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Spiritual Health

Harvesting More Energy In Your Life!

Using the Laws of the Harvest In a Real Life Example!

I've been doing a lot of research lately about how we get exactly what we really WANT and what we really NEED out of life, especially as it relates to our desires for our health.   My journey led me to the universal law, as designed by God, of the "Law of the Harvest" (a.k.a "you reap what you sow"principle in life).  

Understanding this rudimentary Law in life has completely changed my approach to getting what I want in life as well as my expectation of what that process will look like.  Understanding THIS helps us to understand GOD and the UNIVERSE.  When we understand Him (slightly better), we better understand ourselves, since we are made in His image.  When we understand ourselves, we are empowered to make better choices which ultimately lead us to getting what it is we say we want! 

 As some of you may have received some of my recent emails on this or the blog post introduction and hopefully grabbed your copy of the free 7-Day Devotional called “Harvesting My Health,” there are several “Laws of the Harvest” that we must consider to actually use this God-given law for our excellence.  
 
As it happens, this week that I started this conversation with you all, it  happened to be the exact week that Rick Warren did a series called “Daring to Plant In Faith” on his podcast I listen to called, Daily Hope.  Is this JUST a coincidence?!  I think not!  #Godwink
 
But, as it goes, the great Pastor Rick took my well researched 7 Laws of the Harvest from my devotional and put his own “Rick Warren" spin and expanded them to 11-Laws of the Harvest!  You can listen to Part 1 of this podcast HERE or you can listen to the original entire sermon from Saddleback Church HERE.  The man is just a genius teacher!
 
So, to help you understand these Laws in your real life health efforts, I wanted to give you an example of how you might think through the these laws. 
 
 

Rick Warren’s 11 Laws of the Harvest for Real Life Goals

Law #1:  Everything starts as a SEED.  

Your BODY itself is a SEED that will need to be planted in order to get more energy. 
Your THOUGHTS about desiring more energy are also SEEDS that need to get planted in order to provide the actions necessary.  
 

Law #2:  Nothing Happens Until the Seed Is Planted

You can’t just complain about not having low energy.  You can’t just “wish” for more ENERGY.  You can’t even just PRAY for more energy.  You have to PLANT THE SEEDS (i.e. show some action) to get more energy.  
 
You must also realize that if you DON’T DO ANYTHING to plant more energy, by DEFAULT you ARE actually planting seeds of DECREASED energy.  So the lesson is to do at least something.
 

Law #3:  When I Have a Need, I Plant a Seed

Because I NEED (i.e. desire) more energy, I need to plant the seeds that will get me MORE energy— things like work outs, proper rest, and nutritious food. 
 
It will also have to AVOID planting those seeds that will get me those things that COUNTERACT my efforts for more energy—sitting too much, not getting to sleep at a reasonable hour, over-caffeinating myself, eating junk food, eating too much food, eating too little of food, etc.  If you feel low energy, start paying attention to what choices you have made that day that’s bringing your energy down.  Putting 2:2 together is a big step!
 

Law #4:  Whatever I Plant Is What I Will Reap:

I have to plant those things that actually produce MORE ENERGY to attain more energy.  I can’t plant WORRY and expect to get MORE ENERGY.  I can’t plant BUSYNESS and expect MORE ENERGY.  
 
You might have to try some things out and monitor how it’s going.  It might take a trial and error, but the power here is in the INTENTION of it.  Try just one thing intentionally and see if it works!  Monitor, adjust and keep going.  
 

Law #5: I am not the Only Sower

I realize that I am living in some of the harvests that I did not plant.  I might have entered into a world of chaos that affects my ENERGY.   I might have “inherited” a tendency to worry and overanalyze, which drains my energy.  
 
But I have the POWER to stop any inheritance that I do not want to pass along to others.  I can’t control the past, or what other people do around me,  but I can choose to create brand new legacy and example of energy management.  
 

Law #6:  I Always Reap In a Different Season Than I Sow

These results will take time, there is always a delay.  I cannot expect instant energy from just one day of planting.  You always feel LESS energy during the workout but you get a nice big boost after!  Cutting back on sugar at first makes you feel low energy, but ultimately you'll have a much better energy balance than before!
 
You have to build up consistent effort to figure out what works and what doesn’t work.   After some time, then I will reap the harvest of high energy that I desire. 
 

Law #7:  I Must Be Patient and Not Give Up

Because of the delay that we often see in our efforts, many people become impatient and give up.  But not you!  You realize that every great thing in life results from an uphill battle and you can be ready and willing to push through those times.  You may have to lose some energy to gain some energy, and that’s a sacrifice that will be worth it if you don’t give up! 
 

Law #8:  I Will Always Reap More Than I Sow

This is the Law of Multiplication.  I will get MORE out of what I put in.  So if I want just small efforts for my healthy energy, I will get more energy than I invest.  If I need to see bigger shifts in my energy, I need to invest more in the planting!  
 
In the same way, there are small energy zappers that I could be doing that drain much more energy than I thought they would.  Having my phone on in my bed?  Hanging out with those friends who just pour out their troubles onto me?  Repeating those worries in my mind without praying or giving them to God?  All of these little things will reap and steal more energy than I think. 
 

Law #9:  I Can Always Increase My Harvest By Planting More Seeds

This is the 'Law of Proportion.’  All I have to do is start with some small acts in an effort to get more energy.  If I find that they are working, I can just push those acts more and more and get more out of them!   But there is no pressure to start BIG.  I can always add more!

  

Law #10:  The More Seed I Plant, The More God Will Give Me

God is looking for GIVERS to bless.  Those people that are the most ACTIVE for the GOOD of others are blessed with LOTS OF ENERGY.    God will bless me for those Good efforts by giving me more and more responsibility and need for energy.  The more Ido for the world around me, the more energy God will give me to be able to do it all.  
 
 

Law #11:  I Plant by Faith, NOT By Feelings:

I will never ever FEEL like doing those things that will give me more energy.  Many times I will have to plant when I don’t FEEL LIKE IT, but I’ll do it anyway because I know that’s the only way I get what I want out of life.   
 
Planting by Faith means that I do things for the deeper reason WHY.  When I cling to that reason and don’t detour on whims of emotion, I’ll get far more out of your goals and build my character too.  It will pay off HUGE dividends when I sacrifice my immediate gratification for my greater investment down the road.  
  
Reap What You Sow
 
In short, we have to realize that the things that really matter in life, and having ENERGY is something that really does matter, even though it’s something that God wants for us to have, WE are responsible in just how much we invest and therefore harvest.  
 
God doesn’t operate as just a “vending machine” where we think we just “put in” our part and “God’s part” automatically spits out what we want.  A vending machine God does not build our heart or our character.  
 
Our heart and our character are the “treasures” that we take with us to heaven.  So it only makes sense that God will ALLOW US to “store up” those real treasures in heaven while we are also getting more out of the life that we are living NOW.  What a gift that is!  (Matthew 6:20)
 
It is an honor to get to work for the things we really want out of life.  It is a privilege and it makes our reward that much more rewarding!
 
So, here’s to planting more energy for you TODAY! 

"Harvesting My Health" Free Download!

If you are interested in learning more about how to Harvest Your Health in 2016, then I'd love to welcome you to my email list!  I'll be giving away the BEST content to my inner tribe!     In fact, I have a FREE 7-Day devotional series I wrote for you on "Harvesting My Health" through the 7-Laws of the Harvest!  I think you'll really like it!

Just click the button below to grab your free copy and I'll look forward to connecting with you soon!

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Even Pastors Mess This One Up | From SURREND’her to STRONG’her
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(Be sure you read to then end of the blog to sign up for a limited opportunity!)

Your Greater Purpose and Your Health—

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My husband, Howard, tells a story about a fiery pastor who was responsible, along with his grandmother “Gammy”, for my husband first giving his life to Christ at the age of 12.

He was the Pastor of a predominantly African American church in Los Angeles, CA and out of respect, I’ll omit using his name here. Howard describes the man as one of the most powerful orators he has ever met. He laughs saying, “Pastor would suck in a big breath from his big belly and then all of a sudden fire out the longest sentence of the gospel you had ever heard.” The man was, by all who can attest, a brilliant Pastor and surely living out a Greater Purpose from God by bringing so many to know God more.

Unfortunately, this pastor died at a young age, in his late 50’s due to a string of ailments some of which were due to his weight, including diabetes. It is a sad ending to a great man’s life.

Upon hearing this story, I couldn’t help but wonder how many more people could have been led to God had his life not have ended at such a young age. While admittedly, I do not know the specific circumstances of this mans health, I do know that his story can fit the context of the hundreds and thousands of deaths we see plague this world. Far too many people are dying from preventable or manageable health issues in this world! With all due respect to the legacy of this man’s life, to me, this story is another example of one great man’s Greater Purpose being cut short by his inability to take care of his body’s health.

As you may know by my writing, that my views on health have been enhanced in recent years and I am on this forum trying to promote a less “body obsessed” version of health and replace it with a more balanced, deeply rooted, approach to “True Health.”

To me, in order to build a STRONG’her body, you have to be able to change the way you think about your body and your health and become WISE’her. But to gain true wisdom, you have to dive deeper in your Spirit to the depths of your character, core values and relationship with God to SURREND’her your life to your Greater Purpose.

 

However, this path is not linear with all roads leading to that SURREND’her goal, it’s circular! While I make no quips about the fact that I absolutely believe that SURREND’hering ourselves is the only way we can ever TRULY LIVE, this is not where the road ends.

Linear Path Nope

Once you have SURREND’hered your life to God and to the path of your Greater Purpose, it has to circle back to you building up a STRONG’her body.

 

Circular Image BODY MIND SOUL

My beliefs on this are based on the simple question:

 How can one truly LIVE out your Greater Purpose without being diligent to keeping your body healthy along the way?

The answer is:

you can’t

Living out your Greater Purpose requires just that—LIVING. You simply cannot live the life you were designed to truly live without properly taking care of your body along the way.

Afterall, to go an do GREAT things in this life, you need:

 

  • Endurance and sustainable energy,
  • A body strong and capable of living out whatever God is calling you to do
  • A strong immune system to prevent illness and disease
  • The ability to sleep soundly to truly rest your body and mind
  • Strong bones and muscles to help prevent pain and injury
  • Properly functioning organs by supplying them with the necessary nutrients

 

Do we have control over all aspects of our body? Certainly not. Can we prevent all diseases and ailments, unfortunately, no.

But should you have the audacity to full take control of those aspects of your health that you CAN control and work to establish a balanced and true health for yourself by depending on the strength of God, He will bless your efforts and bless your path to your Greater Purpose to a Greater Health.

No matter what God has has established as your Greater Purpose, it is your responsibility to properly take care and nourish your body to do it!

While it is easy to feel the responsibility of your to feel like a burden , but if you take on the tasks as an act of gratitude for your life and for the body you have been blessed with, your health will no longer feel like such a burden but rather a blessing!  God will bless you in your obedience in taking care of your Holy Temple.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own;” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Being healthy and exercising your body is so much more than our bodies “looking a certain way”, God does not care about that.

 “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7)

Your true health is much more about what you can go out and DO for others, for yourself and for God.

Make sure your “Temple” is representin’ God’s greatness!! dawn_by_freelancah

 FOR EXAMPLE:

If God has called you to be a teacher, take care of your body and eat in a way that will inspire your students to do the same for themselves. While you are cultivating their mind, cultivate their own self worth and self care by showing them what health looks like.

If God has called you to be a mother, in the same light, take care of your body so you might show your children how you love your body and you love God. Show them how with God you can overcome the temptations of food addiction, idolatry of food/alcohol/substances, and even the temptation of self loathing or lethargy. That you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

If God has called you to go climb the highest mountain in the world so you can shout His name from the top, I’m pretty sure you are going to have to get in some pretty darn good shape to be able to do that.

If God has called you to travel the world as a missionary, you are going to need sustenance and a good supply of nutrients now to endure what lack of you might receive there.

If God has called you to be a singer, public speaker or Pastor, you bet you’re going to need to some energy to truly get up on that stage and have an impact with your voice. Your body will be used physically and as a shining example of the woman God created.

If God has called you to solve medical mysteries and diseases, your mind will need an incredible amount of nourishment in order to be able to critically think for so long. You will need energy and a body that can allow for true wisdom to come through which will require rest and exercise.

If God has called you to be of service by being an incredible friend or mentor to those around you, you too need to represent the love of God from the inside out. Show the people you love what it looks like to love God and to yourself enough to take care of your body too.  Do not be mere words.

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It is time that you use your Greater Purpose of this life to finally find the TRUE motivation to get to your TRUE health!

You will no longer be working out to “look like her.” You will no longer be “on a diet” to get a “bikini body.” You will no longer resort to surgeries, drugs or supplements to try to “cheat” your way to “looking better.”

Just to be clear, your Greater Purpose in life is not to look good in a bikini or to be able to take the perfect selfie for social media.

Your Greater Purpose is found in TODAY, not in tomorrow. So you are going to start TODAY, no, RIGHT NOW to make this life a life worth living.

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Take your next step toward your Greater Purpose. Take your next step toward your Greater Health!!

 

 

Want to know how we’re going to do it?!   Well here is where you might take advantage of an exciting opportunity with yours truly.

The key to success in your health is simply establishing the right goals and setting out to fulfill them in effective ways!

I have a 7-Step SURREND’hered Goal Development  I designed and implement with each of my Health Coaching Clients!

It involves:

-Setting (S.M.A.R.T) specific goals that fit in with your Greater Purpose way of living for you Body, Mind AND Soul.

-Using the power of Visualization for success and retraining your subconscious brain.

-Creating and implementing daily habits to establish effective results daily and to override the less effective ones you’ve been using.

– Ritualizing those habits to make them uniquely you!

 

If you are interested in participating in my 100% FREE 7-Step SURREND’hered Goal Development WORKSHOP, please subscribe to this email link HERE. It will be a daily emailed workshop that will last just 7 days!  It is a one-time event and will only be offered to a limited number of subscribers, so sign up quickly!

The workshop will cover not only these steps to TRUE HEALTH Goals, but will also include some BONUS workout guides, Nutrient-Based Eating Guide and Recipes!

So if you’re ready to make some changes in your health and need help figuring out the necessary steps to take to create some life changing goals, sign up for the GREATER HEALTH series HERE that will begin on:

Monday April 13!

Share the link and tell a friend and get excited about changing your health and changing your life!

If you are interested in getting started right away, I have just a couple positions open in my roster of 1:1 Virtual Health Coaching practice. Contact me at amanda@amandawrightfit.com or click on the Health Coaching Tab of my website.

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