"...Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature because I have refused him for the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
As mere humans, we are hindered from peering into the minds and hearts of others to gage their professionalism. Fair or not, character judgments are made from the outward signs such as what we say or do (i.e. behaviors). Only God can look inside to now a person's attitudes.
"Behavior is a mirror in which everyone displays his own image." - Johann Wolfgang vonGoethe
We have the power to choose our attitude and behaviors! So today, choose to act like a PRO!
Well, I am settling into my new state, North Carolina, and ready to go back to work. It has been nice to have the last few weeks off, but without my "regular schedule" I found myself searching the cabinets and refrigerator for things to keep me "full and satisfied," during my boredom.
Have you ever inhaled an entire bag of potato chips or cookies and still been hungry afterward? Technically speaking, you've just consumed about 2,000 calories; that's enough calories to keep you full for 24 hours. So why isn't your body satisfied? Those calories you've just devoured are totally empty, lacking any nutritional content whatsoever. Your body is still craving real food with real nutrients.
Jesus knew that people were "getting life" from stuff that wouldn't keep them satisfied in John 6:26-27
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you aren't looking for me because you saw me do miracles. You are looking for me because you ate the bread and were satisfied. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for the food that stays good always and give eternal life. The Son Of Man will give you this food, because on him God the Father has put his power."
We do the same thing. We try to fill up our souls with an assortment of spiritual JUNK FOOD: approval from friends, success through work, and false relationships. If these methods fail, we try numbing our souls with music, TV, the Internet, alcohol, or FOOD. These things may provide a temporary "high," but they always leave us yearning for more. So what have you been FEASTING on -- Junk Food or Jesus?
Stay F.I.T. ~ Have F.aith, Live with I.ntention, and T.rain hard!
Wow!!! I can't believe it has been over a month since my last blog entry. A lot has happened, but most importantly my husband and I have relocated to Wilmington, NC. YES....we are now 6 hours away from where we once called home. The move has not gone without a few bumps in the road....mental, physical, spiritual and financial bumps.
I am still training hard and working on building "My Perfect Bikini Body." And I may do one more Pro show this year or wait until next year, just listening and following God's plan for my life. I am seeking His Wisdom and Knowledge as my husband and I learn what God's Destiny is for our lives.
During this challenging time, I have asked myself...."Lisa, how do you define success?" I was drawn to look for the biblical meaning of "success." After doing some research, I feel that David's last conversation to his son, Solomon, truly sums it up.
1 Kings 2:2,3 (NCV)
David commands, "...Be a good and strong leader. Obey the Lord your God. Follow Him by obeying His demands, His commands, His laws, and His rules that are written in the teachings of Moses. If you do these things, you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go."
So, first seek Wisdom and Knowledge from God and you will be successful in all that you do!
Seek first the Blesser and not the Blessing!
God Bless,
Stay F.I.T.
Have F.aith, Live with I.ntention and T.rain hard!
Wow!!! I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since my Pro Debut at the Jacksonville Pro Show hosted by Gale Elie and Dexter Jackson. I cannot even put into words my experience. It was simply amazing. Everything went so smoothly. Our flight, our rental car pickup, our trip to the Hotel, our Hotel check-in and especially the competitor check in. At the competitor check-in was warmly greeted by Gale Elie, Dexter Jackson's girlfriend, who knew me immediately by name and gave me the biggest smile and hug! She made me feel like I was right at home as a PRO!
Then, my Pro Tan/Pro Glow girl herself, Ms. Teresa Stramandinoli,my Jersey girl, was there working for Pro Tan and was able to make my tan look PERFECTO for my debut!
I mean, seriously.....does it get any better! Divine Intervention! Everything had been turned over to God and he was working his plan perfectly and Adam and I were stress free. I loved every minute!
Our room had a refrigerator and microwave, and for those of you reading this who are fellow competitors....you know how awesome that is!!!! No using your hotel trash can, lined with the ice bucket bag as your cooler :)
Prejudging was amazing.....it was so cool to be backstage with some of the biggest names in the Figure and Bikini world.
I was called out in the first comparisons and was thrilled. My first pro show and I was going to be in the top 5! WOOHOOO!!! Happy Day!
After the show, I spoke to my trainer, Nicole Wilkins, and she was so excited and told me to go eat a burger and sweet potato fries at TGIF's!!!! What??? I still have finals, and I get to eat something YUMMY! And I did. My husband was thrilled!
Finals came on Saturday and I was still on Cloud 9. I had made some amazing new friends and was excited about my first show. After the show, I was announced as placing 4th and I was elated. I could not stop smiling! I indulged in a Sweet Cheat - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcake and some chips and salsa and went to bed with that same satisfied grin!
Now I am looking ahead to my next show and training as hard as ever!
Lesson Learned From PRO Show # 1:
Stay GROUNDED In Your Faith!!!!
Stay focused on your dream. God is Way Ahead of You!
Proverbs 24:16
"For though a righteous man falls 7 times, he rises again!"
Be determined and live in God's Favor and His Will Will Be Done!
God Bless,
Lisa Lutz
Ok, so I am 5 days away from stepping on stage for the first time as an IFBB Bikini Pro and I am so excited!!!!!! But with the excitement of the flight to Jacksonville, FL, traveling with the love of my life, my husband, and being a part of the industry that I love, FITNESS...comes a certain amount of anxiety. It is often difficult to push yourself past new challenges and overcome obstacles that you never new existed and feel at peace. So, at this time I remember a very wise saying that my mother once told me, "Let Go and Let God!"
Scripture tells us:
"We activate the power of God by believeing and declaring it!" (Job 22:28)
So, today know that God loves you and desires to empower you, for every task you face. Declare that you are filled with power, strength, justice and wisdom as you face the challenges before you.
Okay, so I am regularly asked...."Lisa, how do you stay so positive and balance a career, training, competing and your personal relationships so easily?" Ok, first and foremost it is not EASY! But I love my life and every opportunity that has come my way has been a true blessing. So, my first piece of advice for those who have a hectic life and stress seems to overtake them, I say practice and "Attitude of Gratitude!"
....Gratitude in advance is the most powerful creative force in the UNIVERSE!
It's true!!! Expressing thankfulness in ADVANCE is the way to overcoming obstacles and manifesting positivity throughout your day. So do not wait for something to happen and then GIVE thanks. Give thanks BEFORE it happens, and watch the positive energy swirl!!
Quick Tip: If you are keeping a journal - food journal, workout journal, or personal - make sure to write down at least one thing that you are GRATEFUL for everyday! End your day by looking over all that you have accomplished and write down what you are grateful for to end your day on a positive note and create your positive vision for the next day!
I DID IT....ON JULY 9, 2011 AT TEAM UNIVERSE IN TEANECK, NJ I BECAME AN
IFBB BIKINI PRO BY WINNING MY HEIGHT CLASS (CLASS F!)
I can't believe it!!!! I am still on cloud nine, ten and eleven. My husband and I drove up to Teaneck, NJ on Thursday evening and checked into the beautiful Marriott Hotel and set up for a full day of tanning and prepping on Friday. Early Saturday morning, my amazing Fitness Facebook Friend, Teresa Stramandinoli and owner of ProGlow Mobile Sunless Tanning, came and gave me the most amazing tan and pep talk. She is a rockstar and I will be seeing her again at my first pro show - The Jacksonville Pro Championship on Aug. 5-6!
I walked on stage for pre-judging on Saturday at 1 PM and felt incredible. I owe that feeling to my incredible coach, trainer and mentor - Nicole Wilkins! She has really helped me transform not only my body and physique, but most importantly my mental attitude and outlook. She has helped me fall in LOVE with this sport and everything that is included in the preparation! Nicole helped feel like a PRO even before I received my PRO CARD! I cannot thank her enough for believing in and pushing me to be better for every show!
PRE-JUDGING
During pre-judging I made first call-outs and moved to the middle. I was super excited as this is good sign that I will be in the TOP 5 and possibly the TOP 2!!!!! You can hear h0w excited my husband, Adam Lutz, is on the video! He has been amazing. He was my personal chef and errand boy for this incredible journey and did it with grace, patience and love!!!! He is also training and dieting for his first Men's Physique competition on Aug. 20 in Rockville, MD!!!
Then at 11:45 PM, yes I said, "11:45 PM," I stepped back on stage for Finals! They announced the winner of my height class - Class F at MIDNIGHT!!!!! CONTESTANT #400 - LISA LUTZ!!
FINALS
I was beyond excited!!! After 2 years of training and dieting I achieved a dream - TO BECOME AN IFBB BIKINI PRO!!!! What an incredible night???
So, I would like to thank the following people.....
My husband, Adam Lutz
My Mom, Angela Melton
My Dad, Terry Melton
My Coach, Nicole Wilkins
My Pro Tanner and Pastry Chef - Teresa Stramandinoli
My girl, Koren Barwis
My Fitness Together Team, Sherry, Mike, and Martin
My brother's and their families
My in-laws - The Lutz's
My friends and families - including my FaceBook Fitness Family!!!!
And everyone else who has believed in me and supported me during this journey!
So what's next - headed to Jacksonville, FL in 4 weeks for the Jacksonville Pro Championship!
Competing for my bid/invitation to the 2011 Olympia in Las Vegas, NV!
