Theresa Rowe is Shaped by Faith — Favorite Things

Shaped by Faith

Some of my favorite things

September 14^th, 2013

As a child listening to Julie Andrews sing was one of my favorite things. I especially liked the song My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music.

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things”

It was wonderful, hopping and skipping and singing, over and over and over. The lyrics were light and rhythmic, the melody energetic. I so loved The Sound of Music I bought the movie for my children and shared my love with them. We enjoyed watching and listening to Maria over and over again. She really knew how to sing from the “fun side” of her heart.

Even Maria, child-like and care free, understood there would be days.

“When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I’m feeling bad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don’t feel so bad”

Storms, Trials and Struggles

How we face these challenges tells us a lot about our relationship with God. It also tells us about our understanding of blessings. Zephaniah 3:17 promises “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Halleluiah! This verse led me to remember some of my favorite things.

For instance, waking up in the middle of the night and seeing the moon aglow through my window. I listen quietly for a word from God and He will place people on my heart for prayer. Then returning to slumber and dreaming God’s dreams. Sipping hot black coffee before the sun has claimed the day and then soaking in God’s Word while savoring my favorite Honey Nut Pretzel Bar. These breakfast bars have just the right blend of salty and sweet.

There are so many favorite things like a gym chocked full of new fitness students, seasoned well with experienced students, all eager to strengthen their bodies and hearts for God’s purposes.  I love watching God at work in the classes and in the lives and hearts of my students. Kettle Bell high swings that quicken my heart and strengthen my total body. Praying and seeing prayers answered in my classes. The dripping of sweat off my face, and the puddle it makes by the end of a class. Pilates exercises that strengthens my core while reminding me to stretch beyond my comfort zone physically and spiritually. I love bright colored running shoes and cute fitness tops. And blonde pony-tail holders that won’t pull my hair out. Definitely these are some of my favorite things.

I almost forgot cold water with freshly squeezed lemon. Salad with grilled chicken and lots of fruit mixed in. People, who know my name, know my voice and know I am going to order a non-fat latte with cinnamon on top, before I even order it.

God Pauses

Then there are “God pauses” that cause me to stop what I’m doing and divinely interrupt my day to experience God in a fresh new way. And how about all the learning I am doing; learning to live life by investing my time in God’s Kingdom work, embracing change in all I do and happily receiving constructive criticism from a trusted friend. There is such joy in growth!

I love to share life’s moments with my students and good friends, especially laughing at myself. The joy my diverse group of friends offers with brutal honesty, unconditional love and always pointing me towards Jesus. I praise God he has protected me from social cliques which could pressure me to be something I’m not.

Another favorite thing discovered later in life, I have an appetite for good books, and friends who deliciously deliver them to me after reading. Speaking of delicious moments, there is a sweet joy of the whole family sitting down praying, eating and doing life together at the dinner table. Speaking of family, all seven children are my children, even if I didn’t give birth to three of them. They are all very different but still claim Jesus as Lord. Thank goodness for my quirky husband, who understands me and my quirkiness. He keeps me grounded and best of all, he loves Jesus more than he loves me and I am grateful.

What favorite thing list would be complete without grand- children? With six, and the seventh on the way, God has our cup running over. I am so happy to pray for them every day. Two of those grand-children are serving with their parents in Thailand, doing God’s work. We know God is rejoicing with them daily.

New Radio Program

My favorite things include being able to share the Lord in many unique ways. The airways have been opened for me at News Talk 1490 WOMI and 1490womi.com on Friday at 6:05 pm and Sunday morning at 7:15, with a new program, Shaped by Faith. Once again I will be sharing some of my favorite things. My guest on Friday night and Sunday morning will be Rusty Tichenor, Area Director Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

I am thankful for the freedom to pray for others. Whether in my closet at home or in the middle of Wal-mart, sharing God’s love for his people is a freedom not taken for granted.

The Power House

Finally to the top of my list, it’s Sunday morning and I’m scooping my belly and listening to the message. It’s all about the Power House, the source of real strength, it’s all about Jesus!

What are some of your favorite things?

Theresa Rowe is the Fitness Director at Owensboro Christian Church, author of Shaped by Faith, motivational wellness speaker and radio guest on 1490 WOMI each Friday morning at 7:15 with Brett Wharff. You can also listen to her new show Shaped by Faith every Friday at 6:05 pm & repeat broadcast Sundays at 7:30 am on 1490 WOMI. Visit her at Shaped By Faith website Facebook, Twitter account @TheresaLRowe or contact theresa@shapedbyfaith.com.