PG31 Challenge #9 INNER-GY

Today's Verse:Proverbs 31:17

 She arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong. (World English Bible)

Key Words: Armed & Dangerous

Reflect: She takes care of her own health and strength, not only by means of useful labor, but by healthy exercise. She avoids what might weaken her body, or soften her mind - she is ever active, and  ready for every necessary exercise. Her loins are firm, and her arms strong (Clark's Commentary).

I know I can speak for many women who do not find the gym an appealing option. So, what can you do to get in shape that doesn't involve a gym? You can 1) Walk rather than take the elevator, even parking your car a distance to force the walk works 2) You can spend the next 21 days changing your diet.* 3) You can utilize your office space to do lunging & tightening your stomach muscles for ten seconds at a time is said to be equal to stomach crunching. 4) You can head to the playground and get active with your children. Rather than watching them play, play along. If your husband works out, join him at least one time a month. You get the exercise and the relational benefit too. 5)Take a 3 minute breathing break. Put your timer on (most phones have them now) and close your eyes. Inhale, making your belly appear like a blown up balloon. Then exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to 5. Repeat this for the break.

Will you begin all of this today? Highly unlikely. Can you get started? Most definitely. You, Virtuous Woman are loved by many. It is absolutely imperative that you take care of YOU!

ProACTION: Write 31 qualities about you that have nothing to do with your outer man in your journal. Be brutally honest. Then, highlight the things you know are not bearing godly fruit. Pray about them and ask God for the strength, the wisdom, and the right Word to help you renew the spirit of your mind so that it is more like His. Remember, we are under construction! Work It, Ladies!

*My consistent diet is soups, salads, chili, lots of fruit, fish, rice, mixed veggies & turkey casseroles and very little bread & pasta. I indulge during holidays but otherwise I am pretty consistent, and I have been the same weight the past four years. I have now added plenty of purified water to that with a daily cup of coffee and applesauce. I am by no means advising this as the perfect diet, but it works for me. Please consult your physician or nutritionist before changing your diet

PG31 Challenge #8 SYNERGY

Today's Verse:Proverbs 31:17

 She puts on strength like a belt and goes to work with energy.

Key Words: Strength & Energy

Reflect: We are going to marinate on this for a few challenges. Today, Virtuous Woman, got wants you to know He is the Heavy Weight in this relationship. He has armed you with the belt of truth. This belt is special to us, as we have an advantage of what is commonly called 'women's intution'. We can read a situation within seconds, working both sides of our brain. Science has proven that when words and body language don't match, it's considered a lie, and women will trust your body language over the words coming out of your mouth. What does this mean for us? It means that often times, we can tell when our sister is down, feeling out of sorts, depressed, much faster than our male counterparts. The nurturer kicks in and we find ourselves mothering, coddling, and at times pacifying what could be toxic behavior and attiudes. We want our sisters to feel better. We want our mothers to not go through yet another divorce. We want our daughters to stay away from negative influences. We want our sisters to get out of that abusive relationship. But if we provide intervention where we need to provide intercession, we are telling God that He is not Big Enough. Today, my Sister, my Friend, Woman of Virtue. Put on the strength of God, and go to work in His energy. In this life, we and the people we love will face trials and trouble, but Let God fix it, as you fix your eyes on Him. He's so much better at it.

ProACTION: Call on three people today that you know are struggling with pressing situations. Use your break time today to pray with them, agree with them for the victory and encourage them to let God be the Heavy Weight today. We want to hear from you! Share your testimony!