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Faith and Fitness for the Courageous Man by Laurette Willis

Laurette Willis

“And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6).

Do you remember the movie Courageous from a few years ago? Our family really enjoyed it. There is lots of action, a compelling story, humor, top-notch acting, and the movie is built on a solid foundation (the Word of God and the Father’s great love for us.) The movie’s subtitle is “Honor begins at home.”

As the promotions for this movie stated, “Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. When tragedy strikes home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Protecting the streets is second nature. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.”

How does the Courageous Man Combine Faith, Family and Fitness?

When we come home from a hard day at work, the last thing many of us want to do is think about anything more physical than elbow-bending (as in fork-to-mouth, repeat, 40 reps.)

In the movie Courageous, police officer Adam Mitchell (played by director and co-writer Alex Kendrick, father of six) and his teenage son Dylan start building a new relationship with one another, and fitness becomes an important part of it. All Dylan seems to want to do is “…play video games and run a 5K,” says Adam.

Parents realize that in order to build (or rebuild) a relationship with their child, it takes becoming interested in what interests them. Adam decides to lay aside his personal comfort zone for the greater good of blessing his son. He and Dylan begin running together, and their relationship deepens as Dylan sees his Dad’s love in action, not just in words.

Love is spelled T-I-M-E.

Why compartmentalize faith (Sunday only), family (around the dinner table…when we’re not watching TV) and fitness (does watching football on TV count?)

The courageous man (and woman) puts God first–so why not ask the Lord how to make fitness a part of your family time together? No matter what the age of your children, you can begin making fun physical activity a part of “what we do as a family.”

Here are just a few ideas to get your wheels turning – and your bodies moving!

* The family that walks together, talks together. Take a leisurely stroll 30 minutes after dinner. Make it a new family tradition. Enjoy each other’s company and walk at a gentle pace for 15-20 minutes to help digest your food. This will also keep you from snacking after dinner. Take a portion of scripture and talk about it. How can you apply it to your lives?

* Go to the gym or church fitness center with your son or daughter. Work out with light weights (not on the machines). Show your kids how it’s done.

* Indoor fitness games. Remember Twister? You can still play that as a family! Add an element of scripture memorization by writing verses on cards. Call out all or part of a verse with each move. See how many verses you can remember (if you don’t wind up collapsing into a giggling pile before too long!).

* Train for a charity race — a walk, run, or bike race! Train as a family team, or with one of your children. Use the time to encourage your child.

In the movie Courageous, Adam says, “I think the Lord is requiring me to call out the man in my son.”  That’s something dads get to do for their children; emulating our heavenly Father by “calling out” and encouraging the best in their sons, daughters and wife.

Take the lead, Dad. Be Courageous. Be a Fit Witness for Christ in spirit, soul and body. Your family will follow–and will HONOR you for it.

Laurette Willis – Praise Moves

Laurette Willis is a Certified Health Coach, published author, and Founder of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry. You may contact Laurette Willis at the email address above, 918-458-1800 or www.PraiseMoves.com. Join Laurette Willis at www.Facebook.com/LauretteWillisPage ©2016

By Laurette Willis

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in May 2016. For the latest SGNScoops Magazine click here.

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SMART-ER Goals for Spring by Laurette Willis, CHC

Laurette Willis

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry” (Habakkuk 2:2-3).

Where are you going? Without goals, how will you know whether or not you are on the right track? How will you know if you are on the road to your destination if you don’t recognize the signposts along the way (smaller goals on the way to your larger goals)?

SMART-ER Goals to INSPIRE You.

We’ve heard of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound). Here are SMART-ER goals, which honor God and help keep you on track!

Your SMART-ER Goals involve these seven steps:

S-Seek God

M-Make a Commitment

A-Ask

R-(w)Rite the Vision

T-Thank God in Advance;

E-Expect and R-Receive

S – Seek God. Get in a quiet place and seek the presence of the Lord. Meditate on scriptures about the Lord and what He has said and promised; such as “I am the Lord that healeth thee;” “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life;” “I will never leave you nor forsake you;” and others. (Matthew 6:33) “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL these things will be added unto you.”

M – Make a Commitment. Commit yourself to God. Let Him know you not only want the Lord’s guidance, but that you will follow it, too. (Proverbs 16:3) “Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established” and (Psalm 37:5) “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”

A – Ask – We want to ask in line with God’s will. Ask Him. (James 4:2) “You have not because you ask not. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” and (John 14:3) “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

R – (w)Rite the Vision! Write your goals down in each area. (Habakkuk 2:2) “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.”

T – Thank God in Advance. Thank the Lord for His guidance, direction, favor and the fulfillment of these goals. (Philippians 4:6) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

E – Expect (1 John 5:14-15) “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” Expect MORE from God!

R – Receive (Mark 11:24) “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive (the word in Greek is “TAKE”) them, and you will have them.”

Laurette Willis

Now Praise the Lord! Really! Thank Him in a BIG way. Start praising Him and thanking Him for answered prayer. “I thank You, Lord, that You have heard me and that we will reach these goals together. I praise You, I worship You, and I give you ALL the glory for what You are doing in my life!”

Make this your year for SMART-ER Goals that honor God and keep you on track – guiding and guarding your ADVENTURE in Faith!

Christian Fitness Expert and Certified Health Coach Laurette Willis is the Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry with DVDs, Training, and Classes by Certified PraiseMoves Instructors on six continents (http://Praisemoves.com). ©2015

By Laurette Willis

First published by SGN Scoops magazine in January 2015. For current articles by Laurette Willis in the latest SGN Scoops magazine click HERE.

December 2014 SGNScoops Magazine

December 2014 SGNScoops Magazine

Merry Christmas from SGNScoops! We hope you are enjoying this special time of year. Take a moment to relax and share this gift we are giving to you this Christmas.

June 2014 SGNScoops Magazine

March 2013 Editon Of SGNScoops Magazine

March 2013 SGNScoops Magazine Is Here

Wow! We sure have the scoop for you this month! The March Edition is jammed packed with exciting news. We’re thrilled to present Jason Crabb as this month’s cover story. Not only does Jason share details about his new CD, “Love Is Stronger,” but he shares his heart regarding ministry and family. Also in this issue, the spotlight is on Karen Peck and her latest solo record, plus we’re highlighting several ministries this month: Charlton Jordan, The Diplomats, Paul’s Journey, John Lanier, The Cargils, Promise, Jayc Harold and Shannon Shelby. As always, SGNScoops keeps the roads hot! This month Angela shares Omega in Concert and Rhonda shares Gospel Boot Camp with Gerald and Adam Crabb as well as the Southern Gospel Music Guild’s 2013 Harmony Honors. Sandi Duncan Clark covers music reviews featuring Red Roots, Tammy Jones Robinette, David Staton and Tommy Brandt. Enjoy a word of encouragement from John Mathis Jr, memories from Lou Hildreth, a fitness challenge from Laurette Willis and chronicles of a Singing English Teacher with Jeff Hawes of Karen Peck & New River. We have a couple of very exciting announcements regarding the Creekside Gospel Music Convention too, so watch the Publisher’s Point with Rob Patz, and don’t miss the Creekside update (hint hint….Ed O’ Neal… The Singing Cookes). All of this is neatly tucked in one place- a beautifully designed online magazine. The best part? It is absolutely FREE! Tell your friends, family and friends- and don’t forget to vote for your favorite artists! Round One Diamond Awards Voting is open NOW! Thank you SGNSCoops staff for an MARVELOUS MARCH issue. Our prayer is for God to be glorified in all we say and do.

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September 2012 SGNScoops Magazine

We are very excited to present 2012’s NQC Edition of SGNScoops Magazine! This month we’re shining the spotlight on Michael English, Greater Vision, Victoria Shirey, Christian Davis, Cassie Shaffer-Hymes, Omega and The Williamsons. Enjoy the coverage on the 2012 GMA’s Hall of Fame Induction, the 42 Annual Seminole Gospel Sing, St Jude’s Benefit Singing as well as a concert story on TaRanda Greene. Get ready for new music coming out this fall too! Sandi Duncan Clark shares the newest CD’s on the market! Enjoy memories with Ms Lou Hildreth and also find several articles of inspiration. Check out the latest on the Creekside Gospel Music Convention and don’t forget to watch Rob’s Publishers Point and Media Minute! With more than 100 years combined gospel music industry experience, our talented staff has done a GREAT job again this month to promote the gospel by unveiling what is intriguing and real about Southern Gospel and Christian Country music. Our prayer is that you are encouraged. Enjoy September’s issue and please share with your friends!

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October Issue of SGNScoops Magazine

We are proud of this month’s issue of SGNScoops Magazine. In the October edition, read the inside Scoop on the Collingsworth Family, Jason Crabb, Sheri LaFontaine and Adam Brown. This month’s album reviews feature new music from Russ Taff, Selah, Four Fold and Crawford Crossing.  Be sure to read a review on Sheri Easter’s new book, “Hear My Heart.”  Staff writer, Lorraine Walker has written part one of a three part series concerning the media and the gospel. This month, the focus is on the Christian Film Industry and  the new movie “Courageous” is highlighted. Publisher, Rob Patz shares his thoughts about NQC  and the late Charles Burke is remembered by many friends in this issue. As always, this edition offers plenty of inspiration and encouragement to lift spirits. We are proud of our experienced staff of writers for bringing the latest developments in the Southern Gospel Industry with integrity. This month’s contributors include Sandi Duncan Clark, Lorraine Walker, Stephanie Kelley, Rob Estep, Jeff Hawes, Lou Wills Hildreth, Jennifer Campbell, Victoria Shirey, Laurette Willis, Rhonda Frye, Rob Patz and our newest addition- John Mathis Jr.  We also welcome our new layout/ graphic designer, Pete Schwager to the staff. Thank you for reading SGNScoops magazine and please remember to share it with your friends! Click Here

August Scoops Magazine

The August issue of SGN Scoops is filled with features high-lighting the ministries of Channing Eleton, Crawford Crossing, Tammy Jones Robinette, Pauline Patterson and more. Read about the Goff Reunion, Allison Durham Speer’s Elijah School of Performance, and be encouraged with inspirational articles. Enjoy articles by Lou Hildreth, Jeff Hawes and Sandi Duncan Clark too.  This issue covers the Diamond Awards  Show as well as album reviews on Jessica King, Lou Reid & Carolina and Jeff & Sue Duffield AND so much more!  Read, enjoy and share with your friends!

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