Day 16: What Matters Most

-
"For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."   Galatians 5:17-18

God is relational.  He is love therefore love should be our greatest ambition and top priority.  We should be able to give the time and attention to all our relationships with the utmost care.  Of course in this society, we have learned to stay busy, make a living, and overload ourselves while cutting back the part of our life that is worth living-love.  Learning to love unselfishly is definitely not an easy task.  What most people start to forget is there are only three things in this world that are forever: faith, hope, and love.  They get so caught up in the demands of today that they hardly stop to realize- Their job will change.  Their money will change.  Their surroundings will change.  The things they put their time and effort into are just things; more stuff to consume every inch of our being. 
Relationships take time and effort.  There is no true loving relationship without time.  It is not about providing or thinking or doing.  It is about how much of ourselves we give to others.  It is about focusing your attention and making sacrifices.  Setting time for another tells that person you value them and they are worth your most precious asset-time.  It is about giving-up those things that keep you from them.  The truth is we do not know how long we have on this earth and the best time to love is now. 
I was blessed with the ability to give all of myself in love.  I have always been able to give my time to those who I love the most in life.  Of course, I have only had a few who have been able to give it in return.  Many of the people who have come and gone in my life have been so caught up in the moment of life, they forget about both love and time.  I have been called names for being so generous.  I have been told to be more selfish.  I have lost friends for being unconditional.  All the while I know it is who I am and know that God built me this way.  I am reliable in my love and my time, because I know just how precious it is.  It is the one thing I can always give and will never fail.  I can only pray God is preparing someone with the same undeniable love to share with me.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," Galatians 5:22

Popular posts from this blog

2011 NPC JR NATIONALS: MissFits & Mayhem Give It Their All

-
Image
Hundreds of competitors flock to Chicago, Illinois for the 2011 NPC Junior Nationals Competition [about 30 of those competitors from Colorado].  When first getting the skinny on what was going on, only about 4-6 competitors from Colorado were called out for Top 10.  This is a huge feat as Erica Cobb pointed out "the competition is STIFF".  Erica competed in Bikini Class D with her team mates Jesse Lehman who competed Physique Class A and Lana Hofman who competed Figure Class E.  Though none of them earned their Pro Cards, they will make a comeback at the USAs in July. 10th Place Bikini Class D 7th Place Figure Class E 4th Place Physique Class A Congratulations MissFits & Mayhem on a beautiful performance.  You all worked very hard and know exactly what needs to be done to blow them out of the water in July. **Other Top 10 Colorado competitors included Alex Carneiro, his wife Katherine, and Christina Hefner
Read more

Say A Little Prayer For Me

-
Image
It was a busy day for The Gym as it began well before sunrise.  Lana Hofman, Erica Cobb, and Jesse Lehmen head to Chicago, IL with their coach, Chris Williamson, and The Gym support team to compete at NPC Junior Nationals.  Upon sending them off, Erica met me with a gleam in her eye and a huge smile.  "I just want Saturday to get here.  I'm feeling really good."  It was refreshing to see how pumped she was. What most people do not understand is this show is a qualifier for your Pro Card and by two weeks out; your body and mind are usually fighting themselves.  They ache, feel sick, mentally & physcially are drained, and sometimes fight to keep motivated.  It takes a lot for these competitors to compete let alone compete nationally.  I commend these athletes for their time commitment, their motivation even if they have a few doubts, and their willingness to be vulnerable in front of thousands of people.  They are some the strongest, most inspirational people . . . th
Read more

5 Fun Facts About Ms. Olympia Bikini: Ashley Kaltwasser-

-
Image
As a competitor, we all start from somewhere.  There are a very few genetic freaks that enter the sport waking up as Olympia material.  Ashley Kaltwasser is no stranger to starting from the bottom and working her butt on to make it to the top.  This two time Olympia winner has worked hard to get where she is today.  Here are five fun facts that you may not know: She started off as a blonde.  Say what?  Yes, this now stunning brunette was a bleach blonde for her first few shows.      2.  She didn't place at her first national show, the 2011 IFBB North Americans.  The same show IFBB Pro Crystal Matthews received her pro card.     3.  It took her almost another year and a half from start to get her pro card at the 2012 Team Universe where she also took Overall.  Her and IFBB Pro Bianca Berry competed in the same class and just barely beat the now IFBB Pro Cortney King.   4.  She placed 1st and Overall at the 2012 Arnold Amateur and placed 10th at the same
Read more