Tomato Red Faces

1 Corinthians 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

The fat kid in me has always found a bit of humor in this verse.  I smile as I think, shew yea, I can eat me some chocolate and do it for the glory of God!  At risk of sounding completely heretical, I am aware that this passage is enforcing the necessity of glorifying God with ALL of who we are.  Not just at the times when I'm chowing down on a Little Debbie cake.

Along with my intense love for food, I also have quite an extreme love for exercise.  I credit a large amount of this to my mom who has always taught us the importance of taking care of our bodies.  Since moving to Haiti, I have really missed having a gym to attend for Aerobics classes or a park to go to.  Although the "luxuries" of most exercise opportunities are not available to me, the need to exercise still remains.

Daily work on the mission, as well as travel in Haiti, can be quite physically demanding.  Today, I walked up and down 50+ stairs a variety of times carrying large kivets (BIG dishpans) full of sheets.  Take my word for it, sheets get heavy quick!   My body experienced a lot of tension as I tried not to trip and was enveloped by the warm Haiti sun.

Each day here is full of its own twists and turns.  As I made my third trip up the steps this afternoon, I became vividly reminded once again of how important it is to honor God with my body; so, that I may be prepared for the plans He has for me each and everyday.

I returned from the States with a new Jillian Michaels' DVD, 30 Day Shred.  Jillian is an INTENSE work out instructor, but she definitely knows her stuff.  This afternoon I put on my exercise clothes and tennis shoes as if I was heading to the gym.

For the next several minutes I pushed myself and turned into a hot, sweaty mess.  Trey entertained Creole so I could fully participate in the workout.  Creole has difficulty understanding that when I lay on the floor for crunches, this is not the time for him to pounce on me.  Throughout the course of my work out I was blown away by how much our bodies are capable of.

We have a wonderful Creator.  As the work out concluded, and my face had reached a  beautiful tomato red, I felt so good.  Perhaps as I glorify God through the daily tasks of eating and drinking...He also delights when I acknowledge Him during the difficult times of sweating and stretching.

I plan to push through Jillians 30 Day Shred.  It will be a big task and accountability will be necessary (one reason I am sharing this with you, just knowing you know that I am trying to do better with my exercise...makes me do better.)  I look forward to being "Shred", whatever that is supposed to mean.