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As Christians it is important to renew our minds. My first thought
was…how do I renew my mind? Renewing the mind is as simple
as reading the Bible, or singing a song that ministers to you, looking
at the wonder of God’s creation and thanking Him for it. The
process of renewing your mind is to set your mind on things above. The
Bible tells us; “To set your mind on things above, not on the things
of the earth.” (Col. 3:2). You intentionally think of
something else. God instructs us as to what we should set our minds
on…He says: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things
are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil.
4:8)
I have to do this when the enemy, Satan, puts a wrong thought in my mind. This is a daily process for me….I am married. Now don’t laugh…the enemy will give me plenty of ammunition when my husband and I are having issues. But, I am reminded of what I read in the Bible when it says in 2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”. It is not easy to ‘take my thoughts captive’ and think about something positive in return. Sometimes I’d like to just ‘let him have it’, but I don’t…I can’t, not anymore. I used to…I look back and realize the precious time wasted over meaningless arguments. I ask myself…does what I am thinking about right now line up with the Word of God? Think about what you are thinking about….Think ‘on purpose’. When I refuse to allow the thoughts from the enemy to have an affect on me I disarm him…he has no effect on me or in my relationships—he is disarmed.
Physical well-being, Health and Nutrition
1 Corinthians 6:19 says: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own.” That just about says it all, now doesn’t it!
Our body is not our own, but a gift entrusted to us by God Almighty to
use for His glory.
We must ask ourselves….How am I treating the temple that God lives
in? Am I taking care of it or am I abusing it?
I am a strong believer in physical well being: living a healthy life, exercise, diet and nutrition. Now, I am not a “health nut”, but I do know that I am responsible for my body and I am the only one that can take care of it.
If there is any truth to the saying; “You are what you eat!”….then some of us are in big trouble.
It is important for your physical well being to:
- Maintain a positive attitude;
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains;
- Drink plenty of water;
- Exercise regularly;Limit your intake of foods high in Fat, Sugar, and Sodium;
- Work out with a partner;
- Set realistic goals for yourself;
- Avoid fad dieting; and
- Rest for your body.
A balanced diet is important. There are many books available that will lead you to optimal health, but I watch what I eat, take vitamins, drink plenty of water and exercise. I am quick to pick up a health or exercise related magazine for suggestions to change my workout routine, but I believe each individual has their own specific routine that works best for them. My favorite part of my fitness routine is weight training…I incorporate this into my weekly workout routine and I find that this has been very effective for me for many years. However, at the age of 51, I am finding that I need to add more cardio to my physical fitness program.
I believe that our exercise programs, diet and nutrition needs are as individual as we are. I would suggest consulting your physician before starting any new physical activity, or changing your diet or nutritional needs. I would also suggest that you see a licensed nutritional expert for your particular needs.
BE SMART, EAT HEALTHY, STAY FIT – FOR GOD!
Christian Fellowship, Bible Study
and Prayer Groups
My dedication to ministry started in the early 1980’s, when my children
were small. I received the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart at that
time. After my decision, I had a hunger to learn more about my Savior. I
didn’t know where to go. I attended a Bible-based church in
the small community where I lived and met with the Pastor there to learn
more about Jesus, but there was still something missing.
It was then, when a friend of mine invited me to a Christian Women’s Club (Stonecroft Ministries) luncheon in a neighboring town about 30 miles away. One of the best parts, as a young mother of two small children, was that they offered free daycare! I jumped at the chance to go. The luncheon started out with a special feature – a fashion show, followed by special music and a guest speaker. The speaker was great…she shared about her life before she came to know the Lord Jesus, and how her life changed after He became Lord of her life. It was wonderful and I was hooked! I loved being part of a wonderful group of women who desired to make a difference in the lives of other women and to share God’s love.
While attending the luncheons and making new friends the ladies invited me to a Prayer Coffee. This was a great opportunity for fellowship and to grow in the love of God. I learned so much about power of prayer through the wisdom of those women.
I also became involved with FBC – Friendship Bible Coffees (Stonecroft Ministries). The bible studies were instrumental in my desire to personally know more about my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The studies were easy to follow and understand. If I had any questions, the Bible Study Guide was so helpful in answering my questions. The friendship, love and support from these women were just what I was looking for when I felt that “something was missing” in my Christian life….
….This leads me to today. I have been involved with women’s ministries for over 20 years. I continue to be a part of Stonecroft Ministries as a Friendship Bible Coffee guide and prayer partner with many ladies. I am also a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries. As an inspirational speaker, I delight in sharing my testimony…the stories of my life, the mistakes and challenges as well as the many blessings and true joy. My desire is to share the life-changing message of the Gospel. The Kingdom of God in you!
I want to encourage you to get involved in a prayer group or bible study. I have found that when I am not studying the Bible and in fellowship with other Christians, I fall away. I don’t even realize it until I begin to feel low and depressed. I get grouchy, I don’t eat right and then I feel bad about my body, etc. You know the drill…the enemy does it to us all the time! In John 10:10, the Bible says that: “The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Recognizing where we slipped and taking the steps to get back into a relationship with God through the study of His Word….That is the Power that will shut out the “noises” of the world.