Many of you know that I have been attending the YMCA since May of 2006. It was around that time in my life that I realized that I needed to make some lifestyle changes or I was going to be on a quick path to self-destruction. Over a period of years, my weight had been increasing and I was feeling awful most of the time.
In order to lose weight and get into shape, not only did I need to change what and how I ate, but I needed to add some physical activity to my lifestyle. I accomplished that part of the routine by joining the Y.
Over the past eighteen months, I have done a lot at the YMCA. I work out on strength training machines, cardiovascular machines, and I even swim on occasion. I mix things up so that my body doesn’t become too used to one routine. I enjoy going to the Y – it gives me a chance to manage my response to stress, and I have improved my overall health.
As I participated in the various cardio activities at the Y, I began to hear a lot about a cardiovascular class called Spinning. I would watch the participants work extremely hard and often say that I would try that someday. At first, I was a little apprehensive. I didn’t know if I would like it and didn’t know if I could handle it physically.
But about six months ago, I finally took a Spin Class and I was instantly hooked. If you don’t know what it is – Spinning is a form of studio cycling. It is a cardio class taken on a stationary bicycle. Participants follow the lead of an instructor who takes the class through a series of movements that mimic outdoor cycling. Pace as well as resistance vary throughout the hour. It has been said that it is one of the most taxing and efficient cardiovascular activities. Different instructors have different styles, and different instructors offer different classes. There are classes for all levels from beginners to advanced, and there is even a class for seniors.
Long and short of it – I love it! I take the class about 2 to 3 times a week. By the end of an hour class – I am usually exhausted and soaked. And for those of you who have seen me sweat – you know that is not a stretch.
Recently, one of the instructors has been encouraging participants to “Turn it up!” She reminds people that if they are not challenging themselves, they are not going to make any gains. Different people have different goals, but you should be setting them and challenging yourself to make a difference in your own fitness life. Each person is different, and only you will know if you are challenging yourself. I can even hear it now, “If you’re not challenging yourself, you need to turn it up!”
Do I take that personally? I Sure do! I think about it every time it is said. I think about it from my own personal life and how much I have been able to do since I began taking the spin classes. Am I challenging myself? Am I doing everything I can to take the next step?
This coming week, we formally begin our Transformed Living Study at College Hill. In many ways, you can say that it is God’s call for us to “Turn It Up!” Think about it from your own personal perspective. Maybe you have been one of those people who has just been running through the routines of church and now it’s time to really take a step forward toward transformation.
As part of the study, you will have the opportunity with everyone in the congregation to read a book, participate in a small group setting, and hear messages during worship that are specifically geared toward your own personal transformation. Each person is different and only you will know if you are challenging yourself.
At the end of the study – you should notice a difference. Are you going to sweat? You might. Are you going to be challenged? I think so. But only you know whether you have put yourself into the study. To mimic the spinning philosophy – it’s your ride. But I do know one thing – you will be transformed if you allow the Holy Spirit to work within you to challenge and sustain you on a six week journey of faith.
This week during worship, I told people we are going to memorize Paul’s words during the next six weeks. I think they speak to us and speak to our need to be transformed. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good, acceptable, and perfect” Romans 12:2.
Challenge yourself to be transformed. If you’ve been coming to church for a while, it’s time for you to Turn it Up!
“Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the call to transformation. Some may not be in a position to change much, but we pray that your Spirit would touch and guide us all to a spiritual transformation. Speak to us words of encouragement. Feed us when we are hungry, and give us that spiritual water that we need when we thirst for you. We pray these things in Christ’s name. Amen.”
This week in worship, we begin our series with a sermon entitled, “Transformed Living – Priming the Pump.” If you have any questions about the small groups that are meeting, I encourage you to talk to me. We’d love to have you join us, there is room for everyone. In fact – why don’t you be a friend and encourage someone to join you? See you this week.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
In order to lose weight and get into shape, not only did I need to change what and how I ate, but I needed to add some physical activity to my lifestyle. I accomplished that part of the routine by joining the Y.
Over the past eighteen months, I have done a lot at the YMCA. I work out on strength training machines, cardiovascular machines, and I even swim on occasion. I mix things up so that my body doesn’t become too used to one routine. I enjoy going to the Y – it gives me a chance to manage my response to stress, and I have improved my overall health.
As I participated in the various cardio activities at the Y, I began to hear a lot about a cardiovascular class called Spinning. I would watch the participants work extremely hard and often say that I would try that someday. At first, I was a little apprehensive. I didn’t know if I would like it and didn’t know if I could handle it physically.
But about six months ago, I finally took a Spin Class and I was instantly hooked. If you don’t know what it is – Spinning is a form of studio cycling. It is a cardio class taken on a stationary bicycle. Participants follow the lead of an instructor who takes the class through a series of movements that mimic outdoor cycling. Pace as well as resistance vary throughout the hour. It has been said that it is one of the most taxing and efficient cardiovascular activities. Different instructors have different styles, and different instructors offer different classes. There are classes for all levels from beginners to advanced, and there is even a class for seniors.
Long and short of it – I love it! I take the class about 2 to 3 times a week. By the end of an hour class – I am usually exhausted and soaked. And for those of you who have seen me sweat – you know that is not a stretch.
Recently, one of the instructors has been encouraging participants to “Turn it up!” She reminds people that if they are not challenging themselves, they are not going to make any gains. Different people have different goals, but you should be setting them and challenging yourself to make a difference in your own fitness life. Each person is different, and only you will know if you are challenging yourself. I can even hear it now, “If you’re not challenging yourself, you need to turn it up!”
Do I take that personally? I Sure do! I think about it every time it is said. I think about it from my own personal life and how much I have been able to do since I began taking the spin classes. Am I challenging myself? Am I doing everything I can to take the next step?
This coming week, we formally begin our Transformed Living Study at College Hill. In many ways, you can say that it is God’s call for us to “Turn It Up!” Think about it from your own personal perspective. Maybe you have been one of those people who has just been running through the routines of church and now it’s time to really take a step forward toward transformation.
As part of the study, you will have the opportunity with everyone in the congregation to read a book, participate in a small group setting, and hear messages during worship that are specifically geared toward your own personal transformation. Each person is different and only you will know if you are challenging yourself.
At the end of the study – you should notice a difference. Are you going to sweat? You might. Are you going to be challenged? I think so. But only you know whether you have put yourself into the study. To mimic the spinning philosophy – it’s your ride. But I do know one thing – you will be transformed if you allow the Holy Spirit to work within you to challenge and sustain you on a six week journey of faith.
This week during worship, I told people we are going to memorize Paul’s words during the next six weeks. I think they speak to us and speak to our need to be transformed. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good, acceptable, and perfect” Romans 12:2.
Challenge yourself to be transformed. If you’ve been coming to church for a while, it’s time for you to Turn it Up!
“Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the call to transformation. Some may not be in a position to change much, but we pray that your Spirit would touch and guide us all to a spiritual transformation. Speak to us words of encouragement. Feed us when we are hungry, and give us that spiritual water that we need when we thirst for you. We pray these things in Christ’s name. Amen.”
This week in worship, we begin our series with a sermon entitled, “Transformed Living – Priming the Pump.” If you have any questions about the small groups that are meeting, I encourage you to talk to me. We’d love to have you join us, there is room for everyone. In fact – why don’t you be a friend and encourage someone to join you? See you this week.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
7 comments:
Greg,
Does spinning around in the office chair count?
Great work and keep up the good work both at the Y and at the church! We will pray for you, your family and the ministry.
God's Grace,
Jeff
Does spinning at a Grateful Dead concert count?
Good stuff bro...great analogies. Keep up the good work and be faithful man. I'm praying for you.
Oh, and, I'm not worthy.
Greg, I appreciate your connecting of daily life and the spiritual life. You always make me think.
I pray that God blesses the journey on which you will be leading your church in the weeks that come. Thanks for the fitness tip. I also appreciate the call to challenge ourselves in all aspects of life.
Good stuff, Greg.
I go through exercise phases, then I get lazy, then I get going again.
Kudos for sticking with it. I'll have to try "spinning" myself.
Good image. I just had a lowspot in running and I turned it back up by praying and running at the same time (with my eyes open though). Great thoughts!
Hoping that our CROP Walk can jumpstart me to exactly what you're talking about. Thanks for the solid words!
Post a Comment