I’ve delighted to introduce you to my friend DiAnn Mills. DiAnn has been a mentor and cheerleader for me in my writing journey. I recently finished her latest book, Lethal Standoff and highly recommend it. If you enjoy clean, romantic suspense with complex puzzles, you’ll love DiAnn’s books. Today, DiAnn shares how applying a simple but profound truth transformed her life.
Here’s DiAnn
Many decades ago, I resolved to maintain a healthy body and honor it as the temple of God. Jesus saw me through a difficult time in my growing up years as an overweight child. Today, I nearly tanked on the treadmill and abandoned my commitment.
My exercise routine began in the late spring of my eighth grade. An idea popped into my head. I decided to make a life change. No longer would I suffer with the fat-kid comments, picked last on the school playground to participate in sports, and cry in private. I initiated a lifelong practice of exercising five days a week and following a healthy diet.
When I boarded the school bus on the first day of my freshman year of high school, many didn’t recognize me. Yes, I’d lost weight, but I’d gained confidence. Yes, God loved me no matter what the scales said, but I believed my body was the temple of God. Years later, I realized the inspiration had come from God wanting me to explore healthy habits and trust Him for the outcome. Nothing’s changed about that resolve.
But…
But this morning, my hour on the treadmill zapped my strength. Weariness from extended yardwork and aching muscles left me wishing I could simply go back to bed. I didn’t give up! Tenacity (my husband says stubbornness) wove into my DNA years ago. I glanced at the time and saw only three minutes remained, my thanks to God poured from me. Yes, I am aware of the difference between praise and sweat.
A whisper spoke to me. I’m always here with you.
I glanced at my moving tennis shoe-clad feet. Does that mean I’m on holy ground?
Wherever you are is holy ground because I will never leave you or forsake you.
My mind soared back to the chubby days when I begged God to make me thin. Where were you when I had no friends and faced the constant ridicule of being fat?
I was there and led you to Me. I carried your soul to eternity and showed you how to serve me with healthy habits.
Always with Me
I hadn’t thought about seeking first the kingdom of God, so He’d always be with me and make my paths straight (holy). Through all my life, God has never left me. He’s lit my path with good friends and blessings. When I failed, He picked me up.
Friends, we are told from the moment we embrace Jesus and His work of redeeming us from our sins, that the God of the universe lives inside of us. Today I needed a reminder that I am still a little girl who needs her Father to walk with her through life until He takes me home.
Just like the many years ago when I decided to remake myself, I now need a daily renovation of the temple of God.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV).
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 ESV).
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV.)
Jesus never abandons the believer. He #encourages us by strengthening our #hope and building our #faith. @DiAnnMills Share on X
DiAnn Mills Bio
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn or her website: diannmills.com
Thank you, DiAnn! Your words challenged and inspired me.
Click here to comment.
Blessings,
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InstaEncouragements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This doesn’t add any cost to the purchase
Thank you, ladies, for these reminders of our Savior’s great love and everlasting presence. No wonder we love Him so.
Linda, thank you for your kind response. We all need Jesus.
Yes we do! Thanks, Linda.
Thanks, Debbie, for hosting me!
Thank you, DiAnn. Great post and great new book!
I love how you the spiritual component with the physical – which is exactly as it should be!! We need exercise, nourishment and rest for our spirits and souls just as much as for our physical bodies. This was wonderful.
Ann, you highlight a good point. Our bodies and souls are connected.
Hi Ann, thanks for your kind words. We have so many ways to thank God for our lives.
DiAnn, thank you so much for your stand on both the physical and spiritual needs we have as the temple of God. I have admired and respected you for years. Your energy and involvement amaze me.
Debbie, thank you for the guest blog from DiAnn Mills.
Yvonne, thanks so much for your encouragement.
Yvonne, you are so kind. Thank you. I’ve always believed the physical is part of the spiritual and to take care of our God-given gifts.
Your tenacity is an inspiration to your readers, DiAnn. Thanks for sharing here with Debbie and giving us words to motivate us to never give up. I can’t wait to read this new book. Thanks, Debbie for hosting DiAnn!
Thank you, Barbara.
Barbara, you made my day! My goal is to encourage and inspire others. I hope you enjoy the story.
I enjoyed and am inspired by your message, DiAnn. Thank you for sharing about your journey to a lifetime commitment to wellness. You are an inspiration for us and so many will be impacted by your good example. Thank you for sharing DiAnn’s message, Debbie. Prayers for both of you in your ministry of service to our Lord.
Thank you, Katherine! I appreciate you.
Katherine, I really appreciate Debbie allowing me to share my thoughts on her spirit-filed post. Thank you!
Thank you for the reminder that God never leaves us nor forsakes us. I have a gym buddy, and together we often break out into prayer or praise on the treadmills. I find it a great way to get a physical and spiritual workout at the same time.
Joanna, a partner, prayer, and praise. Sounds like a wonderful exercise for body, soul, and spirit!
I always appreciate learning about new authors, Debbie. Thanks for introducing us to DiAnn. And DiAnn, I appreciate you sharing your health journey with us.
I do too, Lisa. And DiAnn is a good author to know!
I love DiAnn’s work so need to add this to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing about her and this book Debbie.
I am always happy to share what DiAnn does. She’s terrific in so many ways.
Thank you, Diann for the reminder God loves us no matter what, but He also leads us to the best life with Him. Your new book sounds interesting. Thanks to you too, Debbie!
Thank you, Annie. I enjoy her books. Alway interesting plots. Don’t know how she thinks them up!