Tuesday, August 20, 2013

August 2013...UPDATE!

MY MY MY, how fast time flies....with all my good intentions, I seem to be lousy at keeping up with my blog. I apologize to anyone who may choose to read on occasion! The Good news is, it's been an incredibly rewarding and transforming year--mentally, physically, and spiritually. I continue on with Zumba class, and even managed to continue class through the summer--which I didn't think would be possible due to my busy work schedule. I am reminded--with God, all things are possible!  I finally made it to the 100 club--for the first time since my son was born 34 years ago, I am below 200 pounds! No dieting, and no gimmicks! Making better choices in the foods I consume, and remaining consistent to working out has been the key to my success (and how many times have we heard this, right). I love my Zumba class--the women who are my "regulars" encourage me and are making great strides towards their own wholeness. Zumba has opened new doors of ministry for me, it's more than just an exercise/dance class. Leading children's ministry has also been very rewarding. We produced a spring musical that was our best to date, and this week we audition for our upcoming Christmas presentation, and I can't wait. We also adopted Kennedy Elementary School, and handed out over 1200 packs of school supplies to kids in our region. My knees still hurt, but I press through the pain and choose to keep moving as long as I can. I guess that's my quick update. Be blessed today. Take life one day at a time--in His steps...in my shoes.
Hugs,
Kathy

Monday, February 11, 2013

Good Morning, and a BELATED Happy New Year...

     One of my resolutions this year is to be more consistent with my blog writing--even if no one reads, I think it is important to journal the goodness of GOD at work in our lives. There are several events that have enriched my life (and I think the lives of others) in the last few months. One of them is teaching a new co-ed Sunday School class with a very wise friend. It is not your typical "master-teacher" style class. Instead, we sit in a circle with our students--and we each take a point in turn of the lesson. I am learning so much about how God speaks to us, and more importantly how every story in Scripture points us to God's plan for all human-kind--the plan to send His One and Only Son into the world, so that HE could redeem us back to Himself.
     Zumba classes have resumed, and I must say, it's become quite an unexpected new ministry for me!  When I pray before I go to sleep, the faces of students in my class come before my mind, so I pray for God to help them become more fit--so that we can all be the "temples" our bodies are supposed to be, for in us, is the Spirit of God! Teaching Zumba class is helping me stay committed to my own fitness goals. I'm about 35 lbs. away from reaching my goal weight, and I am striving each day to make better choices from the many many delectable items all around us...
     I have not perfected this self-discipline I am striving to reach, no...not by far. But I am closer than when I first began!  This time last year, I began this blog as I began a journey of running with kids in my ministry. I loved it so much, and was sure that running would be a part of my future. Ha! Little did I know that my knees would protest loudly, or that God would use "The Amazing Grace Race", and the fitness schedule we created would lead me to Zumba! Who knew "Fatty Kathy" (laughing at myself)  would be able to earn her license to teach and be leading others just one short year down the road? I know who knew. God knew. He holds our futures in His hands, and directs our paths--for HE has plans for every one who has placed their hope in Him (Jeremiah 29:11).  We are 22 days into the new year--I am excited to see where God leads me next--are you?
    Well, I have many to-do's on my list today, and Zumba class at 6:00 pm. You'll find me leading class this evening, LOL, that's for sure! I'll be dancing in my shoes, walking in His steps. Stay tuned.

Love and hugs,
Kathy
February...the month to celebrate LOVE...but then again--isn't every month?  I'm having ZUMBA class on Thursday, February 14th. One thing I've learned during the past months is that it really is important to love yourself, and to take time to take care every aspect of your being--physical, mental and spiritual. I'm not saying I've mastered the art by far, but I can say I am making progress! Consistency--making healthier choices at meal times, exercising, and keeping up with Scripture and prayer time are changing me, from the INSIDE Out. I'm watching transformation happen in more than just my self. It is amazing to me to see the transformation in members of my Zumba class. One of my students has lossed 40 lbs since last September. Several others have lost 20 plus pounds.  Finding an activity you enjoy is one key to success, that's for sure! So love yourself enough to get moving! I'll check back in with you soon, dancing in His steps--in MY shoes...
Happy Valentine's Day,
Kathy