Tag / Self-improvement

by tracymauro

Mindset Matters: Weather Checks Before Running and Other Such Nonsense

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Time to get back out and excercise. Wait… first, let me check the weather.

But for someone reason this morning I asked myself, “Why do I check the weather before I head outside to exercise?”

To be honest…  before these thoughts this morning my “pre-run weather checks” were really the time I took to find an excuse not to do what I need to do.  Evidence of this is the fact that I haven’t gone running in weeks even though I actually like to run and feel and function oh-so-much better when I do.  “Hmmmm….” go my thoughts, “It’s a little too hot or a little too cold. Wait!! Is that a raindrop?!??   Better wait for better weather!”

STOP IT, TRACY!! (And yes, I meant to use italicized all caps right there. Sometimes I need to yell at myself).  No more making time to find excuses. Of course I do need to check the weather. I live in North Texas. Within the same week I may need to wear rain gear, shorts and a tank top, or a parka. But my mindset for my weather check needs to be “How do I need to prepare for what I’m about to do?” instead of “Why I probably shouldn’t do this today.”

So, see you in a bit. I’m headed outside to become a better version of me. Join me??

by tracymauro

Sometimes It’s Good to “Go Around In Circles”

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“Purity leads us to fervent prayer & fervent prayer leads us to purity.” – @PriscillaShirer #SomeCyclesAreGood #GetCaughtUpInHIM

(BTW…. In my humble opinion, the book Fervent is a “must read” for every woman)

by tracymauro

Ladies, STOP begging. SomeOne DIED to Break that Curse!

One of the results of the fall way back in the Garden of Eden is the tendency we women have to think we cannot be complete or get our needs met apart from a man in our life (“Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” – Genesis 3:16b). Please remember, this is a part of a curse after Adam & Eve’s sin. But it doesn’t have to be our story because Jesus died and lives to break that curse (among others).  

When we put any man – even a most wonderful one – in the place of God in our hearts, things will get ugly. We’ll either pursue a relationship more than we pursue the very One who died just to be in relationship with us, or we’ll put pressure on our guy to be our everything – even begging him as stated in the image below.

Make sure your heart is securely placed in God’s hands before you even think about placing it in the hands of anyone else. And, choose your man wisely: someone whose track record and not just his words prove his love for God. Then… God can move your guy’s heart toward you as only God can.

NEVER
(Note:  I found this great meme on The Conflicts of Life Facebook page. Great page to follow!)

 

by tracymauro

Feel like you’re in a Spiritual War Zone?

Well, that’s because… you are in a spiritual war zone!  It is a fight.  But when we’re in Christ, we fight from a place of victory because THE BATTLE IS ALREADY WON!

To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in his great power.  Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks.  Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.

 So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living.   On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.   And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One.  Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God.  Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people.

  – Ephesians 6:10-18  ERV

warroom2

by tracymauro

Becoming (A More Healthy Version) of Who I Already Am

Part of the process of “becoming who I already am” is taking care of myself. So, I made a good choice to use my lunch break to get some exercise with a quick walk. And when I got back to my office and checked my phone, I was rewarded with a nice surprise: The perfect cool-down dropped into my Facebook feed! Thank you, REFIT Revolution! (Of course… my office door is closed and locked for this!!) I’m not typically the greatest multi-tasker, but this kind of multi-tasking I can do!  What an awesome combination: Workout + Worship!  My body & spirit are now better energized to tackle the rest of the workday! I challenge you to try it, too!  It doesn’t take long and is well worth investing a few minutes in YOU!