Does God Give a Rip...

about balance?

Last fall I started reading Contrarians Guide to Knowing God. Unfortunately, I put it down last fall, and forgot to pick it back up. Finally opened it up again, and decided to share some points that encouraged/challenged me.

Towards the end of the book Osborne presents a chapter on balanced living. Since my life seems on all fronts painfully out of balance, I figured I was in for it. Very quickly into the chapter I was reading points and thoughts very counter to what I expected to be reading (hints the title I suppose).

He begins by presenting examples of obvious imbalance in lives from key people in the Bible. Noah, Moses, Jeremiah, David, and even Paul all had areas of their life that could be challenged as being "out of balance." He says this notion is really more a reflection of American culture than Biblical example.

Of course, he's not saying this should be taken into extreme. Certainly we want to prevent imbalance in areas that can cause harm to ourselves or others. But let's be honest, results like that do not happen over night but over time. And this is the key (at least the key that I took from the chapter). When we're faced with competing priorities in life, my goal should not be complete balance, but focus on what God is calling me to in that moment on that day. The different callings God has for each of us call for a certain amount of sacrifice in other areas. The missionary overseas does not get the time with family others do. The mother of three may not have the time to do small groups and pour into someone one-on-one as someone else. Each calling typically comes with a bit of limitation.

He provides three questions we can ask ourselves when trying to assess where we're at in the spectrum of "balance."

1) What season is this?
"Life is not static." Examples he gave: the farmer during harvest, the mother of 3 children under 6, the person starting up a business. All three are examples of seasons that may come with serious "imbalance." As much as it is very much what God has called them to, it is temporary.

2) What does God want me to do today?
Each day comes with a specific call from God. For the college student who has to pass his/her finals, it might mean a few days of serious study. This may mean they can't make small group that week, family might be a bit neglected, but I believe God wants us to do well on that exam.

3) Is anything so out of balance that it is beginning to harm my health, relationships, or walk with God? Yeah, here's where it got me. Allow me to go ahead and insert some personal conviction and application. If I were to ask myself if any three (or even all 3) of those areas in my life were being seriously affected by my present "imbalance," what would my answer be? As I'm sitting in my bed with half a voice left from the looooong volleyball tournament I coached, the inability to meet with a friend who needs to talk because I have to work today, and the fact I'm blogging instead of spending some alone time with God, I'm pretty sure it's safe to say I know my answer.

Well, they say knowing is half the battle, right? Now time to readjust and figure out how to get some things in check. Any of you with suggestions, please feel free. Just be nice...please.

Broken

I heard this last Sunday in church, and it completely rocked me. You know when you walk into church, and get that feeling like He's sitting there waiting for you. And not to get all technical, yes I know He's always with me, but what I mean is like He has something a bit special in mind for you in that particular moment. Either way, I walked into worship last Sunday, and literally said to myself, "Oh great, here it comes." Like I knew He was about to push on some buttons and really press into me. Honestly, I haven't been walking with Him very well. Not in the sense of making poor choices, more so in neglecting to spend time with Him and really seeking after Him alone. Lots of stuff distracting me from my relationship with God.

Standing there in church was this overwhelming reminder that He is in fact God...The Holy God that does in fact reign. Worthy and mighty to be praised.

Alleluia Alleluia
For our Lord God Almighty reigns

Alleluia
Holy Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb

You are Holy
Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb

Amen

Wow

It would be a way big understatement to say it's been awhile. My life's pretty much done a 180 in the last couple months, which has, fortunately or unfortunately, resulted in my inability to update this blog. Pretty sure whatever following I might of had has complete dissipated, but figured I'd update none the less. I haven't even had any sort of harassment from Ashlie! Maybe she even gave up on me! ;0)

So, for the update...I'm now am 110% working all the stinkin time. Most of you know, I'm a personal trainer for 24 Hour, and really loving every minute of it. I seriously work from 5:00am to 8:00pm on a daily basis (minus my Sundays), but am currently trying to create some boundaries so as not to go crazy. I also get to teach cycle a few days a week, as well as some ab/bootcamp classes. Friday's have become light days, and I pretty much just take morning clients. I am definitely poolside for the rest of the day! God has seriously blessed me beyond measure, and my business is pretty ridiculous. I am nothing but grateful for all He has brought into my life. My training staff is pretty great, and we've been blessed with an amazing brand new gym. Love it...

I will admit it's not the easiest environment to be in. It's a world where vanity, self, and success is more than glorified. The more you work, preform, and succeed the greater the respect you gain. I have found myself, more often than I'd like to admit, slipping back into habits and struggles God and I have been walked through before. There is such a tension between success and blessing.

The scripture I've been meditating on for the last week or so...

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Col 2:6-7

and one more...

"...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Phil 2:13

That I would remember to sink my roots down into Him alone. That I will not be distracted or consumed with the things around me. That I would remember that those things that surround me will fade, and it is Him alone that will remain. Please allow me to overflow with patience, grace, peace, love, and kindness through Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for who I am in YOU.

I will try to do better at keeping what few of you remain updated!!!