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How to Get Energy

April 7, 2025

woods-path-bridge

Hot summer sunshine filtered down between forest trees as my campers and I struggled up the steep side of a mountain. This particular hike was no jaunt through the woods, and tall tales as big as the mountain itself circulated amongst campers and counsellors who had “survived the 4th falls hike.” Successfully conquering this hike was a rite of passage for those who whole-heartedly embraced camp life, and survivors of such a feat could even purchase badges in the camp store attesting to their courage.


I’ll never forget a simple yet profound statement that I heard another seasoned counsellor tell her campers. My campers and I were just ahead of this counsellor, and we all were struggling up the most difficult part of the 4th falls hike—a section so steep that a hiker literally had to grasp a secure rope to traverse the mountainside. As groans arose among the campers, counsellors stirred their campers’ motivation and attempted to pique their morale.


The wise counsellor said, “You give energy to get energy,” as she deftly moved up the side of the mountain while encouraging her girls to follow her example. After groaning and moaning, pulling and straining, we all made it up that mountainside, and that moment is now a memory almost 20 years removed, but that counsellor’s wisdom has stayed with me all these years. The older I get, the more I realize the truth and reality of her statement.


You give energy to get energy.

It takes energy to ignite energy. To get strength, you have to give strength. It takes strength to live this life, and to get strength, we must continually use and sharpen our muscles. Sitting around will not strengthen our muscles, and in order to be strong, we must do something to make us stronger.


There are so many “muscles” that need strengthening in our lives, and each day brings new challenges and new struggles, engaging muscles we didn’t even know we owned. Motherhood has stretched me and “exercised” me in ways I never thought possible, yet I’m so very thankful for every strengthening experience in my life.


morning glory flower

 

Strengthen Physical Muscles


As Christians, we ought to be examples of physical strength by maintaining our bodies and staying in shape so that we can best serve the Lord. I’m not talking about spending hours in the gym each day but doing something each day to stay physically active and conditioned. I tell my husband, “I want to stay in the best possible shape so that I can live energetically for as long as He wants me here on this earth.”


Lately, a dear friend and I have gotten into walking briskly for almost an hour at a time. There’s a quiet park, now an abandoned school building, tucked atop a rolling foothill where we mamas and our kids love to spend time. We lunch together, and then kids scatter on scooters, bikes, and rollerblades while the moms walk around a small track within visual distance of the kids. I feel SO invigorated after each walk, and even typing this now makes me want to go take a walk. My muscles feel alive, my mind fully alert, and my spirit encouraged. Walking does so much for a person, friends. It does more than just exercise the body—it lifts the spirits.


God’s Word actually talks about physical conditioning, and the most revered lady in all of scripture, the Proverbs 31 woman, was an example of physical strength.


Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

 

Ideas for Physical Strengthening


  • Take brisk walks. With a friend is even better!


  • Find an aerobics or walking program/dvd that you enjoy and stick with it. I try to exercise Monday-Friday, and it helps me tremendously.


  • Take your kids to a park and engage in activities with them.


  • Go on a hike together as a family (this is my absolute favorite family activity!)


 

path through the woods green trees leaves

Strengthen Spiritual Muscles


While it’s so important to stay physically toned, it is even more important to stay spiritually “toned.” God’s Word speaks often of strength, and more often than not, references to strength are referring to strength of the mind, heart, and will, not necessarily strength of body.


Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.

As Christians, God’s wants us to be fruitful and productive as we continue to grow in our understanding of Him. As we depend on God for Who He is, He strengthens us according to His power (not ours!) and gives us the patience we need including a big dollop of joyfulness on top. I love to think about verse 11 especially in light of mothering. I have no strength to mother my children apart from God, but He gives me the patience that I need. To think that not only does God help me be patient with my children but He can help me be joyful in the process is an amazing thought!


 

Ideas for Spiritual Strengthening


  • If daily devotions are new to you, set aside some time every day to meet with God in prayer and reading His Word.


  • Start a prayer journal. Write down at least 3 praises and at least 3 prayer requests every day. You will be amazed at how God will work in your life.


  • Find a friend who isn’t afraid to talk about spiritual growth, and share with her your struggles and victories. Ask for prayer when you need it!


  • Be faithful in a bible-preaching and teaching church. The fellowship of the believers bolsters our resolve to keep living for God.


 

Friends, no matter what stage or situation of life you find yourself, we all need physical and spiritual strength every single day. You may not be a mama or a grandmama, but you still need strength of body and heart. Dear friend, even if motherhood was not a part of God’s journey for your life, these same truths still apply.


For all those mamas who are weary, you’ve got to give energy to get energy. Start moving, do something—no matter how small—and watch as you will gain strength and momentum in your tasks of life.


May you be strong in the Lord this week! If God can strengthen a weak person like me, I know that God can do great things in and through your life.


-Ashley



Personal Disclosure

As the author of Ashley Qurollo Blog, all opinions are my own. Any possible applications are universal in nature, not directed at any one individual or people group. My sincere desire is to help others by sharing what I am learning. Nothing stated on this blog is ever intended to hurt others. Ashley Qurollo, owner of Ashley Qurollo Blog and Website, is not held liable in any way for any application of the ideas and thoughts stated here.


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This encourages me to get moving!

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Ashley Qurollo
Ashley Qurollo
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