Stumble It!
I use to wonder why sports athletes would injure themselves and continue doing the same job?
Now, I understand. It’s for the love of the sport. We had the best advanced/open class tonight. It’s been a while since I have had the opportunity to spar and grapple with some of our newer students. I had so much fun! Our students are so talented and eager to learn. It’s always a joy to work with them.
So, where did the bruises come from? Well, in addition to working with belts below mine, I also got to spar and grapple with our black belts and I always learn so much! Every time I work with a black belt I learn something new. However, if you are really working hard, you will earn a few bruises, especially if you’re an older student. Grappling and sparring will give you a few bruises but they are worth it. They become, somewhat of, a badge of honor. You grin when you show a classmate one of your bruises because you know that you earned it and it was fun doing so.
So, can a bruise be a good thing? Sure, it may be painful but it does make you smile.
Keep having fun!
Lisa
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
The story of the wrist band
Several years ago in our leadership meeting we came up with the idea to use wrist bands as a way of encouragement for our students. It never occurred to me how this small idea would affect me in such a extraordinary way.
Let me explain the concept. When you test and receive your color belt you also receive a wrist band of the same color to wear on your left hand. As you continue in rank the idea is to pass the wrist band to someone else as you make rank. For example: you test for white and receive your white wrist band, later you test for yellow and receive your yellow wrist band. You would then pass your white wrist band to someone who is working toward their white belt. They would wear the wrist band they received from someone that is to be their next color belt on their right wrist. Clear as mud?
It must be understood that in Tao Heish Wu Shu when you test for your belt rank and pass you know you have accomplished something. Each test is incrementally more difficult than the last test. Our tests are designed to be so difficult that you must rely on God to get through them. The further up in rank the more specific the test is geared to you personally. They are challenging and fun. I am often amazed when I watch a lower rank test to think, “Hey, I passed that test. That’s really cool.” Of course, I then think about the test to come and realize how much work I have to go.
But back to my story, I have passed down each of my wrist bands to someone in class that was working to obtain that belt level. Someone I wanted to encourage and push to reach the next level. Truthfully, I have concentrated on the ladies in our school because I have to enjoyed watching them blossom with confidence, strength and courage.
I have had several belt buddies over the years. Some who are no longer with us due to work…I miss you Jeff Rainwater and others due to family constraints. But one belt buddy in particular the past couple of years has remained in class and is a friend, adopted little brother and the hardest uke I’ve ever had! If you are in class then you know I’m talking about Rich Quiones. He had previous martial arts experience and was able to really help me prepare for my blue belt test. His encouragement and support really made a difference.
Rich tested for his red belt this past testing cycle. He had an amazing test despite injuries but the end of the test was the most surprising to me. You see, he passed his red belt wrist band to me. I was overwhelmed with emotion as it meant so much to me. This wasn’t just his wrist band. My son Luke had presented this same wrist band to Rich when he passed his red belt test. And before that, Sensei Van Thompson gave it to Luke upon receiving his black belt wrist band. Van earned this wrist band and wore it until he tested for black. Luke wore it preparing for his red as did Rich. Now I’m wearing that same wrist band while I prepare for my red belt test. This is a wrist band with history. It gives me encouragement every time I look at it to know the others before me accomplished the same goal I am working toward. How cool is that?
I’ve worn my blue wrist band almost daily since it was presented to me on my blue belt test. It reminds me that I can accomplish what ever I put my mind to. It is a symbol of many hours of training, overcoming injuries, blood, sweat and tears and three years of hard work. But, I gave it away last night. It was quite by accident.
I was sitting in church waiting on our guest speaker Larry Mudd http://www.muddinyoureye.org/ to come in. He came in the back of the auditorium shaking hands and beginning his story taking about colors. When he stopped in front of me he noticed my bright blue wrist band and asked if he could wear it. I know that I looked like a deer stopped by bright lights and I stammered as I hesitated to answer him. My first thought was, “No, it took me too long to get this. I’ll fight you for it!” But, I gave it to him explaining that it represented 3 years of hard work in martial arts. He said he would give it back to me.
But, as he spoke I thought about the meaning of the wrist band. To show encouragement, strength, motivation, and love and to reflect the love of friends in our life. Isn’t this one of many attributes of Christ. Christ worked so hard for us and ultimately died for us. My three years of work pales in comparison to His life on the cross. But I do know that Christ wants us to serve others, to encourage them and lift them up. I can’t imagine being a full time minister, ministry leader or speaker for Christ. I often wonder who ministers to them? Shouldn’t that be our job as Christian martial artists to encourage others in all capacities regardless if it is in martial arts or life. So I gave my blue wrist band to Larry in hopes that in some way my blue wrist band, the reflection of my blood sweat and tears will encourage him as he continues to speak across the country about the light of Christ. Maybe there is someone in Larry’s future that will need a physical symbol of the love of Christ and His fight for us that he will pass this wrist band on to. It will be interesting to see.
Let me explain the concept. When you test and receive your color belt you also receive a wrist band of the same color to wear on your left hand. As you continue in rank the idea is to pass the wrist band to someone else as you make rank. For example: you test for white and receive your white wrist band, later you test for yellow and receive your yellow wrist band. You would then pass your white wrist band to someone who is working toward their white belt. They would wear the wrist band they received from someone that is to be their next color belt on their right wrist. Clear as mud?
It must be understood that in Tao Heish Wu Shu when you test for your belt rank and pass you know you have accomplished something. Each test is incrementally more difficult than the last test. Our tests are designed to be so difficult that you must rely on God to get through them. The further up in rank the more specific the test is geared to you personally. They are challenging and fun. I am often amazed when I watch a lower rank test to think, “Hey, I passed that test. That’s really cool.” Of course, I then think about the test to come and realize how much work I have to go.
But back to my story, I have passed down each of my wrist bands to someone in class that was working to obtain that belt level. Someone I wanted to encourage and push to reach the next level. Truthfully, I have concentrated on the ladies in our school because I have to enjoyed watching them blossom with confidence, strength and courage.
I have had several belt buddies over the years. Some who are no longer with us due to work…I miss you Jeff Rainwater and others due to family constraints. But one belt buddy in particular the past couple of years has remained in class and is a friend, adopted little brother and the hardest uke I’ve ever had! If you are in class then you know I’m talking about Rich Quiones. He had previous martial arts experience and was able to really help me prepare for my blue belt test. His encouragement and support really made a difference.
Rich tested for his red belt this past testing cycle. He had an amazing test despite injuries but the end of the test was the most surprising to me. You see, he passed his red belt wrist band to me. I was overwhelmed with emotion as it meant so much to me. This wasn’t just his wrist band. My son Luke had presented this same wrist band to Rich when he passed his red belt test. And before that, Sensei Van Thompson gave it to Luke upon receiving his black belt wrist band. Van earned this wrist band and wore it until he tested for black. Luke wore it preparing for his red as did Rich. Now I’m wearing that same wrist band while I prepare for my red belt test. This is a wrist band with history. It gives me encouragement every time I look at it to know the others before me accomplished the same goal I am working toward. How cool is that?
I’ve worn my blue wrist band almost daily since it was presented to me on my blue belt test. It reminds me that I can accomplish what ever I put my mind to. It is a symbol of many hours of training, overcoming injuries, blood, sweat and tears and three years of hard work. But, I gave it away last night. It was quite by accident.
I was sitting in church waiting on our guest speaker Larry Mudd http://www.muddinyoureye.org/ to come in. He came in the back of the auditorium shaking hands and beginning his story taking about colors. When he stopped in front of me he noticed my bright blue wrist band and asked if he could wear it. I know that I looked like a deer stopped by bright lights and I stammered as I hesitated to answer him. My first thought was, “No, it took me too long to get this. I’ll fight you for it!” But, I gave it to him explaining that it represented 3 years of hard work in martial arts. He said he would give it back to me.
But, as he spoke I thought about the meaning of the wrist band. To show encouragement, strength, motivation, and love and to reflect the love of friends in our life. Isn’t this one of many attributes of Christ. Christ worked so hard for us and ultimately died for us. My three years of work pales in comparison to His life on the cross. But I do know that Christ wants us to serve others, to encourage them and lift them up. I can’t imagine being a full time minister, ministry leader or speaker for Christ. I often wonder who ministers to them? Shouldn’t that be our job as Christian martial artists to encourage others in all capacities regardless if it is in martial arts or life. So I gave my blue wrist band to Larry in hopes that in some way my blue wrist band, the reflection of my blood sweat and tears will encourage him as he continues to speak across the country about the light of Christ. Maybe there is someone in Larry’s future that will need a physical symbol of the love of Christ and His fight for us that he will pass this wrist band on to. It will be interesting to see.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
What is the definition of an athlete?
So, what is your definition of an athlete?
I have asked several people recently and each time have received a different response. Some of them are:
Someone who plays professional sports
Someone who is athletic
A search on google provided these:
Someone whose idea of a workout doesn't involve a playstation or xbox
An athlete practices even when it's not fun, because they want to get better.
The dictionary defines it as:
: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina
I bring this up because I have never considered myself an athlete. I have always thought of an athlete as someone who was in shape and very athletic having endurance and strength. However, in class last week Soke told me, “Lisa you’re an athlete, trust yourself, your ukemi and your technique.” I have pondered those words since. Of course, he was absolutely correct (he usually is…lol). I was holding back and not trusting myself. But his comment that I was an athlete really stunned me. Me, a mom of 5 kids, someone who never did any sport prior to martial arts, an athlete? It was a very foreign concept.
But as I have given it more thought, I’ve wondered, “Am I an athlete?” As I reviewed what I have accomplished to date I realized, I have changed my endurance and strength but I needed to change my perception of myself to move forward. I needed to update the mental aspect as well. Isn’t part of being an athlete the mental part of what you perceive?
Yes, you do need strength, endurance, and stamina but you also need the mental endurance, perseverance, and diligence to be an athlete and you need to think of yourself as an athlete.
I don’t have all the words to describe how that thought made me feel. Just mentally thinking of myself as an athlete made me feel empowered, strong and confidant. It made me realize that I can continue moving forward in my goal towards becoming a black belt. (I was feeling rather intimidated. The advanced classes are a whole different world.) However, I believe it is possible because I have become an athlete as well as a martial artist.
It also made me think, “If I’m an athlete do I really need that piece of chocolate? Do I really want to miss that work out?” hmmm, interesting thoughts.
What about you? Are you an athlete? Are you working you way toward becoming one?
I hope so, because if I can do it so can you.
Keep training,
Lisa
I have asked several people recently and each time have received a different response. Some of them are:
Someone who plays professional sports
Someone who is athletic
A search on google provided these:
Someone whose idea of a workout doesn't involve a playstation or xbox
An athlete practices even when it's not fun, because they want to get better.
The dictionary defines it as:
: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina
I bring this up because I have never considered myself an athlete. I have always thought of an athlete as someone who was in shape and very athletic having endurance and strength. However, in class last week Soke told me, “Lisa you’re an athlete, trust yourself, your ukemi and your technique.” I have pondered those words since. Of course, he was absolutely correct (he usually is…lol). I was holding back and not trusting myself. But his comment that I was an athlete really stunned me. Me, a mom of 5 kids, someone who never did any sport prior to martial arts, an athlete? It was a very foreign concept.
But as I have given it more thought, I’ve wondered, “Am I an athlete?” As I reviewed what I have accomplished to date I realized, I have changed my endurance and strength but I needed to change my perception of myself to move forward. I needed to update the mental aspect as well. Isn’t part of being an athlete the mental part of what you perceive?
Yes, you do need strength, endurance, and stamina but you also need the mental endurance, perseverance, and diligence to be an athlete and you need to think of yourself as an athlete.
I don’t have all the words to describe how that thought made me feel. Just mentally thinking of myself as an athlete made me feel empowered, strong and confidant. It made me realize that I can continue moving forward in my goal towards becoming a black belt. (I was feeling rather intimidated. The advanced classes are a whole different world.) However, I believe it is possible because I have become an athlete as well as a martial artist.
It also made me think, “If I’m an athlete do I really need that piece of chocolate? Do I really want to miss that work out?” hmmm, interesting thoughts.
What about you? Are you an athlete? Are you working you way toward becoming one?
I hope so, because if I can do it so can you.
Keep training,
Lisa
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Does it matter how old you are?
I looked at my blog today and realized I need to changed the header. The original header was, "MMA at 43". I started martial arts three years ago. I turn 46 this summer and I'm continuing to learn and train. So does age matter? No, if you really want to do something I believe you can do it! It takes time, patience and hard work.
It's interesting as I reach a new phase in my training I feel like I am starting all over again. When I started I felt so uncoordinated and silly. Learning the techniques seemed so foreign to anything I had ever attempted to learn. This passed as I learned and progressed. Now, as an advanced belt learning advanced techniques I sometimes feel the same way. Sensei Kendall was teaching us the S-kick last week and that feeling of being uncoordinated returned. Again, this past week in our advanced class I was doing other techniques that made me feel equally uncoordinated and silly. However, this time the feeling did not last as long and as I got into the grove of things I began to pick up the concepts quicker.
Soke has always said that earning your black belt is the beginning. As I reach each level I understand that statement more and more.
My training has changed over the last 3 years. I started with doing nothing to just working on the basic techniques, then doing weight training, and lastly extreme cardio. I only worked on each one at a time for a period of time! Now my goal is to combine all of the above. I believe I have finally reached a fitness level where I can combine all of them into one week. It has taken 3 years, some injuries and work juggling family, homeschooling, administration but it's finally beginning to pay off.
I have much to learn before my next belt test and a level of fitness that I want to reach but I've got a plan!
We have a tournament coming up on March 26th. Let me know if you would like to come out and watch. It's free to attend and our demo team is going to be awesome.
Keep training!
Lisa
It's interesting as I reach a new phase in my training I feel like I am starting all over again. When I started I felt so uncoordinated and silly. Learning the techniques seemed so foreign to anything I had ever attempted to learn. This passed as I learned and progressed. Now, as an advanced belt learning advanced techniques I sometimes feel the same way. Sensei Kendall was teaching us the S-kick last week and that feeling of being uncoordinated returned. Again, this past week in our advanced class I was doing other techniques that made me feel equally uncoordinated and silly. However, this time the feeling did not last as long and as I got into the grove of things I began to pick up the concepts quicker.
Soke has always said that earning your black belt is the beginning. As I reach each level I understand that statement more and more.
My training has changed over the last 3 years. I started with doing nothing to just working on the basic techniques, then doing weight training, and lastly extreme cardio. I only worked on each one at a time for a period of time! Now my goal is to combine all of the above. I believe I have finally reached a fitness level where I can combine all of them into one week. It has taken 3 years, some injuries and work juggling family, homeschooling, administration but it's finally beginning to pay off.
I have much to learn before my next belt test and a level of fitness that I want to reach but I've got a plan!
We have a tournament coming up on March 26th. Let me know if you would like to come out and watch. It's free to attend and our demo team is going to be awesome.
Keep training!
Lisa
Thursday, February 10, 2011
You will be amazed at what you can do...
You will be amazed at what you can do…..
I started the advanced class this year. To be honest, I was a little intimidated about starting the class especially since we were beginning with a special guest instructor teaching us Brazilian Jujitsu. I just did not think I was flexible or quick enough to be able to keep up with the rest of the athletes in class. All of the advanced belts are in very good shape, younger, and weigh less than I do. The last thing I want to do is hold someone else back in class.
However, I surprised myself. I was actually able to do all of the techniques we learned. Again, it all goes back to technique. We hear that often in class. It is not about strength but more about technique. If you learn your techniques correctly, whatever you are doing will work every time. As a blue belt, you would think, I would have learned this lesson by now!
Don’t get me wrong, I have gained physical fitness since I started martial arts. I am in much better shape and stronger than I have ever been. It started slowly, but as I got better in class I began working out more outside of class. I wanted to continue to see improvement in my abilities as I learned more techniques. This spurred me into lifting weights, doing more cardio workouts and watching what I eat. The transition has been slow and I still have a long way to go. But each time I think, I’m not sure I am going to be able to do ____ I am actually able to. It’s exciting and exhilarating to continue to learn and push past my own insecurities and what I view as my physical limitations.
So, if you are just starting out or if you are thinking, “I’m not sure about doing that”, at least try. You may just surprise yourself too! You may need to start out slow as I did, but give yourself time. I tell people all the time, if I can do it and learn so can you.
Lisa
I started the advanced class this year. To be honest, I was a little intimidated about starting the class especially since we were beginning with a special guest instructor teaching us Brazilian Jujitsu. I just did not think I was flexible or quick enough to be able to keep up with the rest of the athletes in class. All of the advanced belts are in very good shape, younger, and weigh less than I do. The last thing I want to do is hold someone else back in class.
However, I surprised myself. I was actually able to do all of the techniques we learned. Again, it all goes back to technique. We hear that often in class. It is not about strength but more about technique. If you learn your techniques correctly, whatever you are doing will work every time. As a blue belt, you would think, I would have learned this lesson by now!
Don’t get me wrong, I have gained physical fitness since I started martial arts. I am in much better shape and stronger than I have ever been. It started slowly, but as I got better in class I began working out more outside of class. I wanted to continue to see improvement in my abilities as I learned more techniques. This spurred me into lifting weights, doing more cardio workouts and watching what I eat. The transition has been slow and I still have a long way to go. But each time I think, I’m not sure I am going to be able to do ____ I am actually able to. It’s exciting and exhilarating to continue to learn and push past my own insecurities and what I view as my physical limitations.
So, if you are just starting out or if you are thinking, “I’m not sure about doing that”, at least try. You may just surprise yourself too! You may need to start out slow as I did, but give yourself time. I tell people all the time, if I can do it and learn so can you.
Lisa
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The Blue Test
As I have prepared for my blue belt test an interesting thing happened in my thinking. I no longer began to be so concerned about how to do the technique but how to control what ever I was doing in order to not hurt the partner I was working with. I also began to view some things differently. Much of this I can’t describe as it has to be experienced by each individual martial artist as they learn.
The closer to the test day I got, the more nervous I became. I make my family crazy when I am going to test because I worry about it so much! Thanks to them for putting up with me.
My test today was grueling. I have been fighting a pinched nerve in my left shoulder for the past 3-4 weeks. I’ve tried everything: Ice, massage, heat, Epsom salt baths, chiropractor trips, and neuro-muscular massage from my wonderful massage therapist Mia. Nothing worked. I almost called off the test this morning because I had such limited mobility. I wondered if I was being selfish to my instructors by pursuing what I wanted so badly that I would not reflect their quality teaching. I knew I could do the test and knew the techniques, but my fear was of lowering the quality of our test in the eyes of my fellow students. I didn’t want to let them down.
It was quite the opposite today in that they all lifted me up. I can’t even describe how wonderful the encouraging words I received from my classmates today made me feel. My instructors guided me, reminded me of important things like not to think so much and breath! It’s so funny. The most common advice I give to our students testing is to remember to breath and today I was receiving the same advice! God continues to remind me of humility and perseverance.
I can honestly say we have the greatest martial arts family in the world. The Godly love and encouragement supersedes any technique that could be learned. My instructors and classmates truly show the love of Christ and of all the things we learn, this is the most important.
So, here is a big THANK YOU to my family at home and my family at martial arts. I couldn’t have done it without you.
With much love,
Lisa
The closer to the test day I got, the more nervous I became. I make my family crazy when I am going to test because I worry about it so much! Thanks to them for putting up with me.
My test today was grueling. I have been fighting a pinched nerve in my left shoulder for the past 3-4 weeks. I’ve tried everything: Ice, massage, heat, Epsom salt baths, chiropractor trips, and neuro-muscular massage from my wonderful massage therapist Mia. Nothing worked. I almost called off the test this morning because I had such limited mobility. I wondered if I was being selfish to my instructors by pursuing what I wanted so badly that I would not reflect their quality teaching. I knew I could do the test and knew the techniques, but my fear was of lowering the quality of our test in the eyes of my fellow students. I didn’t want to let them down.
It was quite the opposite today in that they all lifted me up. I can’t even describe how wonderful the encouraging words I received from my classmates today made me feel. My instructors guided me, reminded me of important things like not to think so much and breath! It’s so funny. The most common advice I give to our students testing is to remember to breath and today I was receiving the same advice! God continues to remind me of humility and perseverance.
I can honestly say we have the greatest martial arts family in the world. The Godly love and encouragement supersedes any technique that could be learned. My instructors and classmates truly show the love of Christ and of all the things we learn, this is the most important.
So, here is a big THANK YOU to my family at home and my family at martial arts. I couldn’t have done it without you.
With much love,
Lisa
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Guard your heart
***NOTE*** Parents please review the following article prior to younger children reading it. This content is for mature discussion, although consideration was made in writing to make it as discrete as possible.***
Warriors:
As martial artists we train to keep our hands up to protect our face and how to block punches and kicks. We spend hours perfecting our kicks, stances and forms but do we practice guarding our hearts?
As you reach the intermediate level you will find yourself grappling with members of the opposite sex or possibly training with someone individually. As you learn to guard and protect yourself physically, are you also working to guard yourself mentally? The bible tells us: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23)
I would like to humbly submit to you several things to do if you are training with someone of the opposite sex:
In all of your training, commit every training session to God. His Word tells us that our bodies are our temples until him. I Cor 6: 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. Have you considered praying with your training partner before you begin your workout session?
If you can train with partners of the same sex or in groups of three or more. However, if you are training with someone of the opposite sex never put yourself in the position of temptation. Always include someone else in your training session. When I work out with my training partner, my son or daughter always trains with us. If they are not available, my other children are always in the same room or in the least in the next room with the door always open. If you are training with someone frequently alone you are putting yourself in the position of temptation. You may think, “Oh, I would never do anything like that!”, but why take the risk? We all sin and fall short of the Glory of God. We are born with a sin nature and our flesh is always weak, never take the risk. Mark 7:21-22 from within, out of our hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, and folly.
When you are working out, it is wonderful to have the affirmation of your training partner encouraging you. One of the reasons people work out together is for the extra push your training partner can give you. If you are married do not rely on this affirmation. You must rely on the affirmation of your spouse! Talk with your spouse and let them know you need their encouragement and support. If your spouse is the one working out with a partner, make sure you are giving them the verbal affirmation they need. Encourage them and tell them you are proud of them constantly and consistently. 1 Thess 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Keep your conversations to working out, your faith and the love you have for your spouse. If you find yourself confiding to your training partner your frustrations about your marriage, job or life you are opening a door that will lead to trouble. Those conversations are intimate conversations that should be with your spouse, Pastor or best friend (of the same sex) not your training partner. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
Never let others get the wrong impression of you and your training partner. If anyone ever questions your relationship be prepared to explain the circumstances with a clear conscience. If you can’t, you have some soul searching to do now. Don’t wait until you have already started down a path that could hurt you and many others around you. Guard your heart now. 1 Tim 1:19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
If you are working with one of our instructors please be careful of not putting them in an uncomfortable situation. Make sure your expectations of the workout/training session are clear up front. 2 Peter 3:14 … make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you even think you are slipping, find someone to confide in and assist in holding you accountable. One of the great things about Warriors’ leaders is that we are very real and understand life’s challenges. Eph. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Remember it is important to balance our workouts spiritually, physically and mentally. Make sure you are giving yourself a workout in each of these areas.
These tips are applicable in every area of our lives. I hope that you are guarding your heart in all areas of life. Phil. 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
In Christ,
Lisa Bethay
NOTE: My thoughts and idea for this article came from a sermon preached by Dr. David Fincher of Campus Church of Christ. If you would like to hear more please visit:
http://www.campuschurch.org/forum-guard-your-heart
Warriors:
As martial artists we train to keep our hands up to protect our face and how to block punches and kicks. We spend hours perfecting our kicks, stances and forms but do we practice guarding our hearts?
As you reach the intermediate level you will find yourself grappling with members of the opposite sex or possibly training with someone individually. As you learn to guard and protect yourself physically, are you also working to guard yourself mentally? The bible tells us: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23)
I would like to humbly submit to you several things to do if you are training with someone of the opposite sex:
In all of your training, commit every training session to God. His Word tells us that our bodies are our temples until him. I Cor 6: 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. Have you considered praying with your training partner before you begin your workout session?
If you can train with partners of the same sex or in groups of three or more. However, if you are training with someone of the opposite sex never put yourself in the position of temptation. Always include someone else in your training session. When I work out with my training partner, my son or daughter always trains with us. If they are not available, my other children are always in the same room or in the least in the next room with the door always open. If you are training with someone frequently alone you are putting yourself in the position of temptation. You may think, “Oh, I would never do anything like that!”, but why take the risk? We all sin and fall short of the Glory of God. We are born with a sin nature and our flesh is always weak, never take the risk. Mark 7:21-22 from within, out of our hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, and folly.
When you are working out, it is wonderful to have the affirmation of your training partner encouraging you. One of the reasons people work out together is for the extra push your training partner can give you. If you are married do not rely on this affirmation. You must rely on the affirmation of your spouse! Talk with your spouse and let them know you need their encouragement and support. If your spouse is the one working out with a partner, make sure you are giving them the verbal affirmation they need. Encourage them and tell them you are proud of them constantly and consistently. 1 Thess 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Keep your conversations to working out, your faith and the love you have for your spouse. If you find yourself confiding to your training partner your frustrations about your marriage, job or life you are opening a door that will lead to trouble. Those conversations are intimate conversations that should be with your spouse, Pastor or best friend (of the same sex) not your training partner. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
Never let others get the wrong impression of you and your training partner. If anyone ever questions your relationship be prepared to explain the circumstances with a clear conscience. If you can’t, you have some soul searching to do now. Don’t wait until you have already started down a path that could hurt you and many others around you. Guard your heart now. 1 Tim 1:19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
If you are working with one of our instructors please be careful of not putting them in an uncomfortable situation. Make sure your expectations of the workout/training session are clear up front. 2 Peter 3:14 … make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you even think you are slipping, find someone to confide in and assist in holding you accountable. One of the great things about Warriors’ leaders is that we are very real and understand life’s challenges. Eph. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Remember it is important to balance our workouts spiritually, physically and mentally. Make sure you are giving yourself a workout in each of these areas.
These tips are applicable in every area of our lives. I hope that you are guarding your heart in all areas of life. Phil. 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
In Christ,
Lisa Bethay
NOTE: My thoughts and idea for this article came from a sermon preached by Dr. David Fincher of Campus Church of Christ. If you would like to hear more please visit:
http://www.campuschurch.org/forum-guard-your-heart
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