training.

i've been thinking a lot about training the last few weeks as i've been so blessed to be out on the mountain in the gorgeous weather. we've had THE most amazing fall; unfailingly sunny with a chill in the air; still 'warm' for this time of year. we are predicted to have another El Nina winter which is ideal for me-tons of snow in the mountains and not so much of it down here. :) along with that also comes the wind, howling everyday to remind us of its invisible presence.

just recently, i've felt the pain of soreness from exercise. the result of intentional training. just as that soreness comes and goes and reminds us of the work we're putting in, so it is with our spiritual training. its not always fun, its not always easy and sometimes seems so basic (just like those crunches we all do, right?!) yet there is something undeniably essential about the repetition of it.

without core strength exercises, we aren't able to stabilize our bodies throughout our everyday activities; without our core faith disciplines, we aren't able to stabilize ourselves on Christ through the ups and downs of life.

making time to be in God's precious Holy Word every day is fuel for the soul. "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you-they are your life." Deut 32:46-47 it is essential. it takes a lot of mental focus and quite honestly very difficult to fit in a lot of the time. yet it is pivotal to our existence. it is the bedrock for absolutely everything. and in an ever changing and unstable world, it is truth. absolutely and purely truth.

i recently read Galatians 5-6 which includes "but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit...Let us not become weary in doing good for a the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." i was struck so deeply by how fundamental these characteristics are having read this verse hundreds of times since my childhood AND how truly i do not actively practice or embody these characteristics of the God i serve. simply thinking through a single day at the store was enough to scratch EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE off the 'accomplished' list-ha!

although i am not proud of that, i am so thankful for this reminder to revisit the basics; i need to do some serious training on my core. its not going to be pleasant and i will likely encounter those moments of 'soreness' in realizing how miserably i fail at this with out the grace of God, but it's worth the pain and effort. it will stabilize me and quite honestly, its the 'little stuff' that tends to make the most profound impact for the name of Christ.

simply being loving when people tend to be selfish. simply reveling in the joy of salvation despite the immediate circumstance. simply choosing to abide in the perfect peace of Christ amidst the pandemonium of this life. simply being patience in our dealings with people rather than rushing through blindsiding moments of beauty along the way. simply being kind dissipating 'situations' quickly. simply remembering that "every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of heavenly lights" inciting us to extend goodness towards others. simply being faithful to our word will astound because of the prevalence of mistrust. simply being gentle and choosing to pause for a thoughtful moment before responding-giving the benefit of the doubt when most are aggressively seeking to protect their own agenda. simply exerting self-control to allow Him to handle the things that come our way rather than flying out of the gate swinging. He's big enough and He has reason for the way and time that He accomplishes His purposes. of that i could not be more certain. now i have the choice to live as though i believe it...

....so continuing onward and upward, i'll be going back to the basics in my training to ensure that the only One capable of being that bedrock is in His rightful place. marvelous, wonderful grace!