1/2 Way Mark on Project “40 to 40”

This is not just a post about food and health.  Read on for the deeper meaning.

For those that may not know yet, I am carrying out a project right now called, ’40 to 40′.  I’m turning 40 at the end of November and I wanted to get my self into tip top shape for the big day.  I started on September 30th, so I have just passed the half way mark.  I’m already a pretty healthy individual, but I wanted to step it up a notch.  I started a fairly rigid diet and have been following ‘BodyRock TVs’ 30 day challenge (which will not end after 30 days).  I haven’t been eating any grains generally throughout the week except for oats sometimes in the morning. And on the weekends I’ve been more lenient, with Saturdays being my cheat day (however I kind of fell off the wagon this last weekend).  I have been feeling great – I mean GREAT!  I don’t feel like I’ve been depriving myself at all.  I have tons of energy, never feel heavy or too full, and I don’t have yucky morning breath anymore – YEAH!  Pluuuussss, I’ve been losing weight and toning up.  My jeans are lose, my elasticized belt is lose, things that used to fit snug or were just right are baggy now.  And so I’m happy.  (–to see some of the food I’ve been eating – recipes, check out and like my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/godcolouredgirl.  

Or you could just click on the link to it on the side bar.) So this is all very well and good, however life isn’t all about being physically healthy and feeling good.  It’s definitely a plus, but it’s not the be all, end all of life.  Even the most fit and athletic person in the world will not be able to outlast the effects of gravity and aging.  Sooner or later, parts will start to sag, muscles will start to atrophy, strength will start to wane, physical health will deteriorate.  Nobody can overcome the final earthly destiny of all mankind and living entities.  Death is a reality for all.

The one thing that doesn’t change though is our creator.  He is always the same.  He doesn’t change.  He is always strong; His strength never falters.  He is always there.  Stable and unshaken.  He is always permeating with peace.  And He lives in me. You see, physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next (1 Timothy 4:8). Or lets look at it another way, “Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. (the message)” So yes, I may feel awesome eating super healthy and getting regular, hardcore exercise, but what really brings health to my bones, life to my body, energy to go about my days and overall well being is the indwelling peace that I feed upon when I’m alone with the lover of my soul.  He sustains me.  He strengthens me.  He feeds me food that will never rot.  And as I drink from his water supply, my thirst is quenched.

So tell me, what do you think?  Are you striving to maintain your youth, vigor and beauty alone? Or are you investing in maintaining and strengthening that which far exceeds physical vitality – your spirit? Leave a comment and let me know.