{A Review and Giveaway}: New Devotional Film Helps Women Selflessly Navigate An "All About Me" Society

I was once again contacted by Lisa and Francis Chan's ministry, asking if I would like to be apart of their "Deny Yourself Blog Tour," to review the second film in Lisa's new devotional film series for women, True Beauty: Finding Your Identity in Jesus.

Obviously, I jumped at the opportunity. I mean, hello...when a best-selling author (Crazy Love, Forgotten God, Erasing Hell) asks you to be apart of something they are doing, you don't say no! Plus, I absolutely LOVED the first dvd in the series, Be Still. You can read my review of it here.

I don't know about you, but I have recently been struggling with my purpose in life. Maybe I am having a mid-life crisis of sorts! ;) Basically, I feel like I am constantly running from one thing to the next, always busy getting stuff done, but never doing any of it well. I wear myself out doing things that I think God wants me to be doing with my time, my family and my ministry, only to look back and realize that I never even consulted Him first about these plans of MINE. I continue to jump in head first without a life vest, not realizing it until I start drowning!

No wonder I live overwhelmed, beat down and flat worn out most of the time. My best is simply not good enough. It never will be. I need to quit trying to do everything in my own time, by my own strength, according to my own plans. Can you relate?

Deny Yourself was exactly what I needed to hear...a reminder to give it all up in exchange for a better life, the abundant life that Christ offers us if we will simply lay down our own lives, our own plans, our own dreams and follow Him.

I know you will be incredibly inspired, as I was, by the story of Irene and her husband, who (by the grace of God) overcame a struggling marriage due to his alcoholism and ended up with a marriage better than they could have ever imagined. She obeyed Jesus' command to forgive, even though she didn't want to, and was tremendously blessed by this changed man and the large number of orphans they welcomed into their home!

After hearing her story, I am beyond excited to see what God will do in my own life when I truly begin to deny myself on a daily basis, choosing Him and His will instead of me and mine.

Will it always be easy? Absolutely not. Jesus had to endure the cross in order to claim the victory. But His glorious resurrection was definitly worth the sacrifice! I know that what God has in store for me (and us) is better than I (we) could have ever imagined! I have already seen Him answer my prayers in amazing, unexpected ways when I forgo asking for specific things, but instead simply ask for His will to be done in a particular situation.

"Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." [Luke 9:23-24]

What about you? Do you want to experience the abundant life that only Jesus can give? A life better than you could ever imagine?

Everywhere they turn, women are fed the message that self-indulgence and having-it-all is the end goal. Each season brings a new style, a must-have bag and a better-than-ever face cream that will turn other women green with envy. Sacrifice isn't applauded, but rising up in the ranks is but, as they climb, they realize that this way of life isn’t shiny and happy—it’s empty. In the second film of her new series, True Beauty: Finding Your Identity in Jesus (David C Cook/Flannel, March 2013), Lisa Chan–co-founder of the mega-church Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley—presents another option for women: Deny Yourself. In this impactful teaching, she demonstrates a way of life that is full of contentedness and joy.

I am so excited to giveaway one copy of Deny Yourself to one lucky winner...to be able to bless another with the same blessing that was given to me.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post!

For extra entries (leave the designated amount of extra comments for each one that you do)...

1. Tweet this giveaway (leave 1 extra comment)

2. Post this giveaway on your FB wall (leave 2 extra comments)

3. Pin this giveaway onto Pinterest (leave 3 extra comments)

4. Blog about this giveaway (leave 4 extra comments)

Winner will be announced Saturday, April 27th. 

If you would rather just purchase a copy, pre-order yours here.

Have a great week, friends! May God bless you as you give up everything to follow Him!

Our regularly scheduled {Hope for the Home} linky party will return next week, as planned.

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

{Day 25}: Christmas Leftovers

Physical Fitness:


100 stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank



Spiritual Fitness:


I think I did more cooking and baking this weekend than I have done in my entire life!

Growing up in a house full of women, we have SO many Christmas traditions that we have carried on into adulthood, it is unreal. Big A's favorite one is most definitely the matching pjs that we all wear on Christmas Eve and even take pictures in...which my mom is now threatening to make into Christmas cards! Uh oh.

Anyways, now that we live away from family, it is up to me to carry on these traditions for my boys.

So, I worked overtime this past week and weekend to make sure the house was perfect, the gifts were perfect, the food was perfect, the entertainment was perfect, etc etc etc. And did it turn out perfect?

Pretty close! ;)

Now, do these little details really matter in the grand scheme of things? Probably not.

But I wanted to make sure that my boys had a special Christmas...and it was all worth it to me when Little A said, "this is the best Christmas ever!"

Honestly, any Christmas where he is spoiled rotten with toys {as he always is by Santa and his grandparents} is a great Christmas for him, but it made me feel good none the less.

This got me to thinking...do I go out of my way to give my best to God?

At our candlelight Christmas Eve service it was stated this way..."don't give God your leftovers-- your leftover time, your leftover talents, your leftover money."

And I thought to myself, if God {or any other honored guest, or any guest for that matter} was coming to my house for Christmas dinner, there is no way I would serve them our leftovers.

On the contrary, I would serve him my best meal.

So, I ask you? Are you going to give God your leftovers this Christmas and in the year to come, or are you going to give him the very best that he deserves?

I encourage you to give him the best portion. The first fruits. As I strive to do the same.

Let's not serve him on our own selfish terms-- only if we have any time, any talent or any money left to give.

He gave it all for us. The least we can do is give him our best.

God came as a baby, giving and entrusting Himself to me. He expects my personal life to be a "Bethlehem." Am I allowing my natural life to be slowly transformed by the indwelling life of the Son of God? God's ultimate purpose is that His Son might be exhibited in me. {Oswald Chambers}


I hope that you have enjoyed this 25 Days of Fitness journey to Bethlehem as much as I have. May you continue to seek after the savior all year long, not just at Christmastime.

He is waiting for you.

Before you go, don't forget to enter this fantastic giveaway and be sure to "like" Tower Promotions on facebook because they are going to be giving away 2 $50 Visa gift cards this week in honor of our 25 Days of Fitness journey and you won't want to miss it!

With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us. It will shine on those who live in darkness, in the shadow of death. It will guide us into the path of peace. {Luke 1:78-79}


Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning;
O Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore Him...
Christ the Lord.
{translated from Latin by F. Oakley, 1841}

{Day 24}: You're Here

Physical Fitness:


30 minutes on the elliptical


Spiritual Fitness:

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs! I absolutely love the line that says, "you could've left us on our own...but you're here." He did not have to step down from his throne in heaven, but he did it to save us.

{be sure to scroll down and pause the music player before watching the video}




The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. {John 1:14}


Merry Christmas, friends!

{Day 23}: Free Friday! {Joy in the Journey} **giveaway** CLOSED!!!

Physical Fitness:


100 stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank



Spiritual Fitness:


Today is Free Friday!, which means we have another {free} printable for you!

I asked my friend Mary Jo of 517 Creations to design this one specifically for today's post.

Isn't it cute?! Go here to download it. It has also been featured at Be Different Act Normal, 517 Creations,  Printable Decor and Creative Busy Hands. Definitely gonna have to frame this one for our house.

Here it is again with the description of my 2012 word...JOY!

Go here for the matching blog button and go here to read the nice things that Mary Jo of 517 Creations had to say about me and this print. Humbled.

Sometimes it is incredibly easy to find joy in the journey, isn't it?

Love. Engagements. Weddings. New jobs. Healthy babies. The list goes on.

But what about when the journey gets tough? When you just cannot take it anymore and you want to quit?

Anger. Break-ups. Divorce. Lost jobs. Miscarriages. Sickness. Death.

It  is during these times that you must "choose joy." And believe me, sometimes you have to search for it. And sometimes the holidays can be the hardest. Find God in the little things. Count those blessings that you usually take for granted.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. {James 1:2-4}


I truly hope that you are finding joy along your 25 Days of Fitness journey this Christmas season. Like the wisemen, I pray that the star leads you to the King of Kings. And that you find joy along the way, not because of the details, but because of who you are traveling with.

The Journey

by Erin Vick Franklin

This great gift I have been given

I am not worthy of

It's only by the wondrous grace

Of my Lord above.

So I wait upon you oh Lord

I do not want to fall

It's your will I desire

Only your will above all.

I know you have great plans for me

But I just feel so lost

What do you have in store for me?

I will go despite the cost.

It is me my sweet child

That you are yearning for

It is me who is your destiny

I am your great reward.

My plan is for you to know me

And to become just like my son

I promise to come back for you 

When all is said and done.

For now enjoy my presence

Lead others to my grace

Don't worry about tomorrow

Simply live life for today.

In honor of this post, my friend Kate of The Adopt Shoppe has graciously agreed to giveaway 1 of her new Joy in the Journey necklaces and 1 of her new Joy in the Journey word arts to 1 lucky winner!

I am SUCH a fan! I want these for myself. ;)

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling us 1 thing that has brought you joy this Christmas season.


For extra entries {leave separate comments for each one that you do}:

1. Follow this blog {scroll down and click Follow, 1 extra entry}
2. Heart The Adopt Shoppe on Etsy {1 extra entry}
3. Blog about this giveaway and leave the link to your blog post in your comment {5 extra entries}
4. Post this giveaway on your facebook page {3 extra entries}
5. Tweet this giveaway {2 extra entries}
6. Pin the {free} printable onto Pinterest {4 extra entries}

**Be sure to leave your email address in your comments so that I can contact you if you win.

You can enter through December 31st. Winner will be announced January 1st. Goodluck!

Sidenote: The Adopt Shoppe happens to be one of my favorite shops! And the best part is that ALL proceeds go towards Kate's adoption.


Update: GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!!!

{Day 22}: Majesty in the Midst of the Mundane

Physical Fitness:


30 minutes on the treadmill


Spiritual Fitness:

Now that Christmas is drawing near, it is getting harder and harder to get my 25 Days of Fitness posts up. We get busier and busier as the days go by and I am starting to get run down, fighting off a cold.

But I will press on and finish strong. What about you?

You MUST take 5 minutes and watch this incredible Christmas Flash Mob video of what took place in the South Bay Galleria on December 18th in Redondo Beach. It is simply amazing. You have to watch it until the end.

{be sure to scroll down and pause the music player before watching the video}



While watching it, I could not help but think of today's reading from Max Lucado's One Incredible Moment.

One's imagination is kindled thinking about the conversation of the innkeeper and his family at the breakfast table. Did anyone mention the arrival of the young couple the night before? Did anyone ask about their welfare? Did anyone comment on the pregnancy of the girl on the donkey? Perhaps. Perhaps someone raised the subject. But, at best, it was raised, not discussed. There was nothing that novel about them. They were, possibly, one of several families turned away that night. 


Besides, who had time to talk about them when there was so much excitement in the air? Augustus did the economy of Bethlehem a favor when he decreed that a census should be taken. Who could remember when such commerce had hit the village?


No, it was doubtful that anyone mentioned the couple's arrival or wondered about the condition of the girl. They were too busy. The day was upon them. The day's bread had to be made. The morning's chores had to be done. There was too much to do to imagine that the impossible had occurred.


God had entered the world as a baby.


These people at the mall were caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Most likely frantically trying to find that last gift so that they could get home, finish the wrapping and start baking. They were too busy to notice the savior.

And then something spectacular happened, stopping them in their tracks and reminding them of the true reason for the season.

But the sad part is that there were probably people who kept on walking.

So tell me, which one are you gonna be? Are you gonna stop and worship the Baby Jesus or are you gonna keep on walking and miss the Christmas miracle too?

Thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful for words. {2 Corinthians 9:15}


Check back later today for our Free Friday! post, including a fabulous giveaway! Also, are you a fan of our sponsor Tower Promotions on facebook? They are going to be giving away 2 $50 Visa gift cards in a few days as part of our 25 Days of Fitness journey. "Like" their page so you do not miss out!

{Day 21}: I Played My Best For Him

Physical Fitness:

100 stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank


Spiritual Fitness:

One of my all-time favorite Christmas songs is Jars of Clay's "Little Drummer Boy."

{be sure to scroll down and click pause on the music player before watching video}



Have you noticed how much I love music and like to use it in my devotionals? It really speaks to my soul and is a vessel that God has always used to bring me closer to him. Must be why I married a Worship Pastor, who happens to be a drummer himself! ;)

I just love love love the line that says "I played my drum for him. I played my best for him."

It always brings tears to my eyes and is probably one of the greatest lines in any song ever written.

This little boy had nothing to give but his one talent. And yet that did not stop him...he played his heart out for the newborn king.

What an offering of praise to our God. Oh how I would have loved to hear it.

What do you have to give the Christ-child this Christmas season?

I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord, I bring an offering to you
{Casting Crowns}

{Day 20}: Can Martha Have a "Mary" Christmas? {Girlfriends With a Purpose}

Physical Fitness:

30 minutes on the treadmill

Spiritual Fitness:

Is the pressure of the Christmas season getting to you?

Are you frantically trying to find the perfect last-minute gifts and get your cards sent out?

Do you still have a ton of baking and wrapping to do?

What about packing, traveling or hosting guests?

How is it that Christmas is only a few days away and there is still so much left to do?

Hop on over to another of my favorite blogs, Girlfriends With a Purpose {for minister's wives}, and read this post on how to find a balance between making preparations for Christmas and actually experiencing the reason for the season.

Choose what is better this week. Visit the stable and sit at his feet.

{Day 19}: 3 Gifts You Really Need To Open Right Now {A Holy Experience}

Physical Fitness:

100 stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank

Spiritual Fitness:

For today's dose of spiritual fitness, I am simply going to send you over to one of my favorite blogs, A Holy Experience.

Ann Voskamp is an advocate for Compassion International {one of my favorite ministries} and the author of best-selling book, One Thousand Gifts.

She has a beautiful way with words. A true gift that somehow brings you immediately into the presence of God and allows you to rest in his grace.

Hop on over and check out her post from today, 3 Gifts You Really Need To Open Right Now, including a video with music by Mark Schultz.

Big A and I just saw him in concert this past weekend and he is fabulous. I happened to win 2 free tickets, thanks to Lighthouse Christian Books! :)

I hope your 25 Days of Fitness journey is going well. If you are struggling, don't stress about it...just put down your load and focus on the light of the stable. He's waiting for you.

Hail, hail to the newborn King
Let our voices sing Him our praises
Hail, hail to the guiding Light
That brought us tonight to our Savior

Come now, let it shine so bright
To the knowing Light of the stable
Kneel close to the Child so dear
Cast aside your fear and be thankful

{Selah}

{Day 18}: Come and Worship {and a winner!}

And the winner of the Believe Necklace from Cap Creations IS...{drumroll please}...

Congratulations Julianne!!! Contact me at worthyoftheprize@yahoo.com to claim your prize. A big thanks to all who entered!

Physical Fitness:

30 minutes on the eliptical

Spiritual Fitness:

Bebo Norman is one of my all-time favorite artists, so of course I love to share his stuff whenever I get the chance!

But seriously, you need to watch this video. It is a scene from The Nativity Story put to his song, Come and Worship.

It will take your breath away.

{be sure to scroll down and click pause on the music player before watching video}



God is calling us to lay down our burdens this Christmas season. To put aside the holiday stresses. To forget about the decorating, the entertaining, the gifts, the baking.

He is simply calling us to seek after and worship the newborn King.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. {Jeremiah 29:13}

Don't miss his birth because you are busy. What a tragedy it would be to have missed the point.

{Day 17}: Christmas Joy!

Physical Fitness:

100 stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank

Spiritual Fitness:

As we celebrate the birth of God's son this Christmas season, I cannot help but remember the birth of our own miracle baby. Little A.

Our beautiful, oldest son who the doctors thought might be born with "problems" that could potentially lead to a life-long disability or even death shortly after birth.

As long as I live, I will never forget the specialist's words, "if you are going to terminate the pregnancy," said to a devastated first-time mother and her husband. Are you kidding me?!

We will never know if God healed him or if there was never anything wrong with him in the first place but look at my handsome little 5 1/2 year old child. Can't you just see the joy on his sweet little face after we finally got our Christmas tree up this year, a little later than usual due to some holiday travels?!

Thank goodness we serve the Great Physician, with whom all things are possible! And in whom we trust to be the author of life and death. Not only were those earthly doctors wrong, but boy were they wrong! I have never been around a kid with so much life inside of him. A bright, strong-willed, driven, energetic, perfectly healthy child.

There is definitely something special about him and I have no doubt that God has great plans for his life. He fills our lives with joy that's for sure. And he is one of many reasons we have to celebrate this Christmas season!

What brings you Christmas joy this year?

She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. {Matthew 1:21}

Speaking of joy, I am SO excited to discover Picnik because I can now edit my own pictures {notice the logo and effects on Little A's picture} and can also design my own printables for free! Woohoo! What an exciting step for my little ministry!

This is my very first creation, just in time for Christmas. Feel free to download this 8x10 print here and please share it with others.

And remember, today is the LAST day that you can enter to win the Believe Necklace. The winner will be announced tomorrow. Goodluck! :)

{Day 16}: Free Friday! {Believe} **giveaway**

Physical Fitness:

30 minutes on the treadmill

Spiritual Fitness:

So every year we watch The Polar Express together as a family. It is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.

This year I even made peppermint hot chocolate and North Pole cupcakes for the occasion.

These were one of my fabulous Pinterest finds and the boys loved them!

We began watching the movie together because of our boys' love for trains but I really like them to watch it because of the message.

Though I've grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe. {The Polar Express}

I just love that it teaches our children what it means to believe in something worthwhile.

Miracle on 34th Street is one of my favorite Christmas movies for the same reason.

I know alot of people in "Christian" circles do not think it is right to trick our kids into believing in something that is not "real" like Santa Claus.

But I happen to have a different opinion.

I think it is good to teach our kids to believe in something worth believing in. In something they cannot see. In something that contradicts the secular culture that we live in.

We believe in Santa Claus here at our house. What about you?

Now, does this mean we lie to our children when they ask us the truth? No.

Does this mean we give them anything and everything they want for Christmas? Absolutely not.

Everything you do in life requires balance.

We actually take it one step further. We allow Santa Claus to point the way to Jesus.

What? You ask.

We hope that in training them young to believe in something worthwhile that one day when they are old enough, they will put their faith in Jesus Christ and what he did for them on the cross.

And we even have many Christmas displays around our home showing Santa Claus worshipping the baby Jesus.

It keeps it all in perspective.

Are we worried that when they find out that Santa Claus is not real, it will damage their ability to believe in anything {like Jesus} again? Of course not.

Because it is all in how you present the truth and teach them the difference between faith and imagination.

To each his own, but around here we believe.

And for all of you who truly believe, I have a lovely {free printable} for you designed specifically for this post by my friend Cat of Cap Creations! Thanks Cat! :)

Click here to download the 5x7 print.

You can display it in your home or as a background for your computer as a reminder that it is good to believe.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. {John 3:16}

And along those same lines, Cat has graciously agreed to give away one of her adorable Believe necklaces to 1 lucky winner!

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Christmas movie!

For extra entries {leave separate comments for each one that you do}:

1. Follow this blog {scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Follow, 1 extra entry }
2. Follow the Cap Creations blog {1 extra entry}
3. Blog about this giveaway and leave the link to your post in your comment {5 extra entries}
4. Post this giveaway on your facebook page {3 extra entries}
5. Tweet this giveaway {2 extra entries}
6. Pin the free printable onto Pinterest {4 extra entries}

**Be sure to leave your email address in your comments so that I can contact you if you win!

You can enter through Sunday. Winner will be announced Monday. Goodluck!

Click here to read the other 25 Days of Fitness posts.

{Day 15}: What Christmas Is All About

Physical Fitness:

100 stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank

Spiritual Fitness:

Every year we watch Charlie Brown Christmas with our boys. It is one of our traditions.

Linus gets it right. He explains what Christmas is all about...



It really is that simple. Will you help Linus spread the word?

{Day 14}: A Little Piece of Heaven

So, how are you doing on your 25 Days of Fitness journey now that we are over half-way finished?

Have you been working out? Are you watching what you eat? Are you preparing your heart for the arrival of our savior? Or have you been distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season?

Anybody still out there? Let me know how you are doing!

Physical Fitness:

30 minutes on the eliptical

Spiritual Fitness from One Incredible Moment:

Have you ever spent days, weeks, months even, searching for the perfect gift for that special someone?

Maybe it was for your significant other, to show them how much you care?

Or for that child who only wanted one thing from Santa and of course every store is sold out of that one thing?

Maybe you spent hours on a handmade gift for a friend or loved one?

Why do you do it?

You do it so the eyes will pop. You do it so the heart will stop. You do it so the jaw will drop. You do it to hear those words of disbelief, "You did this for me?"

That's why you do it. And that's why God did it. Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless, remain that way. Say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, "Do you like it? I did it just for you."

My parents came to visit us at the end of May last year to join us for the boys' double birthday celebration. We happened to be at the park by our house, which Little A likes to call "our park" on my dad's birthday when out of nowhere the sky opened up and a breath-taking rainbow of colors appeared.

Within seconds it was gone. It was the strangest thing. And unlike any rainbow we had every seen before, almost like waves of color splashing across the sky.

My dad joked that it was God's birthday card to him! And of course we laughed and agreed and posted it on facebook {because nothing is official until it is on facebook}. ;)

But seriously, there is no doubt in my mind that God sent a little gift to us that day. For some reason, he wanted us to know that he was there with us on that special day and that he loved us.

Find such love hard to believe? That's okay. Just because we can't imagine God's giving us sunsets, don't think God doesn't do it. God's thoughts are higher than ours. God's ways are greater than ours.

And sometimes, out of his great wisdom, our Father in heaven gives us a piece of heaven just to show he cares.

{Day 13}: Here With Us

Physical Fitness:

100 stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank

Spiritual Fitness:

I was listening to Joy William's beautiful song Here With Us in the car and that word "servant-king" hit me like a ton of bricks.

Think about it. It is a contradictory term.

serv·ant   
noun

1. a person employed by another, especially to perform domestic duties.
 
king 
noun
1. a male sovereign or monarch; a man who holds by life tenure, and usually by hereditary right, the chief authority over a country and people.

How can a person simultaneously be a servant and a king?

How can one lower himself enough to give up his life for another and yet at the same time rule over all?

How can someone be fully man and fully God?

It makes no sense.

And yet he did it just for you.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

{Philippians 2:5-11}

{Day 12}: O Holy Night

Physical Fitness:

30 minutes on the treadmill

Spiritual Fitness:

Listen to the "Phantom of the Opera" sing O Holy Night with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. It is simply breathtaking. One of my favorite Christmas songs.

But before you do, ponder these thoughts from Max Lucado's One Incredible Moment...

You are my child. I love you dearly. I'm aware that someday you'll turn from me and walk away. But I want you to know, I've already provided a way back.

Stepping from the throne, he removed his robe of light and wrapped himself in skin: pigmented, human skin. The light of the universe entered a dark, wet womb. He whom angels worship nestled himself in the placenta of a peasant, was birthed into a cold night, and then slept on cow's hay.

You wonder how long my love will last? Find your answer on a splintered cross, on a craggy hill. That's me you see up there, your maker, your God, nail-stabbed and bleeding. Covered in spit and sin-soaked.

That's your sin I'm feeling. That's your death I'm dying. That's your resurrection I'm living. That's how much I love you.

Now listen and remember, he did it just for you.

{be sure to scroll down and click the pause button on the music player before listening to the song}

{Day 11}: To Give or To Get? That is the Question.

Physical Fitness:

100 stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank

Spiritual Fitness:

I have seen this floating around facebook.

I think it speaks for itself.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. {Matthew 20:28}

Still looking for ideas on how you can serve others this Christmas season?

It is not too late to Gift A Box through Operation Christmas Child online. This is one of my absolute favorite ministries. We build a box together as a family every year at Christmas-time for a child in need. It really teaches the boys about giving. You can even gift one in honor of someone else.

Or you could give a Gift of Compassion to a child in need or sponsor a child through Compassion International. We sponsor Edwin in Uganda and it is such a neat ministry to do as a family. We pray for him at the dinner table and have the opportunity to write him letters and send him gifts. It is so cute to see the boys draw him pictures and pray for him.

Also, read this post from one of my favorite bloggers Walking in Grace and Beauty and think about doing a random act of kindness this Christmas season! How fun would that be?! I am going to try to do one this week and will let you know how it goes.

Finally, don't forget to make plans to enter for a chance to win 2 $50 Visa giftcards. Go here for details.

How is your 25 Days of Fitness journey going so far? Leave me some comments here or on our facebook page.

{Day 10}: To Win Your Love

Today's Physical Fitness:

30 minutes on the treadmill

Today's Spiritual Fitness:


Here is what we want to know. We want to know how long God's love will endure...Does God really love us forever? Not just on...Sunday when our shoes are shined and our hair is fixed. We want to know...how does God feel about me when I'm a jerk? Not when I'm peppy and positive and ready to tackle world hunger. Not then. I know how he feels about me then. Even I like me then.


I want to know how he feels about me when I snap at anything that moves, when my thoughts are gutter-level, when my tongue is sharp enough to slice a rock. How does he feel about me then?...


Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us?


God answered our question before we asked it. So we'd see his answer, he lit the sky with a star. So we'd hear it, he filled the night with a choir, and so we'd believe it, he did what no man had ever dreamed. He became flesh and dwelt among us.


He placed his hand on the shoulder of humanity and said, "You're something special."


{excerpt from Max Lucado's One Incredible Moment: Celebrating the Majesty of the Manger}


Joy to the World!
The Lord is come:
Let Earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing.
{Isaac Watts}

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:38-39]

{Day 9}: Free Friday! {Wise Men}

In keeping with our regular blog schedule, today is Free Friday!

Every Friday we give you a {free printable} that you can display in your home or as a background for your computer screen as a reminder of the great God that we serve.

Some people even frame them or make them into a canvas to keep for themselves or to give as gifts.

I absolutely love this print that my friend Cat of Cap Creations designed which makes a perfect Christmas decoration or gift...

Go here to download it. And go here to learn how to make it into a canvas.

I cannot wait to display this in my home this Christmas season! It goes perfectly with our discussion from {Day 7}: Wise Men Still Seek Him.

Today's Physical Fitness:

100 Stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank

Today's Spiritual Fitness:

Listen to this song and leave a comment here or on our facebook page letting us know how you plan to "seek him" this Christmas season and in this day and age.

{be sure to scroll down and pause the music player before listening to the song}

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. {Matthew 2:1-2}

{Day 8}: The Author Enters His Own Story

Physical Fitness:

30 minutes on the eliptical

Spiritual Fitness:


In my mind, there are 2 pretty incredible facets of the Christmas story that we do not usually think about.

1. God lets each one of us write our own story. He starts it for us but then he lets us finish it.

What a dangerous liberty. How much safer it would have been to finish the story for each Adam. To script every option. It would have been simpler. It would have been safer. But it would not have been love. Love is only love if chosen.


2. God {the author} enters his own story. Knowing the cost, he steps down from his throne in heaven. Emmanuel, God with us.

The Word became flesh. He, too, would be born. He, too, would be human. He, too, would have feet and hands. He, too, would have tears and trials.


And most importantly, he, too, would have a choice. Emmanuel would stand at the crossroads of life and death and make a choice. 


The Author knows well the weight of that decision. He pauses as he writes the page of his own pain. He could stop. Even the Author has a choice. But how can a Creator not create? How can a Writer not write? And how can Love not love? So he chooses life, though it means death, with hope that his children will do the same.


And so the Author of Life completes the story. He drives the spike in the flesh and rolls the stone over the grave. Knowing the choice he will make, knowing the choice all Adams will make, he pens, "The End," then closes the book and proclaims the beginning.


"Let there be light!"

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee.
{Charles Wesley, 1744}


By the way, I have decided that in addition to purchasing an Africa Glass Ornament to help our adopting families bring their children home, I am also going to purchase a Scentsy buddy for Toys for Tots as part of my 25 Days of Fitness giving. The buddies will be given to underpriviledged kids and $5 from each bear will be donated to the adopting families that we support. You can read more about this opportunity here. Today is the last day that you can purchase one.

What are you doing for your 25 Days of Fitness giving? Go here to find out how you can win a $50 Visa gift card simply by helping others this Christmas season.

And don't forget to track your weight loss during our 25 Days of Fitness journey! Go here to find out how you can win a $50 Visa gift card simply by losing weight this Christmas season.

Now that we are a week in, leave some comments here or on our facebook page to let me know how your journey is going so far! Are you keeping up?

{Day 7}: Wise Men Still Seek Him

Physical Fitness:

100 stairs
10 super-slow squats
10 super-slow crunches
10 super-slow reverse push-ups
30 quick calf-raises {straight, in, out}
1:00 plank

Spiritual Fitness:

In today's reading of One Incredible Moment, Max talks about the fact that the wise men {the 3 kings} were probably:

1. Men of Wealth-- because they embarked on an extended journey and yet still had gifts to give at the end of it

2. Men of Influence-- because they commanded the audience of Herod

3. Men of Intellect-- because they navigated across thousands of miles following a star

These men were not idiots who set out on some crazy journey.

And neither are you for worshiping a babe born in a manger.

Don't let the world tell you any different.

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee,
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria, in excelsius Deo.