21 Days to Clarity, Day 4: Rest

For Day Three, Click Here

It’s Sunday. Not only that, but it’s the Sunday that comes at the end of a long holiday weekend. A holiday weekend that brings with it the largest meal, the biggest shopping day, and the busiest travel day of the year.

For me it also included 10 hours in a van with my husband and children, 6 loads of laundry, 3 days of visiting with our siblings and parents, 2 days of decorating our house for Christmas… and a partridge in a pear tree.

I’m tired. In fact, because of my tired state, I’m having the hardest time stringing words together into coherent and grammatically correct sentences. It’s tired-times like these, I question whether it’s more important to put up a TIMELY blog post or a GOOD blog post. Because, people, I regret to inform you that tonight’s post will NOT be both timely and good. It's times like this, I just want to crawl into bed and sleep.

No time like the present to talk about REST.




“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:9-11)


Now before we go any further, this is not a post urging you to honor the Old Testament commandment of keeping the Sabbath. I know many Christians who do, and I see a lot of value in having a scheduled day of rest. I’ve even gone through seasons where I practiced this myself. But biblically speaking, the Sabbath was a foreshadowing of Christ. For the New Testament believer, Jesus is our Sabbath. He is our rest. And we have no obligation to honor the Sabbath as outlined in the Old Testament Jewish Law. (see Colossians 2:16-17)

On the other hand, I think it’s foolish not to recognize that God created our bodies to need rest. Whether we schedule it in or not, every 16 hours or so, our bodies require sleep. And if we override this God-given sleep requirement, all sorts of bad things eventually happen within our bodies.

Sleep deprivation has been linked to decreased work productivity, increased stress, poor concentration, increased illness, drug and alcohol use in adolescents, auto and truck accidents, obesity and the complete inability to write a decent blog post. (I covered the subject of sleep deprivation from a fitness perspective here).


Clearly, rest is not a luxury, an indulgence or an intrusion. To the contrary, it is a gift from God, vital to our physical, emotional, mental…and dare I say…SPIRITUAL health.

I have found when I discipline myself to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, I function better on all levels the following day, including spiritually. I have also found when I allow myself periods of guilt-free rest throughout the day—a few minutes to read, a half-hour to nap, 15 minutes to sit on the deck and do nothing but think—I make room for God to speak to me. If I constantly cram more and more activity into the day, (even if the activities are good, godly things), it only serves to exhaust my body.

And in exhausting my body, I ultimately crowd out the voice of the One who calls me to rest.

How do you make guilt-free rest a priority in your life? If you don't, will you start today?

Fitness Friday: Never in My Life, Another Real-Life Success Story

A Guest Post by Michelle Costano

"Never in my life would I let myself get that fat."

"Never is my life did I think I would be this fat."

I overheard the statements above recently in two different social settings. Although the comments were made by two completely different people, both were said with the same amount of disdain. It got me to thinking about how my thoughts have changed as my lifestyle has changed.

I have compiled two short lists comparing my Then VS Now thoughts.

*Side Note*

My purpose for writing this is not to make you feel guilty for eating the caloric equivalent of a KFC Family Meal Deal yesterday. My hope is that you will feel my hope!

OK, cue the Wayne's World Dream Sequence...

THEN

Never in my life did I think I would tip the scales at 270.2 lbs. Seriously?! Almost 300 lbs? How in the world did I let it get that bad? How did I not notice it was getting that bad? Why didn't someone tell me?

OK, OK, if someone would have told me I was getting too fat I probably would have turned into Sheneneh Jenkins, but MAN! Seriously?! SERIOUSLY?! 270.2 Lbs?!





Never in my life did I think I would be a hardcore food addict. I had a (severe) genetic predisposition to becoming an addict of something. Of all the things one could be addicted to, how did I end up with food? Which leads so nicely into my next one...

Never in my life did I think I would order two meals for myself at a drive-thru or resort to hiding fast food wrappers before throwing them in the garbage. Yes, I am serious. It was much easier (read: less humiliating) to pretend that I was picking up lunch for me and a friend than ordering a value meal and a few extra things. And I became a master at hiding the evidence: stopping at a gas station before I got home to throw away the proof, wrapping the bag in another bag before putting it in the garbage to hide the proof. I am chuckling now as I write this but it was a serious addiction at the time. The problem was that I couldn't hide the proof that was growing on my own rear end!

Never in my life did I think I wouldn't be able to play. My daughter was a toddler when I was at my heaviest. Talk about energy. She was all over the place and constantly wanted me to be all over the place with her. Physically, I just couldn't do it. Sadder still is the fact that I didn't even have the desire to do it. It is amazing how much the things we put into our bodies effect every aspect of our lives.

Never in my life did I think I would be embarrassed to just be in public. I had always been on the "thick" side, but never to this degree. People looking at you funny, snickering when you walk by, moving waaaaaaaaay over. And that's just the people who don't know you. Heaven forbid you run into someone from your "thinner days." The shock, followed by an attempt to cover up the shock, followed by pity. Very uncomfortable for all involved.


NOW

Never in my life did I think I could say that I have lost 80 lbs! I still can't believe it some days. That's more than both my kids put together. I just went over and picked them both up. How in the world was I carrying that around all day every day?

Never in my life did I think I would consistently exercise! When I first decided enough was enough I was overwhelmed at the thought of it all. Instead of doing a complete overhaul, I decided I had to choose between fighting my food habits or fighting my exercise habits. Since I am somewhat athletic I chose the latter. Once I saw results, it was easier to make better choices when it came to food. And although I would be the first to roll my eyes when someone would say "You'll feel so much better if you exercise" I am now a believer!


Never in my life did I think I could run a 5K in 25 minutes or complete a half marathon! I didn't start out running miles at a time but seconds at a time. I went from 20 seconds running/five minutes walking to being able to continuously run a mile, then two miles, etc.




Never in my life did I think I would commit to being McCelibate! I coined the term on January 28, 2008, three days before my youngest was born, when I had my last Big Mac, Super-size Fry, Super-size coke and four sweet and sour sauces. While I am not a fan of fad diets that cut out certain food groups completely, I knew that for me it was all or nothing as far as McD's goes. For real y'all. There is something in those fries.




Never in my life did I think feeling bloated would make me smile. The thing is, I never WASN'T bloated before. Now I can tell when I am. Silly as it sounds, it is a BIG deal!


Never in my life did I think I would look like this



after looking like that!




Some stats to go along with the pics :)

Weight August 2005 - 270.2 lbs
Weight November 2009 - 189.0 lbs!

BMI August 2005 - 46.4
BMI November 2009 - 32.4 (So close to being "Overweight" instead of "Obese"!)

Pant size August 2005 - 22/24
Pant size August 2008 - 12/14!

Waist August 2005 - 50.5 inches
Waist November 2009 - 39.5 inches!

Real Age Test August 2005 - 33.6 (actual age 24)
Real Age Test November 2009 - 24.9! (actual age 28)

As my 1500 Words of Fame comes to an end, I would just like to solicit some prayer from Sandy's Awesome Followers. I often pray the Lord would use my weight battle to further His Kingdom. I have "street cred" with the overweight crowd. I have both the passion and the compassion.

I get it.

I was it.

So, if you could, please pray that I would recognize the divine appointments I am certain My Father has set up for me with those around me. I love encouraging others to take the first steps to getting healthy. It is one of the many beautiful things My Father created me to do.

Gracias!

Michelle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is Fitness Friday Girl talking...I just want you all to know how much I love this girl. We met in a class at church one night, bonded over a phone call and the rest is history. I never knew Michelle "THEN," so I was shocked, amazed and in total and complete awe when I first saw her "THEN" pics. I knew she had to come and talk to you, because she could motivate and inspire you in a way I can't. I cannot tell you how much I respect and admire her for getting in there and doing the hard work. Please, please pray for her and her growing ministry to reach and inspire others for the glory of God.

Oh, and I just have to say for the record, it is my humble opinion that McDonald's cannot be considered a food group. Most of it is not even food. I, too, am McCelibate, as is my entire family. I just had to interject that...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Looking for some healthy cooking ideas? Go visit Debbie at Heart Choices for an awesome give-away!!

21 Days to Clarity, Day 3: Be Thankful

Click here for Day Two


A few years ago, on an ordinary evening, Mark was getting ready to order some takeout for dinner. He asked his wife, Mimi, what she wanted, and she answered him. A few moments later, he asked again. Puzzled, she answered again. And then, as if he had never asked the question, he asked her again.

A visit to the doctor followed by a battery of tests changed the course of their lives and confirmed their worst fear: Mark—a humbly devoted Christian, father of two and successful attorney—had an inoperable brain tumor.

I met Mark and Mimi in 1986, and over the years, they became very dear friends of mine. Mark always was a really up-beat guy, but in the midst of the chaos that comes with the demon of terminal cancer, Mark remained one of the most joyful and inspiring men I have ever met. I remember visiting with him over the holidays, in the final few weeks of his life. The entire time, the smile never left his face, as he spoke clearly and coherently about his love for the Almighty God. A God he was about to meet, finally, face to face.

On a cold February day in 2005, my dear friend Mimi buried her soul mate and the father of her children, not to mention a whole host of dreams and desires of growing old with her one true love.

In the aftermath of her loss, I asked Mimi how she was coping. She simply responded,

God told me to, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Honestly, I never really noticed that scripture until my friend Mimi brought it to my attention. Now I cannot think about thankfulness without thinking of Mark and Mimi, too. In fact, every time I find myself whining and complaining (whether justified or not), I remember God instructing Mimi—even in the throes of grief—to give thanks in all circumstances.

That’s huge.

Evidently, God takes this thankfulness thing very seriously. Did you realize in the Old Testament, God actually instructed His people to appoint special directors (as in, it was their JOB) over the songs of praise and thanksgiving?

For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. (Nehemiah 12:46)

Throughout this season of Thanksgiving, most of us try to reflect on the things for which we are thankful. It’s a wonderful tradition, and one I don’t want to minimize.

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30)

But living in an attitude of thanksgiving—every single day, not just during the Annual Festival of Carbs—is a spiritual discipline that reaps tremendous rewards. Being thankful in all things draws us closer to the heart of God, and thus postures our hearts toward the sound of His voice.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:14-16)

There’s nothing magical or mystical about gratitude. It doesn’t flip a prayer-switch with God. It doesn’t twist His arm or back Him into a corner to say something to us. It simply clears the clutter from the soul to make room for Him.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-8)

God never asks us to be thankful FOR all circumstances. We live in a fallen world, and quite honestly, some of it really stinks. But He does ask us to be thankful IN all circumstances. A truly thankful heart transcends human reasoning and human ability. It knows it has a right to pout, complain…maybe even swear; but chooses instead to thank the Lord for His goodness. It is a direct link to the Throne of God.

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)

So if you are feeling a little foggy when it comes to hearing God’s voice, today would be a good day to examine your heart. When you pray, are you approaching God with thanksgiving? Is your heart overflowing with gratitude, during good times and bad times? If not, use the opportunity afforded by this holiday season to create a new habit.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2)

After Thanksgiving (the holiday) is over, devote yourself to Thanksgiving (the lifestyle), remembering daily all the good things God has given you. Your life, your home, your health, your family, your job. His grace, His love, His forgiveness, His riches in glory. And then, daily, choose to notice the little things that bring you joy. Your favorite song, the smell of the rain, sleeping in on a Saturday, your best friend…whatever. This new habit of thankfulness will begin to slowly transform your heart and create a place where God can speak.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (Psalm 95:2)

Thank you, Lord, for placing Mark and Mimi in my life. Their example opened my eyes and my heart to another aspect of hearing You.

I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3)

For Day Four, Click Here

21 Days To Clarity, Day 2: Read the Bible

Click here for The Introduction

Click here for Day One




I told you this would be basic. I don’t mean to insult (or bore) any of you with the obvious, but I, for one, could use some reminding every now and again about the basics. Reading the Bible is one of those spiritual disciplines that is always at the top of my list of priorities, but is usually the first to go when I’m short on time. Why is that?

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word. (Psalm 119:37)

Maybe it’s because in the U.S. we live in a culture saturated with Christian things: Christian music, Christian coffee houses, Christian books, Christian blogs, Christian schools, Christian calendars, Christian bumper stickers, Christian picture frames, Christian fast food. Living out our busy lives in the midst of our Christian culture can lull us into a false sense of intimacy with God and the Sacred Scriptures. I’m not saying having a Bible verse scrolled across your coffee mug is a bad thing. I’m just saying, on busy days I find myself resorting to whatever scriptures I happen to bump into along the way in order to feed my hungry spirit. I would never feed my physical body that way. Why would I treat my spirit-man with such neglect?

I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:16)

When someone tells me she has a difficult time hearing God’s voice, either in general or about a specific situation, the first thing I ask her is, “Are you spending time in the Word?” I often ask myself the exact same question. And inevitably I find that the people who spend the most time reading and studying the Holy Bible are the ones who hear God’s voice most clearly.

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are ever with me.
I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts. (Psalm 119:98-100)


And even if they do not hear Him on every single matter, the ones immersing themselves in the Truth are the ones with the most peace and the most trust concerning the silence.

Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors. (Psalm 119:24)

I realize God can and does speak to individuals through dreams, visions and audible voices. Individuals who have neither knowledge of nor access to the written Word. Over the years, I’ve heard many missionaries report this sort of thing when reaching a remote area or people group. But if you are reading this blog (i.e. have access to the internet, and therefore access to the Bible in every known translation at the click of a mouse) then that ain’t you. And it ain’t me.


Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands. (Psalm 119:66)

We are the privileged generation of believers who have unlimited and unrestricted access to the Word of God. I have no excuse for letting days and days go by without so much as picking it up and cracking it open, much less studying it, meditating upon it, and writing it on my heart.


Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart. (Psalm 119:34)

So today will you turn over a new leaf with me? Today can we decide that if we want to hear God’s voice, then we must make the Word of God the top priority of our spiritual lives? Not to add another thing to our to-do list. Not to give the Enemy one more thing for which to condemn us if we fail to follow through. But instead, to get us intimately acquainted with the One whose voice we seek!

Because if you ever wondered what God’s voice sounds like, I can tell you with 100% assurance that it sounds exactly like His Word.


Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long. (Psalm 119:97)

Click here for day 3

Fitness Friday: Exercise, Where Do I Start?

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The following is a real letter from an actual reader.

Dear Fitness Friday Girl,

I am not fit. I am not athletic. I am not strong. My body has never been my friend in this regard. I'm not exactly clumsy, but I'm not really coordinated either. I have rhythm since I'm musically talented, but I can't dance.

I've just never enjoyed physical activity. Even as a child it was not easy for me. Since I've been slender all my life I never had to worry about my weight. However, I'm now approaching 40 and things are changing. I have noticed a small gain, mostly around my middle. Let's just say I couldn't fit into my wedding dress anymore. Ugh. (Though I have birthed three children -- that's gotta count for something.)

FFG, the truth is, I haven't got the foggiest idea where to begin regarding exercise. Exercise looms like a fire-breathing dragon, like Mt. Everest in my path, and I am paralyzed with fear. My body is weak, my muscles are tight and sore, and my joints are swollen and painful because I have rheumatoid arthritis. I know I need to strengthen my body, not just to lose weight, but for my well-being and the health of my bones and muscles. I know that. But as I said, I haven't the foggiest idea how to start.

What would you advise a poor, pathetic soul such as me to do? Yoga? Walking? Wii Fit? (No running, please. Knees can't do it.) Weights? Could be a problem if my hands are very stiff. Some days are better than others.

Am I beyond hope now that I'm almost 40? Is it too late now to begin physical fitness after a life of sedentary-ness?

I know a fitness goddess like yourself is probably disgusted with a sloth like me, but have pity. If FFG wishes to answer me publicly, that's okay. Your kindness and expertise are appreciated.

Humbly,
Unfit Girl

Dear Unfit Girl,

Have no fear. Fitness Friday Girl is here!



I am not disgusted with you. In fact, I love you for using the word “sedentary-ness.” That’s so FFG. And while I may claim to be a super hero, I’m no fitness goddess. I’m just a 40-something girl who happens to enjoy exercise, reads up on the latest fitness news and has access to Google (which always makes me look smarter than I really am). Not only will I answer your question, but I’ve called in my Partner in Wellness: Sarah from All Pain, No Gain.


Together with Debbie from Heart Choices, we've been fighting fat and slashing "sedentary-ness" each and every Fitness Friday for months now. Surely, between the two of us, you will find all the motivation and estrogen you need to get started--tight and revealing superhero costumes notwithstanding.

First off, let me just say, I completely understand why fitness has not been a priority to you. Being thin probably gave you the illusion that you didn’t need to exercise since you didn’t need to lose weight. Add to that, your rheumatoid arthritis, and the thought of “hurting for no reason” didn’t actually appeal to you. Who would blame you?

Well, there are many reasons to get fit aside from losing weight, as you already stated in your letter:

It will strengthen your muscles and your bones.

It will reduce your risk of just about every kind of cancer.

It will increase your life span.

It will improve your cardiovascular system and your mood.

It will give you more energy and help you sleep better.

And those are just the things I thought of right off the top of my head. I bet there are hundreds of benefits I haven’t even listed. (note to self: Google “benefits of exercise” later.)

Secondly, it is NEVER too late to start getting fit. I’m sure there is a lot of research out there about the benefits starting exercise at any age—and maybe we can talk about that on a future post (note: Google that, too)—but you are far from “beyond hope.” You are younger than I am. And I’m like REALLY young.

Now, before you begin any type of regular exercise, I think it would be very wise to see your doctor. Mainly, because of the rheumatoid arthritis. I would recommend that for anyone with any kind of chronic health condition. Once your doctor clears you to start exercising, you should ideally be doing a combination of cardiovascular or aerobic exercises, strength training and stretching. Here are some ideas for you:


Cardiovascular:

1. Walking, either outside or on a treadmill. This is my cardiovascular exercise of choice. I love being outside. It’s easy on my joints and I can increase or decrease intensity and length of the workout depending on how I feel. For you, I would recommend starting to walk for about 15 minutes, 3 times per week. If you feel good, increase it to 20 minutes and then 30 minutes. Continue to increase length and frequency as you continue to get more fit. You can walk as often as you like. The more the better.

2. Elliptical. If walking doesn’t excite you, an elliptical is a nice alternative. It is also very easy on the joints and can be programmed to increase intensity and length of workout. I’d start easy. Maybe 10 minutes or so at the beginning, 3 times per week.

3. Swimming. If you have access to a pool, swimming is probably the easiest on your joints of all aerobic exercises.

4. Biking. Indoors or outdoors, biking is low impact and lots of fun.

Strength Training:

1. Yoga or Pilates. As you mentioned, this is a great way to get strong which also increases your flexibility. These techniques use your own body weight as resistance, so you needn’t ever pick up a weight. (I think using the word "needn't" also makes me look smarter than I am.)

2. Light free weights. All basic strength training moves can be performed with no weights or light weights. I’d recommend joining a gym and scheduling some appointments with a personal trainer. A good trainer will listen to your story, help you set some goals and then walk you through the gym and show you how to properly perform each and every exercise. If working out in public doesn’t appeal to you, purchase a basic strength training DVD and a few sets of light weights: 1 pound, 2 pounds and 5 pounds. Browse through strength training DVD’s on Amazon and see which ones pique your interest—there are so many! All good fitness DVD’s have lots of instructional information on them to guide you through the proper form. That’s how I learned to lift weights 20 years ago!


Stretching:

1. Again, yoga and Pilates will benefit you greatly here.

2. A physical therapist can show you a whole range of stretching exercises specific to your problem areas. The nice thing about physical therapy is that, unlike a personal trainer, PT is often covered by your insurance. I have chronic back issues, and I still use the stretches my PT showed me 10 years ago.


Some exercises you will want to avoid—at least at first:

1. Running, especially on hard pavement

2. Ply metrics or jump-training (very high impact!)

3. Heavy weight-lifting

I’ve said this before, but the very best exercises are the ones you like—because those are the ones you will actually do. Experiment with a few things and see what feels good and what doesn’t; what is fun to you and what feels miserable. Realize, of course, that taking baby steps is the key. Start out slowly and progress as you get stronger. This will help you avoid injuries and give you a ton of self-confidence.

Then maybe you can become a super hero yourself. Whoa...look at that muscle tone!




Now be sure to head over to All-Pain, No Gain , where Sarah is giving her own answers to this same letter!

21 Days To Clarity, Day One: Ask

Click here for The Introduction

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." I John 5:14-15

One of the best pieces of advice I received as a new Christian was this:

When you open up your Bible to read it, ask God to make its meaning clear to you.

I chose to take this advice a step further. I not only asked God to clarify the meaning of the Word, but I also asked Him to help me to fall completely in love with it—fall in love with HIM.

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22

As a teenage girl armed with a big ‘ole King James Version—a version with an over abundance of “thee’s, thou’s, hath’s and verily’s”—that advice literally changed my life. From day one, every single time I cracked open my Bible, I first breathed a prayer asking God for clarity and passion. And God answered my prayer.

“I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 16:23b

Over the years, I’ve continued that prayer with greater intensity and greater faith. And in the last ten years, the prayer has taken such deep root in my heart that it has become the very focus of my ministry. No, I don’t always understand everything I read in the Bible. And no, I don’t always know exactly what He is saying to me at every moment of every day. But it gets clearer and clearer all the time. And it all began as a simple desire that I expressed to God in the form of a simple prayer.

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:14

So today, as we begin our 21-day search for clarity together, I can think of no better advice to give:

Ask God for it.

“Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights." Isaiah 7:11

Ask Him to help you understand His word. Ask Him to help you discern His voice over the other voices in your head. Ask Him to help you recognize when He is using someone else to speak into your life.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

No fancy formula here. Just be sincere. And be yourself.

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19

I’m praying for you like never before that the next 21 days rock your world. See you tomorrow for more clarity.

Click here for Day Two

21 Days to Clarity: Introduction

Just in case you didn’t catch the name or the purpose of this blog, I believe with all my heart God still speaks to His people today. I also believe God wants us to know what He’s saying: namely, His plan, His purpose and His will for our lives. I believe He does not find it amusing in the least that most of us don’t hear Him very often, or at all. In fact, I believe He created each of us with the ability to hear His voice with crystal clarity, and one aspect of His perfect will for our lives is to learn to discern His voice with that crystal clarity. Furthermore, I believe (this is starting to sound like the Apostle’s Creed), the problem with the lack of hearing rests solely with the hearer (me and you) and not at all with the Speaker (God).


I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right. (Isaiah 45:19)

And that, in a nutshell, is what drives me to do what I do on this blog week-in and week-out.


I don’t know what you believe about hearing God’s voice. Depending on your religious background, this concept can sound impossible, improbable, fanatical, heretical or normal. Depending on your experience, it may seem intriguing, boring, frightening, frustrating or exciting.

But just for kicks, I’d like for you to try to lay aside any preconceived notions you may have about God speaking and just try to approach it from a fresh perspective. At least for the next 21 days. Because today begins a new series I’m calling 21 Days to Clarity.




Each day, for the next 21 days, we will look at one simple concept that, if applied, will bring us closer to hearing God’s voice. No frills. No hype. Just simple and basic truth.

I know you must have a million questions about the series, so I’ve included a list of Frequently Asked Questions. But since there have been no questions whatsoever thus far, I’ll call it the Most Likely To Be Asked Questions.

MLTBAQ’s

1.Are you implying that there is a formula or checklist I can follow to hear God’s voice?

Answer: Not at all. Hearing God is rooted in developing a deeper relationship with God. Like any relationship, this looks a little different from person to person, because we are all unique. However, the Bible gives some principles and guidelines that lead us into deeper relationship with God, and thus, help us hear Him more clearly. I will be discussing these principles and guidelines.

2. Why 21 Days?

Answer: I have no earthly idea. I’d like to say there is some spiritual significance, but 31 sounded too long and 10 sounded too short. I totally pulled that number out of the air. I hope I can come up with 21 actual topics that fall into this series. If not, I may be changing the title.


3.Will you be posting every day during this series?

Answer: No. These are not literal days, but “blog days.” I will still post 2 or 3 times per week, as I always do. Maybe more…maybe less. But not every single day.

4.Will you still run Fitness Friday during this series?

Answer: Yes. A week without Fitness Friday is like a week without sunshine.

5. How can I make sure I don’t miss a day?

Answer: You can subscribe to God Speaks Today and the posts will be sent directly to your inbox through e-mail. If you have a blog with Blogger, you can “follow me” and updates will be sent directly to your Google Reader. You can also put a sticky note on your computer screen reminding you to check the blog for updates. Or you can set the alarm to go off on your cell phone. Or you can ask a friend to call and remind you to check the website.

6. Speaking of friends, can I invite my friends to join this series ?

Answer: Yes. Please do. I love your friends. They are so nice.

7. How do I leave a comment?

Answer: Simply click on the word “comments” below. If you aren’t a blogger or don’t have a Google account, you can click on “anonymous” and follow the prompts. Just remember to leave your name so I know who you are. If you’d like a personal response, be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. And I love questions. If you leave one, I will promise to answer it either in the comments or in a future post.

That’s all for now. I’ll see you tomorrow when we’ll get started with Day One. Not literally tomorrow. That would be “Blog Tomorrow.”

Click here for Day One: Ask