I have a thought in my head that I haven't fully processed yet, but it has stuck with me for the last couple of days. I wanted to share it with you. I am reading through Matthew. At this time of year, I like to read through Matthew or Luke so that I can remind myself of the birth and life of Jesus.
But, it isn't the story of Jesus that is sticking with me. It is the reaction that others had when Jesus entered their life. It starts with Joseph(the encounter that Mary had with Gabriel only occurs in Luke). When he has the dream that tells him to take Mary as his wife, even though she is pregnant, he wakes up and he DOES IT. He doesn't say that he needs to pray about it or talk it over with his godly mentors, he just DOES IT.
It happens again, this time when Jesus has grown up and is starting his ministry. When he calls Peter and Andrew to be his disciples, it says, At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:20. AT ONCE they followed him. Again, there was no hesitation. They did what the Lord wanted them to do.
James and John had the same reaction to Jesus' request. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:22 It just amazes me that there was no hesitation when this strange man asked them to leave everything they knew and everyone they loved and to come with him.
Here is my thought. Why do we tell Jesus to wait a little while before we give him an answer. Oh, Lord, we need to seek counsel. We need to pray about it and make sure that we can handle what you are asking. We have to weigh our options.
Let me tell you, when God tells you to do something, you need to obey immediately. Whether it be as small as a name of someone being laid on your heart to pray for or as big as quitting your job and becoming a missionary. Stop what you are doing and obey. Just like Pastor Zach always says, "Delayed obedience is disobedience." If it is truly God moving within you, you will know it. There will be no question on who is speaking. So, your only reaction should be to move. Do it and let God take care of the rest.
As I am typing this, I have no idea why God has placed this on my heart. I wonder what he may be preparing me for. What will 2012 hold for the Hughes family? It may be more of the same. Simple service to our Lord, or it may be something great. But, when he asks for my obedience, you better believe that I will immediately follow where is says go. What about you? Is there something that God is asking you to do and you are delaying in disobedience?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Finale
Last night was the Biggest Loser finale for the season that I applied for. As I went to bed, I was reflecting on how much different this year has turned out. I started out in January with all my hopes and dreams set on getting on a television show to help me lose weight. I went through the highs of being contacted by a producer and the lows of not getting a call back after the audition. It was one of the lowest points in my life. I was at rock bottom but didn't know what to do.
Then step by step, God led me in the direction that he wanted me to go. He had a plan for me. A plan that I would have never dreamed up myself. By May, that plan was laid out before me. I had faced the fact that I was addicted to food. Bryan and I finally agreed that it was time to do something drastic to get that addiction under control. I was lead to the book Made to Crave and I also found a local surgeon that would perform my weight loss surgery.
There was proof that God had his hand in this all along. Everything fell into place. Just about the time that I would have left for the ranch(had I been chosen), I was undergoing surgery.
It has been fun for me to watch this season of Biggest Loser, knowing that at one time that is where I wanted to be. I am so glad that God had a different plan for me. I am glad that I have been able to take this journey with my family and friends. God is so good. I am proof that even though we may not understand things at the time, that in hindsight, God is always in control and he wants what is best for each of us!
So, in the same amount of time as I would have been on the ranch, God has given me the power and the strength to lose 85 pounds! Not too shabby, I must say! Of course, you know that all the glory has to go back to God. He is the one that is doing the work in me. I just have to obey him, trust him, and stay close to him!
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
This has always been a very important verse to me. It has come to mean so much more because it is a direct reflection of what has happened to me in the last 7 months. I am living proof that this promise is true!
Then step by step, God led me in the direction that he wanted me to go. He had a plan for me. A plan that I would have never dreamed up myself. By May, that plan was laid out before me. I had faced the fact that I was addicted to food. Bryan and I finally agreed that it was time to do something drastic to get that addiction under control. I was lead to the book Made to Crave and I also found a local surgeon that would perform my weight loss surgery.
There was proof that God had his hand in this all along. Everything fell into place. Just about the time that I would have left for the ranch(had I been chosen), I was undergoing surgery.
It has been fun for me to watch this season of Biggest Loser, knowing that at one time that is where I wanted to be. I am so glad that God had a different plan for me. I am glad that I have been able to take this journey with my family and friends. God is so good. I am proof that even though we may not understand things at the time, that in hindsight, God is always in control and he wants what is best for each of us!
So, in the same amount of time as I would have been on the ranch, God has given me the power and the strength to lose 85 pounds! Not too shabby, I must say! Of course, you know that all the glory has to go back to God. He is the one that is doing the work in me. I just have to obey him, trust him, and stay close to him!
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
This has always been a very important verse to me. It has come to mean so much more because it is a direct reflection of what has happened to me in the last 7 months. I am living proof that this promise is true!
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Undeserved Present
I DESERVE to eat that brownie because I have had a bad day. I DESERVE to have a vacation because I have worked so hard this year. I DESERVE to have another child because I am a good person. I DESERVE to hold a grudge against that person because of what they did to me. I DESERVE to live in this nice house and buy what I want because it is the American dream. I DESERVE NOTHING!
This is my inner monologue. What is yours? What do you think you deserve? We live in a world that thinks that because of things that we do, that we deserve to be rewarded. We are teaching it to our children in an alarming way(I am preaching to the choir on this one!). We reward them for good behavior instead of expecting it.
It has hit me pretty hard, that the most precious gift that we can be given, is something that we will never be able to earn. Salvation is something that NONE OF US deserve. We don't deserve it because we love God(because we don't). We don't deserve it because we are good people(because we aren't). But, we are given it because GOD LOVES US. That is the only reason that we are heirs to God. There is no reason that we should be even be able to utter the name of God, except for the fact that he has chosen to allow it.
This is how God showed love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: Not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4: 9&10
Do you know what we deserve? I life in hell. No matter how "good" we are. No matter how "spiritual" we are. No matter how "charitable" we are. We deserve hell. Plan and simple. We will never be able to be anything other than sinners.
Thank you Lord, that you loved us enough to send us the perfect Christmas present. Your one and only Son that would one day die on the cross as a payment for sin. Not because we deserve a Savior, but because you loved us that much!
This is my inner monologue. What is yours? What do you think you deserve? We live in a world that thinks that because of things that we do, that we deserve to be rewarded. We are teaching it to our children in an alarming way(I am preaching to the choir on this one!). We reward them for good behavior instead of expecting it.
It has hit me pretty hard, that the most precious gift that we can be given, is something that we will never be able to earn. Salvation is something that NONE OF US deserve. We don't deserve it because we love God(because we don't). We don't deserve it because we are good people(because we aren't). But, we are given it because GOD LOVES US. That is the only reason that we are heirs to God. There is no reason that we should be even be able to utter the name of God, except for the fact that he has chosen to allow it.
This is how God showed love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: Not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4: 9&10
Do you know what we deserve? I life in hell. No matter how "good" we are. No matter how "spiritual" we are. No matter how "charitable" we are. We deserve hell. Plan and simple. We will never be able to be anything other than sinners.
Thank you Lord, that you loved us enough to send us the perfect Christmas present. Your one and only Son that would one day die on the cross as a payment for sin. Not because we deserve a Savior, but because you loved us that much!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Everything We Need
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1: 3&4
I have been drawn to these verses time and again over the last few days. I keep going back and reading and absorbing their great message. There is so much in them that I can't seem to wrap my head around it all. I just wanted to share some of the great truths I have found in these scriptures. They can be applied to anything that is going on in your life right now. Whether it be the temptation to eat or the imminent death of a loved one. Whether is it a life changing decision or a simple tugging at your heart to help someone.
I want you to know that God has given us EVERYTHING we need for life. Do you get that! No matter what is going on, we already have what we need. How do we know what it is? It says it in the verses above. There will be nothing that we go through that God has not already provided what we need.
Here is the catch. Are you ready for it? It comes through the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God can only be gained by seeking a relationship with him. We do not get a magic sprinkle of it when we are saved. It has to be gained. We HAVE to spend time with our Savior. We HAVE to get in the scripture and learn his truths. We HAVE to spend time with him in prayer and meditation. We HAVE to make God a huge part of our lives.
The verses also state that we have been given PRECIOUS PROMISES. His word is full of them. I find them every time I open my bible. But, again, it is only when I go looking for them. They are found only through reading the scripture. Then, they are even more effective when we memorize them. For when we hide them in our heart, they are there in a moment's notice. When life gets tough, they are brought to the forefront of your mind to help in every circumstance. They are there to give you strength, peace, comfort, and truth. They are there to offer help or to remind you of the lies of Satan. With God's word, you can stand against anything.
I pray that this encourages you in whatever you are facing today. Big or small, God sees it all. Not only does he see it all, he has everything you need to face it all. So even if you are not in the habit of doing so, may you seek your God today. Start learning those precious promises and maybe even hiding them in your heart.
I have been drawn to these verses time and again over the last few days. I keep going back and reading and absorbing their great message. There is so much in them that I can't seem to wrap my head around it all. I just wanted to share some of the great truths I have found in these scriptures. They can be applied to anything that is going on in your life right now. Whether it be the temptation to eat or the imminent death of a loved one. Whether is it a life changing decision or a simple tugging at your heart to help someone.
I want you to know that God has given us EVERYTHING we need for life. Do you get that! No matter what is going on, we already have what we need. How do we know what it is? It says it in the verses above. There will be nothing that we go through that God has not already provided what we need.
Here is the catch. Are you ready for it? It comes through the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God can only be gained by seeking a relationship with him. We do not get a magic sprinkle of it when we are saved. It has to be gained. We HAVE to spend time with our Savior. We HAVE to get in the scripture and learn his truths. We HAVE to spend time with him in prayer and meditation. We HAVE to make God a huge part of our lives.
The verses also state that we have been given PRECIOUS PROMISES. His word is full of them. I find them every time I open my bible. But, again, it is only when I go looking for them. They are found only through reading the scripture. Then, they are even more effective when we memorize them. For when we hide them in our heart, they are there in a moment's notice. When life gets tough, they are brought to the forefront of your mind to help in every circumstance. They are there to give you strength, peace, comfort, and truth. They are there to offer help or to remind you of the lies of Satan. With God's word, you can stand against anything.
I pray that this encourages you in whatever you are facing today. Big or small, God sees it all. Not only does he see it all, he has everything you need to face it all. So even if you are not in the habit of doing so, may you seek your God today. Start learning those precious promises and maybe even hiding them in your heart.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
God's Sense of Humor
I have been dealing with a severe reaction to milk products lately. It has gone beyond normal lactose intolerance and has moved into what I suspect may be an allergy to milk. I have started becoming very ill whenever I eat anything that even contains dairy products. For example, I became very ill yesterday after eating a veggie burger. Who knew that a veggie burger would be made with milk, but sure enough there it was in the ingredients.
As you can imagine, the last 3 weeks have been torture for me. I LOVE MILK! I LOVE CHEESE! I LOVE YOGURT! These are things that I was relying on to get protein into my diet. I can no longer tolerate them. They make me sick. I have gone from being mad to being sad and then back to mad again. Really, God, you are going to take another type of food away from me? Are you going to make me face another food issue? Are you testing me to see if I am truly ready to give up everything that might be tied to my addiction? I mean I do have to eat something, you know!
Then yesterday, I had this weird thought. Maybe this allergy/intolerance(going to the doctor on Monday to find out) is an answer to prayer. You see, I have been very worried about falling back into my old habits with food. I have been so fearful that I am going to put the weight back on. Could it be that God has allowed me to develop this condition so that I can't go back to eating everything that I am so tempted by.
Lets make a list of my favorite foods. Brownies, cakes, pizza, Italian food, cereal w/milk, chunks of cheese, Mexican cheese dip, chocolate, etc. I mean everything that I have been fearful of returning to and not being able to control how much I eat contains MILK!
When I realized this, I kind of had to giggle. Talk about God answering my prayers about my fears! I guess the saying is right, "Be careful what you pray for!".
Now, I am not real happy with the situation. It is going to take some time for me to learn how to live without dairy products. But, I am going to take it in stride and do the best I can with what I have been given. After all, God is good all the time, even when we don't see it. I am preparing my mind for action(James 1:13). I am reading books and investigation ways to adapt to my new circumstances. After all, there is no use crying over spilled milk, right?
As you can imagine, the last 3 weeks have been torture for me. I LOVE MILK! I LOVE CHEESE! I LOVE YOGURT! These are things that I was relying on to get protein into my diet. I can no longer tolerate them. They make me sick. I have gone from being mad to being sad and then back to mad again. Really, God, you are going to take another type of food away from me? Are you going to make me face another food issue? Are you testing me to see if I am truly ready to give up everything that might be tied to my addiction? I mean I do have to eat something, you know!
Then yesterday, I had this weird thought. Maybe this allergy/intolerance(going to the doctor on Monday to find out) is an answer to prayer. You see, I have been very worried about falling back into my old habits with food. I have been so fearful that I am going to put the weight back on. Could it be that God has allowed me to develop this condition so that I can't go back to eating everything that I am so tempted by.
Lets make a list of my favorite foods. Brownies, cakes, pizza, Italian food, cereal w/milk, chunks of cheese, Mexican cheese dip, chocolate, etc. I mean everything that I have been fearful of returning to and not being able to control how much I eat contains MILK!
When I realized this, I kind of had to giggle. Talk about God answering my prayers about my fears! I guess the saying is right, "Be careful what you pray for!".
Now, I am not real happy with the situation. It is going to take some time for me to learn how to live without dairy products. But, I am going to take it in stride and do the best I can with what I have been given. After all, God is good all the time, even when we don't see it. I am preparing my mind for action(James 1:13). I am reading books and investigation ways to adapt to my new circumstances. After all, there is no use crying over spilled milk, right?
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving Setback
I survived my first Thanksgiving post surgery. I did very well, I must say. I didn't eat anything I wasn't supposed to eat. I withstood the temptation to eat sweets! I really can't believe that I made it through the whole holiday weekend without one bite of dessert. There was a lot of prayer that went into this weekend and there were times that those prayers were the only thing that sustained me.
That being said, I still gained 1 1/2 pounds. I don't know why. It could be water weight. It could be that I ate too many carbohydrates and not enough protein. It could be a million different things. I have been through them all in my head and for the life of me I can't figure it out. I would have had to consumed over five thousand extra calories over the weekend to mathematically gain that weight. That is not possible. So, all I can do is look at that scale and know that I had a good week. The number does not reflect what a successful holiday I had.
I do feel like I need to regroup. I need to get my head back in this game and keep in the right directions. So forgive me if I do a little review of what I know is true.
Can I lose this weight under my own power? No, only through the strength of God can I achieve this.
Does a gain on the scale mean that you are a failure? No, not if you know that you did everything you could to be successful at weight loss. Step away from the scale and know that you did not sabotage yourself.
Is this journey about me and what I can gain from it? No, it is so that God can receive all the glory when others see what a great work he has done in me.
A friend posted this on their Facebook today. I thought it was so appropriate. Charles Spurgeon: "Humility is to feel that we have no power of ourselves, but that it all cometh from God.
And then I found this verse. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
What a great reminder to me that I can not do this through my own power. I have to constantly put myself in a state of humility before the Lord. I have to be reminded time and time again that it is only through him that I will be successful. Without that, I will surely fail.
That being said, I still gained 1 1/2 pounds. I don't know why. It could be water weight. It could be that I ate too many carbohydrates and not enough protein. It could be a million different things. I have been through them all in my head and for the life of me I can't figure it out. I would have had to consumed over five thousand extra calories over the weekend to mathematically gain that weight. That is not possible. So, all I can do is look at that scale and know that I had a good week. The number does not reflect what a successful holiday I had.
I do feel like I need to regroup. I need to get my head back in this game and keep in the right directions. So forgive me if I do a little review of what I know is true.
Can I lose this weight under my own power? No, only through the strength of God can I achieve this.
Does a gain on the scale mean that you are a failure? No, not if you know that you did everything you could to be successful at weight loss. Step away from the scale and know that you did not sabotage yourself.
Is this journey about me and what I can gain from it? No, it is so that God can receive all the glory when others see what a great work he has done in me.
A friend posted this on their Facebook today. I thought it was so appropriate. Charles Spurgeon: "Humility is to feel that we have no power of ourselves, but that it all cometh from God.
And then I found this verse. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
What a great reminder to me that I can not do this through my own power. I have to constantly put myself in a state of humility before the Lord. I have to be reminded time and time again that it is only through him that I will be successful. Without that, I will surely fail.
Monday, November 21, 2011
The Tongue
Ever had one of those days that you are hit with the same lesson from God over and over again. Today has already been one of those days for me. Within the last hour, God has put in my path a lesson about the tongue in two different ways.
First of all, it was in my Journey magazine. This quote struck me and I read it over and over again. Once something is said, it can't be unsaid. When we bless or curse, our words are more than just words.
Isn't that true! I can still hear cruel words that were spoken to me over 20 years ago. They surface in my heart at times when I am doubting who I am and make me struggle even more to keep a grasp of what is true.
Secondly, I turn to the next chapter in James this morning and it was about taming the tongue. But no man can tame the tongue. it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8
I find it interesting that it says that no man can tame the tongue. So, no matter how hard we work at it, our tongue will always have the ability to be used as a weapon of destruction. Beyond anything else we can do, it is our words that often hurt people the most. Read it again. It is full of deadly poison.
This lesson from God hits a little to close to home. Not only have I been hurt by the tongue countless times, I know that I have also hurt others too many times to count with my tongue. I can replay scenarios in my mind of conversations I have had with others that I purposefully have used my tongue to damage their souls. It is something that comes very natural to me. You push me in a corner and I am going to come out swinging. Only I don't use my hands, but my tongue. How many times has this been referred to as the "wrath of Mary" by my friends.
So today, my toes have gotten stepped on in a mighty way. I think a couple might have actually been broken in the process! I pray that God helps me to remember these verses as we go into this season of gathering with family and friends. Oh, be careful little mouth what you say. For the Father up above, is looking down with love. Oh, be careful little mouth what you say!
First of all, it was in my Journey magazine. This quote struck me and I read it over and over again. Once something is said, it can't be unsaid. When we bless or curse, our words are more than just words.
Isn't that true! I can still hear cruel words that were spoken to me over 20 years ago. They surface in my heart at times when I am doubting who I am and make me struggle even more to keep a grasp of what is true.
Secondly, I turn to the next chapter in James this morning and it was about taming the tongue. But no man can tame the tongue. it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8
I find it interesting that it says that no man can tame the tongue. So, no matter how hard we work at it, our tongue will always have the ability to be used as a weapon of destruction. Beyond anything else we can do, it is our words that often hurt people the most. Read it again. It is full of deadly poison.
This lesson from God hits a little to close to home. Not only have I been hurt by the tongue countless times, I know that I have also hurt others too many times to count with my tongue. I can replay scenarios in my mind of conversations I have had with others that I purposefully have used my tongue to damage their souls. It is something that comes very natural to me. You push me in a corner and I am going to come out swinging. Only I don't use my hands, but my tongue. How many times has this been referred to as the "wrath of Mary" by my friends.
So today, my toes have gotten stepped on in a mighty way. I think a couple might have actually been broken in the process! I pray that God helps me to remember these verses as we go into this season of gathering with family and friends. Oh, be careful little mouth what you say. For the Father up above, is looking down with love. Oh, be careful little mouth what you say!
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