Staying in Shape - Marilyn Nutter

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I sent a quick text message to my daughter Kate, “What are you doing?”

Her reply came immediately. “Getting ready to exercise. Just bought a new DVD. Talk later.”

Kate is disciplined when it comes to maintaining a regular exercise program and she’s in great shape. I have an assortment of DVDs in my cabinet too: Pilates, dealing with trouble spots, strength and cardio, stretching and flexibility, and walking in a confined area. I am not nearly as disciplined as Kate and my body shows it. The promotional messages on the DVD cases persuade us that exercise will improve health, shape bodies, reduce stress and boost performance. With benefits like that, I don’t know why I procrastinate. Staying in shape is a mindset.

The apostle Paul gives us a guideline for maintaining a regular exercise program to stay in shape too. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. His message was to continue in a disciplined lifestyle with a focus on God, not circumstances. Developing an attitude of joy, maintaining a prayer relationship, and learning to give thanks in situations (not for them) are Paul’s recommended ways to get and stay in shape - get our minds in shape for the word.

Yes, joy energizes us, prayer strengthens us and gratitude changes our focus.

Are you stretched today or overwhelmed by circumstances over which you have no control? Consider Paul’s instructions and their benefits. Remember that while happiness depends on circumstances and people, joy has an upward focus. As we develop a regular prayer life, we will see strength emerge. When we cultivate gratitude, each day becomes a gift.

Paul’s program doesn’t come on a DVD, but when we take his advice we are bound to see results for our trouble spots. Our health will improve, our stress will be reduced and our daily performance boosted. More so, we develop the mind of Christ. Someone may even notice and comment, “Wow! She’s really in shape.” Get your mind in shape. Study, pray and exercise.

Marilyn Nutter is the author of three devotional books: Dressed up Moms’ Devotions to Go, Tea Lovers’ Devotions to Go, and Diva Delights Devotions to Go. She and her husband are new residents of the Charlotte, NC area. Marilyn enjoys speaking to women’s groups about discovering extraordinary treasures in ordinary days. Visit her website at www.marilynnutter.com. Read Marilyn's devotions.

A Mother's Faith - Marilyn Nutter

"Then she placed the child in it, and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile." Exodus 2:3 NIV

Watching my child board the school bus for her first day of school brought a lump to my throat. As her little legs climbed up the steep stairs, I whispered a prayer that she wouldn’t see me cry and her day would be special. I waved good-bye with a smile on my face but my heart felt otherwise. Many "letting go" times followed and each one caused my heart to skip. Years of prayer followed—school trips, overnight camp, acquiring a driver's license, college, job seeking, and eventually watching my daughter walk down the aisle as a beautiful bride. As parents, each event took my husband and me to a new level of trust in God's plan and protection for our daughter.

Moses' mother gives us a great example of trusting God and "letting go." Her son’s life in jeopardy, she turned her crisis and fear into faith. As Jochebed applied strokes of tar to waterproof the basket that would carry her son Moses down the Nile River, surely she too uttered many prayers. She trusted when she placed Moses in the basket that would carry him into crocodile infested waters. Her heart must have raced as she said good-bye.

God worked in her life because a princess found Moses and asked Miriam, Moses’ sister, to find a nurse. Of course, Miriam called her mother, Jochebed! What joy Jochebed must have felt when she was reunited with her son, if only for a few short years! Her release, rescue and final letting go were all part of God’s plan.

Jochebed’s actions show us how, in life changing events, faith can replace fear. Whether we are releasing children as they mature, or we personally release dreams, her example of letting go, encourages us to have faith in challenging situations and trust that God is in control.

Let go of the worry and fear—trust. Let Him take control in your life.


Marilyn Nutter is the author of three devotional books: Dressed up Moms’ Devotions to Go, Tea Lovers’ Devotions to Go, and Diva Delights Devotions to Go. She and her husband are new residents of the Charlotte, NC area. Marilyn enjoys speaking to women’s groups about discovering extraordinary treasures in ordinary days. Visit her website at www.marilynnutter.com.