The word is Blue.
At first, I thought of color. And then I thought that I didn't have any thoughts. So I tweeted at the #fmfparty that I wouldn't be blue for long.
And then? Explosion of creativity!
For actually, I did have a moment of blues recently. Most days I'm peppy and optimistic and focused on God and doing well. But last Wednesday? A week ago? I got asked that dreaded "are you expecting" question. And you've seen the "baby or burrito" website? It was my dinner. A tasty home-made pinto-bean crockpot burrito recipe.
Still, the question plagued me well into the next day. I've not been as physically active as I'd like. My comfort tends to be sweet, sugary, or high-calorie. And, though I've not gained anything in the last four months, I haven't lost anything either.
My younger sister called and talked to me for a long time. What a blessing! She really helped me pull out of it.
After three babies, and my abs separating each time, I've had to accept, like Jennifer Garner, that there's always going to be a "baby bump". But I don't need to have the baby blues.
God made me to have children, not to be a bikini model. Am I modeling the fruits of the Spirit? Am I directing attention to Him consistently? If people think of Jesus when they see me, then the pressure is off as far as my physical consistency goes. This is not to say it doesn't matter if you exercise, but that just as we are never the same after having children, we are never the same after meeting Jesus!
I love Nichole Nordeman's song "Legacy". At Women of Faith Portland this past December, I got to hear some backstory. Truly, the growth in our spiritual lives is much more important than the growth in our clothing sizes.
I tweeted this morning, after seeing an incourage photo on Facebook, "The body is falling apart but the spirit is growing! I use anti-aging products, but the real vigor of life is not in a bottle-it's in my Bible."
If you too are feeling blue because you're outwardly wasting away, take courage! Inwardly you are being renewed.
~Tammy
Tammy, this was so real. I am blue to about my weight. You blessed me. I have made a commitment to loose not to look good but improve my health so I can better serve Him and be a better mom. I was doing well til recently. I hope I can find renewal in my spirit now. Thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteMary,
Deletethank you for taking the time to comment. Oh sister, I know this struggle. It's been an up and down battle for me ever since I left the house and went to college. I do find that when I'm active, I'm craving better foods. So, if you find an activity you love, you get to eat more (bonus!) as well as the endorphins that make you feel happy. For me, I LOVE swimming. But even evening walks with my family count as being active. I also enjoy my Wii fit plus and trying to beat my own records. I'm pretty amazing at the "Super Hula Hoop".
Just know you're definitely not alone and I'll be praying that you find that deep satisfaction that gives us peace and keeps us from seeking it in other places like external appearance.
Love,
Tammy
"Behold I make all things new." I think God often brings about that new by helping us to focus on other things; to focus on God and not our looks etc. Thank you for your transparency friend. I'm #6 on the linkup.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara.
DeleteI'm so enjoying your posts (especially when you tell me how to find you!)
Love,
Tammy
Isn't it just like that sometimes? I know I've sometimes taken people's innocent comments about me a bit personally and had a hard time letting go of it. It absolutely will get you down. I'm glad your sister was able to help you shift your focus and find perspective! God bless you! Visiting from #20 on the linkup at FMF!
ReplyDelete:) Thanks so much! I think the hardest thing was that two years ago, I worked diligently from December through May to get fit and trim for my youngest sister's wedding and I looked/felt amazing. Two years later, I am far from that goal and disappointed that I strayed so far.
DeleteYes, let's listen to those who would affirm us! I'll come visit you now. :)
Love,
Tammy
Marie,
ReplyDeleteI think I love you. :D Truly, I'm getting a feel that we're sisters separated at birth with every post and comment we share with each other.
Aren't you thankful that God's calling on us isn't to be a Victoria's bikini model but instead to be His mouthpiece? I'm so glad to stand with you on this and I am certain you are lovelier than you allow yourself to believe. Still, our enemy likes to poke at our soft spots (that's intentional) and knows where we tend to be weak.
On the internet, it is much easier to glorify God and make it about Him instead of our white-washed tombs. It takes off the pressure to be physically perfect in appearance, and instead allows us to share His perfection.
Love you!
~Tammy
Tammy, I was looking for you over at FMF - loved the post. I'm #71!!!
ReplyDeleteSusan,
Deleteyou made my heart glad to know you were actually looking for me! :) Thank you. I love our community!
Love,
Tammy
Tammy, I loved this post. And your transparency. How is it that we women hold ourselves to an expectation of perfection, especially in the way we look?
ReplyDeleteAs a woman who never had the privilege of bearing children, I encourage you to wear that baby bump with pride. It's a gift to bear three children. :) Thanks for the reminder to look to Jesus for our value, not to our clothing size and what media has to say. :) SUCH great reminders today!
Jeanne,
Deletethank you. I also thank you for the reminder of what a gift children truly are. Your writing blesses me as well and I'm so thankful for our community!
Love,
Tammy