Kenneth Copeland Ministries has been publishing the Believer’s Voice of Victory magazine for more than 40 years. Receive your positive, faith-filled magazine FREE each month, subscribe today at www.freevictory.com.
Issue link: http://magazine.kcm.org/i/414546
Holiday gatherings are such a perfect time to nurture relationships. Take the time to really listen to people and interact with them; reconnect with old friends, make new friends and help them feel valued and loved. As you focus on people, you won’t even notice you are not eating all that much. You’ll be having too much fun to be concerned about food! And, at the end of the day, you will feel guilt free and experience the joy that comes from having self-control, and the ultimate joy that comes from loving others. Indulgence Boundaries I realize that part of the enjoyment of celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas is having those once-a-year family favorite foods. Rather than deny yourself completely, set boundaries. Decide what indulgences you do not want to go without. Then, have a plan in place to compensate for those extra calories. For instance, plan an extra workout the day before a big meal. If possible, take a walk in the park or around the block after a big meal is over, and invite others to join you. Usually, I determine that Christmas Eve is my “treat” time because it is a big celebration for our family. To offset the extra calories I know I’ll consume, I exercise a little harder and eat a little lighter the day before. On Christmas Day, I do enjoy some treats. But the day after Christmas, I’m committed to a long workout to compensate for the extra calories and give my metabolism the boost it needs. Staying Active During this busy season it’s important not to slack off on being active! Find creative ways to get the exercise you need. For example: Squeeze in shorter workouts with greater intensity levels. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Consider parking in the back lot and walk farther to your destination. Burn calories by walking faster while shopping, carrying your own packages. And, never go to the mall hungry! Take a healthy snack and a bottle of water with you. So this Christmas season, let’s focus on what is truly important by remembering how tremendously loved and blessed we are because of the greatest gift and blessing God gave us in Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Have a very blessed and happy Christmas! I hope you are able to fully enjoy the season with your family and friends. And, I pray you experience the peace and joy of our Lord during this special time of year. V About: Certified by the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas, Texas, Marty Copeland is a personal trainer, nutritional counselor, author and minister of the gospel. *****ADVERTISEMENT*********** “It’s interesting how people think that what these kids need is our ‘stuff,’ when, in reality, the only thing they need is to be introduced to the love of God. Reaction Tour is an opportunity to reach kids at a much higher level than the world is familiar with. What seems like a simple sports camp is an avenue for lives to be changed and reborn, and hearts to be touched like never before!” —Courtney Copeland REACTION TOUR 2015 Uganda & India Reaction Tour exists to empower kids around the world, through the display of God’s love, using the avenues of sports, discipleship, dance and music. Be a part of Reaction Tour today, as you pray for its success. reactiontour.com visit today! ******************************* BVOV : 13