Have you ever had the desire and the need to change your lifestyle but your struggle to get past the starting gate? The idea sounds great in your head but somehow days, weeks, months and years pass with no change in behavior or motivation. “Not this time,” I said to myself. I needed a good dose of courage knowing that initially I would not fit into this place. I have managed to avoid going here since my early 20’s and it didn’t really bother me making the effort to change my comfortable schedule of the day. I mustered all I had in courage and curiosity to set forth into this place just to ask a few questions.
Whew, I made it through the doors possibly because Anabelle was with me! Yes, a six year old encouraging a grown adult but Hey I made it through the starting gate! I have not seen a place as this since I was in my 20’s. I stood there in amazement as if I just entered an amusement park. I had embarked on a place called “The Gym!”
Oh the intimidation factor here that I placed on myself! Machines, weights, fitness circuits and message tables. How do I use these devices to better my health? Well at least my brain would get a workout if nothing else. Will I ever learn how all of the items work and not kill myself in the process?
Well, I have placed myself in the river and here comes the rapids…I am going to figure this work out routine or it will spit me out on the other side. Like any newbie, the first thing I did was get a tour of the place and membership costs. Then I left with my daughter and took a deep refreshing deep, that wasn’t so bad. Step 1 complete by just entering the doors and exiting.
Whew, here comes the next steps. Ready or not here I come. Get gym clothes on, headphones, towel and water. Check, check, check and check. Got it and here I go! Like any newbie the first thing I asked for was a trainer to help me figure these out devices and so I would possibly still walk the next day. He will not be here until tomorrow in the morning. Thats fine I thought as I mustered enough courage to enter the realm of treadmills. Surely I can figure out this one all by myself…maybe.
Guess what, I did. Everyday at the gym I have learned something new. Machines are easier to work, devices somewhat easier and everyday I make an effort to learn more about this new life endeavor. I am taking small steps every day to a healthy lifestyle. Get the fundamentals right by drinking enough water and stretching.
Do you what amazes me the most? How inviting, helpful, encouraging and knowledgable the staff is at this gym. There is no intimation when I walk through those doors. Just friendly faces willing to guide me along this journey. I actually enjoy going to the gym!
Do you need to make a change in your life? I would 
invite you to join us at Temple Baptist. Now you maybe thinking at this point a list of excuses as to why you can put it off. Stop with the reasoning and excuses and take the first step. Here is some help:
- Don’t know our location? Click here to find out
- Don’t know where to go once you are there? Click here to find out
- Need to ask some questions first? Click here for the contact form or contact our staff
- Need a friendly, inviting, helpful, encouraging, etc. individual to help you. No problem any of the pastoral staff, deacons or members would be glad to help.
Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.
John 8:31-32 The Message (MSG)
Jesus promises that the truth will set you free. I don’t like to face the truth about myself, my weakness and bad habits. But I knew I needed to face the truth and to get the root of a lifestyle change.
Take the first step and it too will change your life!