Susie Larson

Blessings to you, friends!

If you’ve regularly read my blog in the past, you know that I stepped back from posting weekly for a season to launch a second daily radio show I’m a part of: Everyday Relationships with Dr. Greg Smalley. Tune in if you need a good laugh and some encouragement in your everyday relationships.

Last week we launched a very doable, life-giving, six-week fitness challenge. I’d love for you to join us and it’s not too late! Each week I’ll ask you to implement two disciplines; one for your physical health and one for your spiritual health.

Each week I’ll give away 2 copies of my book, Balance That Works When Life Doesn't to someone who posts on this blog). Today marks week 2 of a fun six-week faith and fitness challenge.

Congratulations to Nicole & Sandy (you both posted on June 17^th) – you each win a copy of Balance That Works When Life Doesn’t! (*Email me at Susie@MyFaithRadio.com with your mailing address and we’ll get the book out to you this week).

Here’s how it works:

Sign up for FREE at: http://myfaithradio.com/commit-to-live-fit/

Every Monday I’ll post on this blog and share a bit about the physical and spiritual discipline for that week. Every Wednesday you’ll receive a reminder email to encourage you along the way. At the end of the six weeks, we’ll draw two names to win gift baskets filled with fitness goodies.

Each week you’ll add a very easy and life-giving physical and spiritual component to your daily routine. These disciplines are easy to do, but they’re also easy to let go of. These very doable disciplines add strength and vitality to our lives if we can make them a part of our everyday routine.

So, last week’s disciplines were:

· Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day (or better yet, half of your body weight in ounces)
· Read the Word of God every day

*Check out last week’s blog for more information.

Here are your two disciplines for this week:

Physical Discipline:

*Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Stretch Your Muscles – I’m telling you friend, if you take a few moments every morning and every evening to stretch your major muscle groups, you’ll feel a whole lot better and carry yourself taller! Here are some of the many benefits of stretching regularly:

· Alleviates most body aches
· Reduces stress
· Improves circulation
· Increases overall flexibility
· Reduces occurrence of injury

Dangers of NOT stretching:

· Higher level of muscle discomfort
· Greater potential of injury
· Decreased Circulation
· Increased and recurrence of muscle/joint issues
· Absorb stress in a way that diminishes health

Remember to stretch gently in the morning since your muscles will be stiff and not warmed up.

When you roll out of bed in the morning, face your mirror, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and bend your knees slightly (sit back slightly in squat position; shift weight to your heels). Place your left hand on your left thigh and stretch your right hand in the air (pointing upward – 12 o clock). With knees still bent and your left hand on your left thigh for support, and abs tight to support your lower back, gently stretch that arm overhead until you’re pointing 11 or 10 o clock). Then repeat on the other side. Lie on the floor, put your hands under your knees and gently pull them toward your chest. If you’re able extend one leg in the air and stretch your hamstring; flex and point your toe to get that lower leg warmed up as well (and then repeat with the other leg). Stand up and take a few deep breaths by breathing in through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Doing a few basic stretches like these will energize you and helps you feel ready for your day! It’s amazing what a difference a few moments of stretching will do for you. Repeat this routine again at night before you go to bed.

If you need more instruction when it comes to stretching, you’ll find a number of instructional videos on YouTube.

Spiritual Discipline:

Stretch Your Faith:

Scripture says that we cannot please God without faith! So this week it’s time to activate your faith in a more intentional way. Each day this week, ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to believe Him for (is it rest? Provision? Direction? A future promised land?). Then start thanking Him by faith for His promise to you. Find a scripture to stand on and start living like His promises are true!

Also, make yourself available to Him each and every day. Ask Him to use you in ways that surprise you. Pay attention to that inner nudge and move when He tells you to move. Buy a cup of coffee for someone in need. Write a letter. Open a door. Reach out to a stranger. Listen for the Lord’s voice and then do what He says. Your faith is precious and priceless to Him!

Here’s why stretching our faith is so important to us:

· Reminds us of who (and whose) we are
· We grow in the things of God
· We become spiritually conditioned to take the land God wants to give us
· Reminds us that we’re pilgrims on this earth, just passing through
· Reminds us that greater is He is who in us, than he that is in the world
· We bring pleasure to God’s hear when we live by faith

Scripture for Faith Stretching:

Hebrews 11:6 ~ Without faith it is impossible to please God. Anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

James 2:14 ~ What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?

2 Corinthians 5:7 ~ For we live by faith, not by sight

Dangers of living an earthbound life:

· We lose our sense of expectancy
· We lose sight of our invitation to walk intimately with God
· We miss out on an exciting faith adventure
· We’re easily deceived by the enemy
· We settle for far less than what God has for us

I’ll be praying for you as you add these healthy yet simple disciplines to your life. Also, each week I’ll give away 2 copies of my book, Balance That Works When Life Doesn’t: Simple Steps to a Woman’s Physical & Spiritual Health’ to someone who posts on this blog.

Let’s do this!

May you flourish in health, both physically and spiritually!

Blessings to you this week~