Faith Archives - Page 2 of 3

How To Be Strong This Summer

/in Empowerment, Motivation, Recent Blog Posts, Safety/by coachjody

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8

Taking care of your body is important. Eating whole food instead of processed food, drinking water instead of soda, exercising instead of prolonged screen time and getting enough sleep are four awesome ways to decrease obesity and increase our immune system. Review these four “Be Strong” tips in the family activity below.

I know a lot of people are saying “be safe” and it’s important to consider your safety in all aspects of life. I’m a self-defense coach, so yes, I can teach you a few things about safety. But I want to encourage you today with tips about “being strong.”

Be Strong.

I want you to be strong in your body, mind and spirit. When you focus on your strength, you’ll be able to make wise decisions about safety too.

God’s word says something amazing about how to “be strong.” When you trust in the Lord, you have less stress. When you have less stress, your anxiety reduces. When your anxiety reduces, your body becomes healthy and your bones grow strong.

Why trust God? Because he loves you! “For this is how God loved the world (put your name here): He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. This is a trustworthy promise for you! Let that sink into your body and bones.

Sit down with your family and discuss the four ways you can be strong:

Four ways to be strong.

Pick one healthy habit to improve this week. Record your progress. Take pictures and share with #TrueGirl #TheGreatFlip.

Eat whole foods. If your food doesn’t grow from the ground or eat from the ground, it’s probably not whole food. Oh, how I wish I could grow Oreos in my garden. :) Learn how to cook something healthy or try a new fruit or vegetable.
Drink water. Reduce your intake of sugar and/or caffeine. Find a water intake calculator and refillable sports bottle to reach your goal. Squeeze fresh lemon in your water. Yum!
Get enough sleep. Tweens and teens need between 9-10 hours of sleep. What time should you go to bed to get enough sleep?
Physical exercise. Reduce screen time and exercise. Start a fitness challenge with your family or friends. Play a sport. Run around the house. Do jumping jacks. Do something active for at least 30 minutes every day. What will you do to achieve this goal?

Learn about the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu with me here at The Great Flip.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan. Not only will you get physically fit, but you will also learn an amazing life skill too! It’s a win-win!

EXTRA CREDIT: Read my blog that was featured on True Girl’s website and learn how trusting in the Lord offers five more ways to be strong. Click here.

Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up at www.thegreatflip.com

Click here to request a free self-defense video and lesson plan!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program partner. Coach Jody is a contributing writer for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

Click here to request a free self-defense video and lesson plan!

Click here to learn more about online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment.

The Great Exchange is The Great Flip

/in Empowerment, Motivation, Recent Blog Posts/by coachjody

It is finished. Not only did he take your sin and the sin of the whole world. He “became” your sin! And in exchange, he gave you his righteousness. You “became” the righteousness of God!

Put on your royal robes and crown of gold, ladies! You are a daughter of the most-high king!

Rejoice in this. Ponder this mystery. You did nothing to deserve it. “While you were still a sinner, Jesus died for you.” Martin Luther refers to this mystery as the great exchange. The greatest gift of all … for you.

I call it The Great Flip!

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. John the Baptist proclaimed these words when he saw Jesus approaching. Today, you can proclaim these same words. He takes your brokenness. He takes your shame. He frees you from the power of death. He doesn’t ask for your permission.

Jesus is a holy thief. He takes away the sin of the world and nailed them to a cross. He did it all for you because he loves you. It is finished. Listen, Jesus, the Word enters into your ears and creates faith.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

For more encouragement about the meaning of Easter and the gospel message, read my blog or listen to my podcast from last Easter. Click here.

Welcome to The Great Flip

Hi friends, my name is Jody Token. I’m the creator and coach of The Great Flip online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up. I created a fun, playful and empowering experience to learn simple self-defense skills and share the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. My resources give you an opportunity to talk about bully prevention and God’s healing words for girls and have fun learning life skills.

Be sure to request a free video and lesson plan.

And find an online plan right for you and your family, church, school and/or after-school enrichment program.

Contact me. I look forward to serving you.

Blessings,

Coach Jody

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program partner.

Coach Jody is a contributing writer for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

Create a martial arts experience at home.

/in Empowerment, Recent Blog Posts, Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

Stepping onto the big blue mats at the martial arts academy was overwhelming for me and my daughters. I’d like to share a few observations from that experience then show you how to create a martial arts experience at home. You’ll be happy you did plus you’ll save a ton of money and your girls will learn valuable life skills! Oh, and you’ll have clean mats, just saying.

Not enough time.

Learning a martial art was not on my radar as a mother of two daughters when they were little. There were too many other activities to conquer like soccer, piano, American Heritage Girls, and the list goes on and on. There wasn’t enough time, but I valued the idea. By creating a martial arts experience at home, I was able to add a valuable life skill to my daughters’ character development.

(BTW, if you are an American Heritage Girls leader, click here to learn about earning the Martial Arts Sports Pin and more Program Alliance info.)

Fear vs. fun.

Then suddenly, I had a tween and a teen. How did that happen so fast? The outside world was just around the corner. I think my fear of bad guys and bullies was greater than theirs. After all, they had not experienced anything truly terrifying (praise the Lord), but the threat is real. The dangers of human trafficking and rape are real. How can I prepare my daughters for such evil at age-appropriate levels?

Great question! My husband and I choose the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. For a quick history lesson and its benefits for girls and the self-defense application, I recommend you read my blog “Why your daughter should learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu for self-defense.”

We signed up (Wowza, a one-year contract was required) and entered a whole new world. So many protocols to follow, bowing, hand slapping, knuckle bumping. What in the world was happening? Then, the physical nature of the jiu-jitsu. Wow, that took some time to get used to especially for me and my daughters. Suddenly men of all shapes and sizes were rolling around with us (and sweating on us …. EW).

I knew the experience was worth the momentary discomfort. We pushed through difficult moments knowing the outcome was greater. Now there’s a message to be made there, but I’ll push onward.

I continued the training and six years later, I’m a purple belt, certified instructor. My daughters couldn’t wait to finish the year and I had to drag them to class most of the time.

During that time, I learned valuable lessons about mainstream martial arts. There is a certain type of audience, mostly male-influenced coaching styles that do not motivate the mind of girls. The structure is tight, disciplined and rigid. The message is for the underdog or the bully, again, mostly for boys whose parents want them to be disciplined or toughened up.

The desired outcomes I had for my daughters did not match. I wanted values like courage, confidence and self-defense skills. When I turned to YouTube for online instruction, I found aggressive krav-maga style training suitable for adults, but not children.

Thus, I created The Great Flip, online self-defense videos, lesson plans and curriculum to introduce girls, ages six and older, to the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I walk you through the steps to recreate a martial arts experience at home using my program.

Follow these steps to create a martial arts experience at home:

Now you and your daughter can learn simple self-defense skills in a controlled environment where you control the message, the mindset, and motivation. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. Be sure to request a free video. You can also download a free sample of My Anti-Bully Ebook here.

Don’t let fear or germs stop your pursuit to try something new!

Create a martial arts experience at home with The Great Flip. I’ll coach you and give you a successful experience and your daughters will be stronger for it (and you too!)

A martial art tradition called “the bow.”

Why bow in the martial arts? Bowing is a common practice in the martial arts community. I participate in the bow when I step on and off the mat. I also bow to the instructor and to my teammates at the beginning and the end of class.

To me, the bow is a symbol of respect, humility and gratitude. These three attributes are expressed not only toward the head instructor but also to my teammates.

When I step onto the mat, I bow to symbolize clearing my mind. I go into the lesson as a blank canvas ready to learn. Many jiu-jitsu academies post the expression “Leave your ego at the door”. Students who stand on the mat with inflated egos go against everything the bow represents.

What does the bow mean to you?

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5

This is The Great Flip.

Jesus goes before me in all walks of life. He knows I have an inflated ego. He knows I am self-centered. My ego always gets in the way. And if you are introspective, you can admit that your ego, your self-centeredness, gets in the way too. If I bow in obedience, I bow in self-centeredness and ego. This is not a Christian issue, this is a humankind issue.

There is good news from the Christian world view. Read the Bible verse carefully. Go to your Bible and read the entire chapter in its context.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

I bow in my identity in Christ Jesus. The ability to be humble and gracious comes only from Christ Jesus. He will be humble for me. He will be gracious in me. Through his death on the cross, He takes my ego and buries it. He takes all my self-centeredness and nails it to the cross. Now every promise from God is mine “which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Now I can freely bow in my new identity with respect, humility and gratitude.

The Great Flip is the only self-defense, safety and faith-based empowerment program for girls! Join the movement!

Select an online plan

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls Program Alliance

If it’s not good news, it’s not the gospel.

/in Empowerment, Motivation/by coachjody

It’s time for the great flip

I finally understand why people attend church twice a year; once for Christmas and once for Easter. There is a common message preached on those two church holidays. The theme is what makes church palatable twice a year. I believe If the church proclaimed this theme every Sunday, churches might be a little fuller. If this message was the foundation of every Christian lifestyle, more people might be attracted to the Christian faith.

The message is simple: Jesus loves you. He loves you no matter what. No amount of darkness, shame or brokenness can stop Jesus from loving you. And you don’t have to love him back. He still loves you. And more than 2,000 years ago, He rescued you, restored you and gave you new life now and into eternity. This good news is worth repeating more than twice a year. And this good news is a free gift for you.

The narrative of the Bible is the same good news over and over again. In short, God created the world and gave it to his people as a gift. And it was good. But his people turned away from God. But God, because of his loving kindness, rescued his people. He restored his people and gave them a way of life that brings balance and blessing. He protected his people. But again, his people turn away from Him. Shockingly living life apart from God led to darkness, shame and brokenness. But God, because of his loving kindness, rescued his people again. This happened over and over in the Bible narrative.

Then something amazing happened, God sent his son, Jesus (Merry Christmas) to put an end to our cycle of rebellion. Jesus ushered into the world a divine rescue, redemption and restoration plan. He demonstrated a perfectly balanced and blessed life. He demonstrated a life full of love and mercy. And this divine plan was a gift to us.

Then, (here comes Holy Week and Good Friday) Jesus took our darkness, shame and brokenness. He took all our sin. He didn’t ask permission. Like a holy thief, Jesus stole our sin to bury it once and for all.

After he took our sin, he became our sin. His body became the sin of the world. His blood was poured out for the forgiveness of all our sin. This happened when he was crucified on a cross. Then, along with his body and blood, our sins were buried in the tomb. The entire narrative of the Bible leads to this epic moment on the cross. We are no longer separated from God because of our sin.

Then, (Happy Easter) Jesus rose from the dead. He arose out of the tomb and left the sin of the world buried once and for all. He arose with a new life. Now he gives us that same new life. Jesus conquered death, darkness, shame and brokenness. We have fullness of life through Christ’s atoning work on the cross.

Yet, the story is not quite over. Jesus promises to come back to complete the rescue mission. Make no mistake, he has conquered death. We live in a new kingdom always moving closer to full restoration. He gave us his spirit so we can continue to receive his gifts and live a balanced and blessed life. Even in the midst of death, darkness, shame and brokenness, we can proclaim his good news and share the good gifts with everyone around us.

It’s an epic story. It’s a true story. I love hearing it over and over again. I love it because it doesn’t require any thing from me. I get to sit back and be lavished with God’s love. The good news reminds me I’m rescued, redeemed and restored with new life now and into eternity in heaven with him.

The word “gospel” means good news. It’s good news for so many reasons, but for me, it’s good news because the love of the Father through his Son, Jesus Christ and the power of his Holy Spirit is all a free gift for me. I didn’t deserve it. Now, I want to share this gift with everyone I know!

If it’s not good news, it’s not the gospel.

But something happens on the other 51 Sundays. Side note, the year 2020 had 53 Sundays. So give or take a Sunday or two, something goes terribly wrong.

The narrative of God’s epic rescue shifts to man’s epic effort to earn God’s love. Suddenly a “pay-to-stay” salvation plan is handed to us. Now, we strive and serve God to please him. The gifts meant to bring blessing become a burden. And this is when a lot of people stop attending church. People are smart. They hear the contradiction. See you next year.

Ironically, this is not a new story. Jesus spent a majority of his ministry restoring the good news. The religious leaders of the day turned the ten commandments into hundreds of commandments. Originally, the commandments were given as gifts to create balance and blessing, but church leaders turned them into unachievable laws. Habits like prayer, fasting, tithing and Sabbath were gifts as means to worship God with all our senses. Now they’ve become rituals. Even repentance is a gift. God, in his mercy, turns us away from unhealthy things (He does the work). Repentance is a time given by God to reflect and remember his loving kindness (remember Holy Week and Good Friday). But we have turned it into an act of labor done to earn forgiveness. Remember that holy thief called Jesus? He took your sin. He was crucified for it and gave you new life. We don’t earn forgiveness, we receive it as a free gift.

Reformations have occurred in church history to restore the good news. Martin Luther attempted to restore the central theme of good news. He referred to the gospel as the Divine Exchange. Jesus became all my sin, and I become all of Jesus’ righteousness. And this work is Christ’s alone. And this is a gift so no one can boast or earn it.

Maybe it’s time for another reformation. Like Martin Luthers’ Divine Exchange, I like to call it The Great Flip. Jesus is the gift giver and I’m the gift receiver. It’s time to get ourselves out of the equation and restore Jesus as the sole gift-giver.

The equation is not: Jesus + something = Everything.

The equation is: Jesus + nothing = Everything.

The gospel cost Jesus everything. It didn’t cost you anything.

A popular illustration that needs a good comeback is the “Do vs. Done” principle. If you think you must “do” something to earn God’s love, then it’s not gospel. The gospel is this: “Jesus has “done” everything for you.

When “Christian living” becomes something you do to earn God’s love, it is no longer a gift. This is why we give presents at Christmas and Easter as symbols of God’s extravagant love for us. Christian living will proceed from our freedom in Christ.

And the gifts just keep coming! If you think you must muster up enough faith to believe everything I just said … good news! “Faith comes by hearing and by hearing the word of Christ.” Even faith is a gift. So when you read the Bible, read it as one receiving gifts rather than a list of rules. Read it to receive his loving kindness, to receive his forgiveness and receive his way of life that brings balance and blessing. And read it to share the good news with others.

Happy Easter (and Christmas too, if I don’t hear from you until next year)! May the good news of Jesus Christ “gift” you all year long. He loves you.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave … “ John 3:16

-Coach Jody

At the Intersection of Jesus and Jiu-jitsu

/in Empowerment, Motivation, Self Defense/by coachjody

Have you been hurt or confused by the church? Listen. Are you seeking truth from multiple religions, theologies and philosophies? Listen. Are you grappling with a decision to step into mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu or self defense for you and your daughter? Listen to this podcast and you will find my Podcast guest, Donavon Riley at the intersection of Jesus and jiu-jitsu.

My guest, Donavon Riley shares his journey from drugs to faith, lies to truth, lost to found and so much more. He shares his 12 year-old daughter’s journey away from taekwondo to jiu-jitsu, and her discovery of perseverance and strength. This podcast is for anyone who is seeking to strengthen their faith and courage to walk onto the Bjj mats. Donavon Riley can be found at the intersection of Jesus and jiu-jitsu and at 1517.org. and his Banned Books Podcast. See you on the mat at www.thegreatflip.com

Click on the play button below to listen to this Podcast. Subscribe to The Great Flip Podcast in Spotify, Google Podcasts, Anchor and more to stay up-to-date with The Great Flip.

If this is your first visit to The Great Flip?

Welcome to The Great Flip!

I’m Coach Jody and I teach online self defense and life skills to girls inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu, nutrition and faith-based motivation. The Great Flip instructional videos are designed for girls ages 6 and up (yes, and mom too). I’m a mother of two daughters and a purple belt certified Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor.

Here at The Great Flip, you and your daughter can learn simple self-defense techniques in the comfort of your own home. Simply subscribe to my online instructional videos. Each video is less than three minutes and teach one simple self-defense technique. Let’s give one a try right now. Let’s learn the Wrist Escape.

https://youtu.be/yHhC__zMvBI

Ready to learn more? Feel free to explore my website and get to know more about The Great Flip. Search for my videos on YouTube or Vimeo at The Great Flip Online Self Defense.

Click 2 Ways to Join to get started.

If you are not familiar with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, that’s okay. It was a new concept to me too. But after a lot of research, my husband and I discovered jiu-jitsu and learned it was the best martial art for our daughters because it addresses the ground game situation like no other martial art. Don’t get me wrong, karate and taekwondo are fun, but are not real to life when it comes to self-defense. And Krav Maga looks good in theory, but you better be bigger and stronger and probably faster if you want to be successful at it.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu equips a smaller person to overcome a larger person by learning techniques. I’d like to introduce you to this martial art within the safety of your home and or group of friends.

I have more than 20 videos to expand your online self-defense training and many more resources as a subscriber. Click here to see this option

Why Brazilian Jiu-jitsu?

https://thegreatflip.com/overcoming-fear/

https://thegreatflip.com/why-girls-should-learn-jiu-jitsu-for-self-defense/

Techniques taught in the online self-defense instructional videos

Break Fall and Technical Lift
Push Kick
Punch Protection from Standing and on the Ground
Hip Escapes
Bridges
Ground Protection Drills
Wrist Escape
Choke Escape
Hip Bump and Arm Lock Drill
Mount Escape
Arm Bar
Triangle
And more coming every month!

Click Join Us to learn more and get started.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Be sure to share this podcast and my website with the favorite girls in your life on social media @thegreatflip #thegreatflip

The Great Flip is a National Program Alliance for American Heritage Girls!

Gutsy Girls @ The Great Flip

/in Empowerment, Motivation/by coachjody

Meet Amy L. Sullivan the author of “Gutsy Girls,” a children’s picture book series based on the lives of real Christian women who have impacted the world. The Gutsy Girls books introduce girls to five amazing women in history. And my favorite woman in history made the list! There is great synergy between gutsy girls and The Great Flip! Click the Play button to hear this fun Podcast conversation.

I love speaking with Christian woman who seek to raise up empowered Godly girls! And Amy is one of them. You can find her books on Amazon and other bookstores. Her personal website is https://amylsullivan.com/

If this is your first visit to The Great Flip

Welcome! Hi I’m Coach Jody. I introduce girls, ages six to 18, to self-defense inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Pretty gutsy!

Here at The Great Flip, you and your daughter can learn simple self-defense techniques by subscribing to my online instructional videos. Each video is less than three minutes and teach one simple self-defense technique. Give one a try right now. Let’s learn the Wrist Escape.

Ready to learn more? Feel free to explore my website and get to know more about The Great Flip. I offer nutrition resources and faith-based motivation.

Click 2 Ways to Join here or at the top of the page to get started.

If you are not familiar with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, that’s okay. It was a new concept to me too. But after a lot of research, my husband and I discovered jiu-jitsu and learned it was the best martial art for our daughters because it addresses the ground game situation like no other martial art. Don’t get me wrong, karate and taekwondo are fun, but are not real to life when it comes to self-defense. And Krav Maga looks good in theory, but you better be bigger and stronger and probably faster if you want to be successful at it. Brazilian jiu-jitsu equips a smaller person to overcome a larger person by learning techniques. I’d like to introduce you to this martial art within the safety of your home and or group of friends.

Why Brazilian Jiu-jitsu?

Self-Defense removes these fear factors for girls!

Why Girls Should Learn Jiu-jitsu for Self-Defense

I have 12 videos to begin your online self-defense training as a non-subscriber. Click here to see this option

I have more than 20 videos to expand your online self-defense training and many more resources as a subscriber. Click here to see this option

I have a blog about how to set up a home gym and simple training space at home (trust me, I have a very simple space). Check this out!

The Great Flip is a National Program Alliance for American Heritage Girls!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Follow me on social media @thegreatflip

Can Faith and Martial Arts Co-exist?

/in Motivation/by coachjody

Faith and martial arts have co-existed for centuries. Many martial arts carry eastern mysticism origins with it. Symbols on the walls of a dojo or meditations used in the teaching may reflect these origins. Each dojo should be examined and prayerfully considered based on your comfort level. But apart from spirituality, learning a martial art has many benefits such as meeting fitness goals, learning self-defense skills and character development.

I’m thrilled to share a Christian worldview here at The Great Flip. From the beginning of The Great Flip journey, I’ve had three goals:

First, to give girls an online venue to try simple self-defense inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu in her own comfort zone with trusted family and friends.

Second, I want to emphasize nutrition as a form of self-defense against illness and obesity. I share recipes, resources and stories to equip and inspire girls to lead healthy, well-balanced lifestyles.

And finally, third, I want to give girls a Grace Place. A Grace Place is a safe space to learn about Jesus and discover his unconditional love for her. The Great Flip is for all people from all backgrounds and beliefs. I welcome everyone to ponder and mediate on the Christian worldview presented at The Great Flip.

Want to go deeper into Martial Arts and Spirituality. Listen to my friend at the Intersection of Jesus and Jiu-jitsu

Words of Wisdom

The martial art’s experience usually includes a moment of wisdom delivered by the wise instructor. The sense, professor, or coach imparts wisdom to the student. They might talk about respect, authority and teamwork to name a few.

Here at The Great Flip, I have developed a series of “Words of Wisdom” talking points. Consider this my way of adding a spiritual element to the martial arts community. Each Word of Wisdom is downloadable, just look for the PDF file in the blog. Each Word of Wisdom has a Bible verse, a short message and follow-up questions or comments for you to discuss with the girls in your life.

Feel free to open or close a “self-defense training” event with these talking points. Encourage the girls to memorize the Bible verses and reflect upon the teaching. Check back from time to time. I’ll continue to add The Great Flip Words of Wisdom!

Here’s a Sample from “Words of Wisdom #3”

Girl Power vs. God Power

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13

I believe jiu-jitsu is the best martial art for self-defense because it equips a smaller person to defend against a larger opponent. A girl learns to trust techniques, not her own strength.

Today’s culture attempts to convince girls to reach within herself to find strength. “Girl Power” sounds empowering, but in reality, it’s exhausting. Pressure to perform and expectations to succeed crush a girl’s spirit. Girls suffer from depression and anxiety now more than any time in history. Girl power falls short. Thank goodness for God’s power! A girl can do anything NOT because of who she is. A girl can do anything because of WHOSE she is! Let His power strengthen you!

How would you describe the difference between Girl Power vs. God Power?

Ask God to fill you with His Power and memorize Philippians 4:13.

The Great Flip words of wisdom — Click here to download PDF

Subscribers to The Great Flip gain access to all the Words of Wisdom talking points.

Want to learn more about subscribing to The Great Flip?

Click 2 Ways to Join

To learn more about my online self-defense videos for girls ages 6-18 click here

The Great Flip is a National Program Alliance for American Heritage Girls

The Great Exchange

/in Empowerment, Motivation/by coachjody

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Faith-based Self-Defense for Girls

/in Motivation/by coachjody

PODCAST TIME!!! Clearly, I’m working on my interview skills, so bear with me as you listen to a radio interview between myself and a delightful host at a Christian radio station in California. We talked about faith-based self-defense for girls.

I’ve posted the entire interview on my Podcast. Besides sharing online self-defense and life skills for girls at The Great Flip, I was given the opportunity to go deeper about my desire to develop faith-based motivation resources to compliment the online self-defense program. Feel free to share!

Faith-based Self-defense

In the interview, I tried to communicate a few reasons for making GRACE a central theme at The Great Flip. Understanding GRACE is foundational to the Christian faith. And I want girls to be fully grounded in her knowledge of GRACE. Once GRACE has a firm foundation in a girl’s heart, she will know her freedom in Christ is marked not by her works, but instead by Jesus’s life, death and resurrection, and most important by His finished work.

Keep your ears open for an important distinction I make about Christianity. Listen for words about “law,” which are activities and works girls feel obligated to do to earn something. Then listen carefully for GRACE, which is freely given to us from God, no strings attached.

GRACE-based Faith

As Christians we are saved by GRACE through faith as Ephesians 2:8-9 states “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Simply put, Jesus + nothing = everything. On the contrary Jesus + something = nothing. And by the way, as a subscriber to The Great Flip, you have access to a series of messages that dig deep into this equation: Jesus + nothing = everything! Click here for 2 Ways to Join and Subscribe now.

A Parable about GRACE

Here’s something amazing about GRACE illustrated in one of Jesus’ parables in the Gospel of Mark 2.

“No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins – and wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.” Mark 2:21-22

Jesus tells an unusual parable comparing old clothes and new patches and old and new wineskins. He says the two cannot mix. Jesus was trying to enlighten the Pharisees who continued to question his “new” way of doing things. They were trying to add GRACE into their equation and traditions.

A more contemporary expression might be “Out with the old and in with the new.”

Any religion that requires you to do something to earn something is driven by law. It’s exhausting. Unfortunately, even some Christians get caught in works-based religion.

However, Jesus came to offer GRACE. His death, resurrection and ascension frees us from the law. He is not adding more to the law. He has replaced the law with GRACE. The only good that comes from the law, is its ability to point you immediately to GRACE!

Read these Bible verses to understand GRACE.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh…” Ezekiel 11:19

Now, back to the parable about garments and wineskins. We can’t patch our garments. Jesus wants to give us a brand-new jacket. His robe of righteousness.

Listen up girls, don’t just add GRACE to your Christian life. Give him your burdens, your anxiety and all the “to-do” lists. He gives amazing GRACE and it’s free. Get rid of the old and receive the new. If you try and add GRACE to your “to-do” list, you will burst with stress and anxiety. Receive it freely. Rest in his GRACE.

This is The Great Flip, “For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Why have I continued to capitalize the word GRACE? Here’s an acronym to help you remember the depths of God’s GRACE.

God’s

Riches

At

Christ’s

Expense

Activity:

Find and write the Bible verses in this blog on note cards or in a journal. Memorize your favorite one. What promises do you hear in these verses for you? Thank God for his amazing GRACE through Jesus Christ.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Marvel-ous Grace

/in Motivation/by coachjody

What do Marvel movies, Jurassic Park movies and the TV show Parks and Recreation have in common with the biblical expression of Grace? Probably not much, except for a powerful speech given by the actor who plays the top role in all of them. This summer, actor Chris Pratt won the MTV Generational Award. I’m not much of an MTV watcher, ok, I don’t watch it at all, but Pratt’s speech went viral and caught my attention. I think you’ll appreciate his courage to speak about his faith in front of a counter-culture audience. And you’ll get a beautiful glimpse at his understanding of God’s love expressed through grace.

Pratt presented his unique “Nine Rules by Chris Pratt.” He began with common-sense advice with number one; “Breathe, if you don’t, you’ll suffocate.” Then rule number two, “You have a soul. Be careful with it.” Then in perfect Chris Pratt style, rule number three, “Don’t be a turd.”

Now, if you are unfamiliar with Pratt, this line of communication may seem crude, but this is exactly the style that makes him a straight-shooter and down-right charming. If you know Pratt, you immediately appreciate his candor and comedic edge. By the way, his PG-13 Marvel movie “Guardians of the Galaxy” embodies this larger than life personality.

Then Pratt presented his faith in biblical proportion! Rule number six “God is real. God loves you. God wants the best for you. Believe that. I do,” Pratt proclaimed. He followed up with “Learn to pray. It’s easy and its good for your soul.”

But his final rule, rule nine, was by far, my favorite rule. He began with this statement, “Nobody’s perfect.” He continued, “People are gonna tell you, you’re perfect just the way that you are … you’re not! You’re imperfect. You always will be, but there is a powerful force that designed you that way, and if you are willing to accept that, you will have grace. And grace is a gift. Like the freedom that we enjoy in this country, that grace was paid for with somebody else’s blood. Do not forget it. Don’t take it for granted.”

To see the entire speech, here’s the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EihqXHqxri0

Okay, this is me talking now, I truly believe if we teach, model and express biblical “grace” to our children, we will see healing unfold before our very eyes in the next generation. Give people the same free gift of grace that you once received (by faith). The Bible has an awesome verse that says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” I bet Chris Pratt knows this one!

Want to learn more about Biblical grace? Read my blog called “Why The Great Flip?”