Am I the only one who thinks getting in shape kinda stinks? I have neglected my self for about three years… No exercise and terrible eating habits (eating late is the bain of my belly).  However, recently my wife and I have a challenge to each other…. who will do better in an Olympic distance triathlon!  Uh Oh … my wife did a half marathon not too long ago… that’s trouble!  It Has taken me  a month just to get to the point of  a slow jog, my shins have been killing me.

But I must say that I’m feeling stronger and its not quite so terrible, I’m actually pretty motivated.  It’s fun to see the work pay off.  It got me to thinking… Why is it that discipline begets more discipline, where self indulgence just makes me more self indulgent?  Denying my self has made me more aware of just how much my walk with God requires self denial.  The question of “why”  has led me to this conclusion…  Self denial requires faith, self indulgence not so much!  What about you?  Is God asking for a little self denial?  What is that producing in you?  Is it drawing you to him?  Are you at the painful beginning or the joyful fruit bearing stage?  love to hear your thoughts!