forget to get your discount in the members eStore!

 

[Lifestyle of Learning™/LOLACHE eNewsletter ~ Feb 22, 2012, Issue 12]