07.01.18 Sunday Message

My daughter Abigail was so cute the other day. She said, “Mom, I’m starting to like exercising.” Well, I don’t like it but I sure like how I feel after it. 😁

Those of you who do exercise know that a good workout can immediately spark the releases of those “feel-good endorphins” in our bodies. It’s no secret that endorphins lift our moods and tell our brain 🧠 to feel super happy or chillax. 😂 It syncs with the motto #NoStress! 👍 Actually, you don’t even have to work out to achieve this kind of feeling. Yup, for me, downing a dark chocolate bar 🍫 seems to do the trick instantly and nicely! 🤣 We all know though, that the true secret to healthy and happy living is moderation in all things, right? We are promised by a loving God that when we use “moderation” in ALL aspects of our lives, we will find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures so that we shall “run and not be weary and walk and not faint.” 🏃 I guess there was not much moderation used on #DWTS ‘cuz I fainted 😩 — one of my most watched YouTube videos and I don’t even remember it happening! 🤣 My mind seems to be clearer after a moderate workout and I am seriously more productive throughout the rest of the day. In fact, I can honestly say that those endorphins help me fit in more “To Do” tasks. Go figure! 💪😄

At the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts last night after the show, a woman asked me, “Marie, where do you get all your energy?” I told her Formaldehyde! 🤣😂🤣 Seriously though, I find that even at Meet and Greets, I feel that extra RUSH and ENERGY from all of you! Your kindness and excitement in being there and hearing your stories bring great joy and energy to my spirit. Endorphins are also prompted by a simple smile or some of you even tell me that seeing “What’s his Face” 🕺🎤 on stage can cause your hearts 😍 to palpitate. Even though I don’t get it, 😩 I guess, it can lead to some sort of euphoria. Remember, moderation, ladies!!! 😉🤣

Isaiah 40:31 is an interesting scripture to me, especially when you break it down:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

The first part of this scripture mentions those who “wait upon the Lord.” I don’t think it is talking about waiting, as in patiently waiting. When we “wait upon the Lord,” it means we put our TRUST in Him that His STRENGTH will uplift or RENEW us. Much like when a waitress serves or “waits” on us. We trust that they will bring out the food we ordered, which will eventually satisfy our appetite. When we “wait upon the Lord,” or serve Him, we know God will deliver to us innumerable blessings and grant us the righteous desires of our ♥️s. 

The next line about “Eagles’ wings” is symbolic, too. Eagles’ wings are built for soaring and gliding towards the heavens. They represent the strength and the compassion the LORD has for us and how He is constantly taking us under His wings. 🦅🙏

Further strength comes as we consistently and diligently take good care of our own bodies. The last thing my Mom told me before she passed away was to make sure that I took care of my body. As her only daughter, her last words to me changed my life! Through diet, proper rest, exercise and walking in obedience to God’s commands, He promises us that we will receive “health in the navel and marrow to the bones,” in other words strength in our bodies, minds and souls. What a powerful promise!!! There’s a saying, “Seven days of RUNNING makes one WEAK!” True! We do need REST.  Especially, as we all turn 29! 😊 So, in pondering the question last night, II say... follow Gods council to RENEW ourselves and by doing so, we will receive the STRENGTH we need. One day of down time... to not use the Sabbath day to run or catch up on our “To Do Lists” will bless us. Truly! Take a break on this #Happy #Sunday and start RUNNING (or running your errands 🤣) on the other six days of the WEEK. Let our exercise on this day be to exercise our FAITH in God’s promises to us. It sure beats the alternative... formaldehyde.  🤣😂🤣🏃🏻‍♀️