Reshaping It All: Chapter 13

Hi Friends! Ashleigh here.

We start our discussion of chapter 13 Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness today. We’re also still talking about the previous chapters here — so keep those comments coming.

In chapter 13, Candace addresses the issue of contentment. She encourages us to put aside the “ifs” and “buts” and enjoy life. This chapter brings to mind one of my favorite quotes. It comes from English writer G.K. Chesterton. He said:

Being contented ought to mean in English, as it does in French, being pleased. Being content with an attic ought not to mean being unable to move from it and resigned to living in it; it ought to mean appreciating all there is in such a position.”

Chesterton’s quote ties well with Candace’s exhortation to “count your blessings.” I love how she says, “Discouragement is a roadblock that too many of us are staring at, hoping that someone will shove it out of the way so we can move on with our journey…. Live outward instead of living an inward-focused life. We accomplish this by letting go of the ‘I wants’ for a focus on the ‘I haves.'”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found this to be effective. When I start appreciating all that I can in my current “attic,” life is more enjoyable.

Let’s hear from Darlene.

I remember our first year of marriage. My husband and I had a french door in our living room that we picked up at the local hardware store. Anxious to set it up, I painted the door with white latex. The next day I painted it again — and the next day, and the next day after that…

After about ten coats of paint, my husband and I realized that there was a good reason that painters use primer. The wood wasn’t going to cooperate without first being sealed.

In much the same way, our bodies aren’t always willing to cooperate with our brains if we don’t tend to those things of importance first. Setting out to lose weight won’t do anyone an ounce of good, but setting out to change the way one lives and the way they relate to food will.

Good intentions can easily be stifled by impatience, gluttony, and a tendency to be lazy. But if you work on those things by fortifying your spirit, the fruit of your spirit each become an asset that powers your intent.

Enjoy the journey, and until next time, live well!!

Blessings,
Darlene Schacht
www.timewarpwife.com

OK, your turn. Here are some discussion starters:

1. Do you look back? How has this hindered you?
2. List five blessings.
3. How do you delight in the Lord?
4. Do you compare yourself too often? I do (read my story here). If so, how can you work on quitting the comparison game?
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