Day 25: Transformed by Trouble

-

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."  Romans 8:5

God gives us so many chances to build our character.  He puts us in difficult situations, in the face of difficult people, and reflects trials with ourselves.  Each hump in the road or detour is a chance for others' to see the reflection of jesus within us.  Most of us have come to this point at one time or another where we are at our lowest and there is no room for superficial praying.  It is the time where your faith is the purest!

It is important to stay focused among the chaos.  God's plan is always good even in the midst of horror, terror, and fear.  It is more important on what is happening to you on the inside than what is happening on the outside.  I personally never understood that until recently.  Not only was I mad and angry and resentful on the outside, but I was also on the inside.  I never asked for the grace to put out this internal fire, but as soon as I did; I was able to at least start to control the inner workings.

It is important to give thanks for His glory regardless of whether you win or lose.  He deserves praise in good times and in bad.  This is not to say praise FOR all situations but IN all situations.  This takes a lot of strength as our human selves enjoy placing the blame some where and ignoring the good.  ignoring His purpose in every calamity.  Most of all, never give up!  Do not take it upon yourself to short-circuit the process by running, avoiding, or being in denial.  Face it with as much will as you can conjur up.  Be courageous in His name and when His purpose is fulfuilled, He will move you.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Comments

Post a Comment

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