But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal 5:22-23.
❤️…A verse I love that I keep coming back to. It’s said often in health and fitness circles that the hard part isn’t getting your body in shape, The hard part is getting your mind in shape, and I can see some truth in that.
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We can start off strong JUST focusing on workouts and food… but when real life hits, we get thrown hard , realize we’ve not built up the INNER muscle for less than perfect times and circumstances. Which – HELLO – that’s LIFE. So when we’re trying to “make it a LIFE-STYLE” what do we do to stick it out thru the roughness, the inconvenience, and make our new desired habits stay for a LIFE-TIME no matter what’s going on around us ?
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What I see this scripture reminding us is that when we are mindful to CARE FOR the Inner parts of life … we will experience an OUTPOURING of results in all the outer parts of life (including disciplining the body and our appetites).
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Go with me here –
The fruit (growth) of the Spirit (inner life).
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LOVE. Loving myself better through my food, sleep, training, self coping choices…
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JOY. Celebrating and appreciating my body, my victories, my struggles for how they make me stronger (not a discouragement and reason to quit)
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PEACE. His peace He gives me. Peace with my uniqueness, my body shape. I could list about 10 more.
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KINDNESS. GOODNESS. GENTLENESS. Not just by how I treat my body by what I put in my mouth for my cells and organs to thrive on… goodness & kindness in how I speak and think of myself. Not punishing my body for what I did or didn’t do/eat.
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SELF CONTROL. FORBEARANCE. FAITHFULNESS. Making it through the tough stuff. Tough times. With patience and discipline. Sticking to my promises to God and myself for this body He says is His temple. No going back .
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When I just try training the body I’m doing it the HARDER WAY! It’s NOT ENOUGH ALONE! So the answer mama- the answer is train and grow them BOTH. Not just the outside. But the Inside at the same time.
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What do you think? I’d love to hear from you!
In Sweat & Faith,
Angel
Angel Ballance 