Peace I leave you: my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
275. I have hit the number on the scale that I dread the most. This is the number where I have plateaued more times than I can remember. My body does not want to budge past 275. It is hard to explain the fear and the dread that wants to settle in my heart. I am scared the scale won't move past this number.
Today, I am praying for peace that only Jesus can give. Peace that my heart will be guarded(remember Prov. 4:23) against the fear that wants to enter. I pray that the Lord will give me peace about the situation. Peace that it will happen. There is no need to worry, only do what I know is right and trust in Him.
How about you? Is there something in your life that brings up fear when you think about it? Is there something looming in the future that you aren't sure you can handle? Jesus will give you the gift of peace. It is there waiting for you. Just ask and then believe. Guard your heart from that fear.(Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Prov. 4:23) When it starts to creep into the crevices of your heart, pray for peace.
There is no reason for us to to be afraid. The Lord has given us the perfect gift. PEACE, sweet PEACE. Rest in it today.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Missing My Friend
So here is the deal this morning. I MISS FOOD. I miss the satisfaction of eating a meal. I miss the comfort that comes from sitting down with a plate of food. I miss the ease of which I used to eat food. I miss my friend.
Now food is something that is forced. It is something that I have to make myself do. It is not enjoyable. My whole existence is based around getting protein into my body. Protein sucks! I miss my carbs.
I know that my wish when I entered into this journey was to eat to live instead of live to eat. I just didn't realize what it would be like when all the emotional strings to food were cut. I am sitting here typing this with tears running down my face. Isn't it sad that food can do this to me? This is what addiction looks like. It is ugly. It rears it head just when you think you have it tamed and under control. My friend is begging to be let back into my world. Just for a visit. But I know that is a lie. Addictions don't come back for a visit, they come back to stay.
There are ways to my addiction even though I have had surgery. Ways to eat the food I love, ways to cheat the surgery. But, I can't let myself go there. Lord, help me be strong.
And to be honest, I have no words of wisdom. I could not find anything in the bible this morning to help me. So maybe this is where you, my friends, come in. Maybe the Lord is going to use one of you today.
Now food is something that is forced. It is something that I have to make myself do. It is not enjoyable. My whole existence is based around getting protein into my body. Protein sucks! I miss my carbs.
I know that my wish when I entered into this journey was to eat to live instead of live to eat. I just didn't realize what it would be like when all the emotional strings to food were cut. I am sitting here typing this with tears running down my face. Isn't it sad that food can do this to me? This is what addiction looks like. It is ugly. It rears it head just when you think you have it tamed and under control. My friend is begging to be let back into my world. Just for a visit. But I know that is a lie. Addictions don't come back for a visit, they come back to stay.
There are ways to my addiction even though I have had surgery. Ways to eat the food I love, ways to cheat the surgery. But, I can't let myself go there. Lord, help me be strong.
And to be honest, I have no words of wisdom. I could not find anything in the bible this morning to help me. So maybe this is where you, my friends, come in. Maybe the Lord is going to use one of you today.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Love is Patient
Last night I was laying in the guest bed listening to Bryan hack up a lung across the house. I was so frustrated and ticked off that I couldn't even go to sleep in the same room with him. I mean, come on Bryan, do you have to cough so much? He was getting on my nerves!!!
Now, logically, I know that I was WAY out of line. The poor man is sick. But, selfishly, I was exhausted from a week of VBS and then travel. All I wanted was to be able to fall asleep on my CPAP machine and sleep like the dead for 8 hours or so.
While I was being serenaded by the coughing, my mind turned to the book Radical by David Platt that I had begun reading. He asked two questions in the introduction. Questions that we should ask as we are reading the bible. What is Jesus saying? and What am I going to do about it?
So I prayed. I don't remember what my prayer was, but I know what was given to me. Love is patient. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Uh oh....not the P word. Now I have been taught to NEVER pray for patience. And believe me, I never have. Not the kind of discipline I want. I know that if it is prayed for, God is going to put me in all sorts of circumstances to teach me patience. Nope, not gonna do it!
I think everyone that knows me even in the slightest will attest that I am not a patient person. To even put my name and patience in the same sentence is a laughing matter. But, last night, God told me to pray for patience. I truly didn't want to. I went around and around with God. Trying to find a way out. Then I remembered those two questions. *sigh*
I know that patience is a virtue that God desires us to have. I know it is needed to love others the way that Christ intends. So what was I going to do about it? So, finally after a LONG time, a prayed for patience. Now, believe me, I am still not happy about it. I DO NOT want to learn patience. But, here I am, waiting for the first crisis to fall, so that I can be taught and disciplined.
Being a follower of Christ means more than just reading his word, we have to act on it. I am learning this and it isn't easy. So, please pray for me as I learn the virtue of patience and please try to stay out of my way if it looks like I am about to explode!
Now, logically, I know that I was WAY out of line. The poor man is sick. But, selfishly, I was exhausted from a week of VBS and then travel. All I wanted was to be able to fall asleep on my CPAP machine and sleep like the dead for 8 hours or so.
While I was being serenaded by the coughing, my mind turned to the book Radical by David Platt that I had begun reading. He asked two questions in the introduction. Questions that we should ask as we are reading the bible. What is Jesus saying? and What am I going to do about it?
So I prayed. I don't remember what my prayer was, but I know what was given to me. Love is patient. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Uh oh....not the P word. Now I have been taught to NEVER pray for patience. And believe me, I never have. Not the kind of discipline I want. I know that if it is prayed for, God is going to put me in all sorts of circumstances to teach me patience. Nope, not gonna do it!
I think everyone that knows me even in the slightest will attest that I am not a patient person. To even put my name and patience in the same sentence is a laughing matter. But, last night, God told me to pray for patience. I truly didn't want to. I went around and around with God. Trying to find a way out. Then I remembered those two questions. *sigh*
I know that patience is a virtue that God desires us to have. I know it is needed to love others the way that Christ intends. So what was I going to do about it? So, finally after a LONG time, a prayed for patience. Now, believe me, I am still not happy about it. I DO NOT want to learn patience. But, here I am, waiting for the first crisis to fall, so that I can be taught and disciplined.
Being a follower of Christ means more than just reading his word, we have to act on it. I am learning this and it isn't easy. So, please pray for me as I learn the virtue of patience and please try to stay out of my way if it looks like I am about to explode!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Weakness
Today I hit the big 3-0. Thirty pounds lost!!! I am so thrilled. All I can say about it, is THANK YOU JESUS!! But I am also reminded in scripture today how vigilant I need to remain. Food is my weakness. Food is what will make me turn away from the Lord in a heartbeat.
In 1 Kings, I am continuing to learn about King Solomon. Remember, he is the one that the Lord appeared to and granted him not only his one request for wisdom, but he also gave him wealth, health, and freedom from enemies. God did all this because Solomon sought after God with all his heart. The Lord even appeared to him a second time after Solomon had built a temple for the Lord.
In Chapter 11 God warns Solomon not to marry women from other nations. You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods. 1 King 11:2 But Solomon's weakness was women. Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. 1 Kings 11:2 He had over a thousand wives and many of them worship other gods. Solomon lost sight of the one true God and started worshiping the gods of his wives. Hello!!! This was a man that SAW God twice! How much more are we prone to wander.
God's reaction was anger. He took away his promise of making Solomon's kingdom prosper. He raised up adversaries against Solomon. The saddest thing is that the majority of the punishment would be played out in Solomon's son's rule. Solomon's son would pay for his daddy's sins.
This is no joke! God DOES NOT want us to put ANYTHING else before him. Not food. Not our children. Not sports. Not work. NOTHING! I must stay vigilant, and be on top of my tendency to turn to food over God. I must FLEE the temptation. This is a reminder that I need as I am transitioning back into real food this week. Just because I can now eat anything, does not mean that I need to start turning back to food for comfort and for fulfillment.
What is your god? Do you have one? It is starting to creep back into your life and take root again? I urge you friend, FLEE!!!
In 1 Kings, I am continuing to learn about King Solomon. Remember, he is the one that the Lord appeared to and granted him not only his one request for wisdom, but he also gave him wealth, health, and freedom from enemies. God did all this because Solomon sought after God with all his heart. The Lord even appeared to him a second time after Solomon had built a temple for the Lord.
In Chapter 11 God warns Solomon not to marry women from other nations. You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods. 1 King 11:2 But Solomon's weakness was women. Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. 1 Kings 11:2 He had over a thousand wives and many of them worship other gods. Solomon lost sight of the one true God and started worshiping the gods of his wives. Hello!!! This was a man that SAW God twice! How much more are we prone to wander.
God's reaction was anger. He took away his promise of making Solomon's kingdom prosper. He raised up adversaries against Solomon. The saddest thing is that the majority of the punishment would be played out in Solomon's son's rule. Solomon's son would pay for his daddy's sins.
This is no joke! God DOES NOT want us to put ANYTHING else before him. Not food. Not our children. Not sports. Not work. NOTHING! I must stay vigilant, and be on top of my tendency to turn to food over God. I must FLEE the temptation. This is a reminder that I need as I am transitioning back into real food this week. Just because I can now eat anything, does not mean that I need to start turning back to food for comfort and for fulfillment.
What is your god? Do you have one? It is starting to creep back into your life and take root again? I urge you friend, FLEE!!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Strength
I am worn out. I am physically and spiritually drained. This week has been such a busy week with both VBS going on and company in town. I pray today for strength to make it through the week. Strength to continue on through the weekend as we travel to a wedding. Strength to make it to Tuesday when I can finally crash.
Are you in the same place? I know that most at my church are. They are giving there heart and souls to the children this week. VBS can be such a physically draining task. So, today, I pray for them strength as well.
I love you, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1
God is our strength. He will sustain me through out the coming days. He will sustain you on whatever path you are walking on. Call out to him and let him carry you. I know I will be!
Are you in the same place? I know that most at my church are. They are giving there heart and souls to the children this week. VBS can be such a physically draining task. So, today, I pray for them strength as well.
I love you, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1
God is our strength. He will sustain me through out the coming days. He will sustain you on whatever path you are walking on. Call out to him and let him carry you. I know I will be!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Beauty Within
I have been thinking a lot lately about beauty. How do I learn to love myself as God made me. I think back on the times that I have lost significant amounts of weight and how I still would beat myself up and think I was fat. Will it happen again? Will the weight loss ever be enough? Will I always want to lose more or change something about myself.
As women, we are so prone to judge ourselves against other women's bodies. It is a sick thing we do. We "measure up" each lady we meet. There are conversations in our mind of what we have better and what they have better. "I love the shape of her legs, but her arms are fatter than mine". We pour over magazines and stare in amazement at the flat abs and awesome bodies of celebrities. Then we look in the mirror and even if it is subconscious, we judge ourselves.
I found a verse in Proverbs this morning, that in context is speaking about adultery, but I think can also be applied in this case. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. Proverbs 6:25
This problem I have with myself originates with the lust of eyes that settles in my heart. I can't ever be happy with myself when I am measuring myself against someone else's beauty.
The Lord doesn't care if my arms are toned or if I have jiggly thighs. The Lord cares about the beauty of my heart. Even though I should take care of my temple(and that is important to God) the most important is my heart. I need to start seeing the beauty of others because of their love for the Lord and their desire to do God's work and follow his will. That is the beauty that I want to emulate. That is the beauty that I want to strive for.
Lord, keep my eyes from being captivated by others physical beauty and let me instead be overwhelmed by their spiritual beauty. Let me also, find beauty in myself. Beauty in the way you made me. But, let me not focus on the outer shell when I seek beauty in myself. Let me focus on the heart.
As women, we are so prone to judge ourselves against other women's bodies. It is a sick thing we do. We "measure up" each lady we meet. There are conversations in our mind of what we have better and what they have better. "I love the shape of her legs, but her arms are fatter than mine". We pour over magazines and stare in amazement at the flat abs and awesome bodies of celebrities. Then we look in the mirror and even if it is subconscious, we judge ourselves.
I found a verse in Proverbs this morning, that in context is speaking about adultery, but I think can also be applied in this case. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. Proverbs 6:25
This problem I have with myself originates with the lust of eyes that settles in my heart. I can't ever be happy with myself when I am measuring myself against someone else's beauty.
The Lord doesn't care if my arms are toned or if I have jiggly thighs. The Lord cares about the beauty of my heart. Even though I should take care of my temple(and that is important to God) the most important is my heart. I need to start seeing the beauty of others because of their love for the Lord and their desire to do God's work and follow his will. That is the beauty that I want to emulate. That is the beauty that I want to strive for.
Lord, keep my eyes from being captivated by others physical beauty and let me instead be overwhelmed by their spiritual beauty. Let me also, find beauty in myself. Beauty in the way you made me. But, let me not focus on the outer shell when I seek beauty in myself. Let me focus on the heart.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Matter of the Heart
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth and keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you." Proverbs 4:23-25
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. I just love this verse and I have clung to it since my time as a single person. It is so true that the heart is the center of it all. And how easily it is that the heart can be hurt, broken or hardened.
Today, these verses ring true to me because we are entering into VBS week. It is such a time of excitement, but it is inevitable that some one's heart will be hurt by unkind words or actions. Stress, exhaustion, and different personalities will cause strife.
My prayer is that I remember to keep corrupt talk from my lips this week. I really need to keep my eyes focused on what the goal is. That goal is teaching children about Jesus. Pointing them to the almighty Savior! So, I need to zip my lip, when my feelings are hurt or when someone is on my last nerve. Lord, please help me control my mouth! I don't want to be the source of some one's heart being hurt.
I know this rings true in everyday life. I really have a hard time with my mouth. Sometimes I wish I could rip out my voice box. The Lord is disciplining me in this area. I am a slow learner, but I am learning that I don't always have to say what I think. I am also learning that when I do wrong to someone, a sincere apology goes a LONG way in restoring a friendship.
On the flip side, I have to learn to guard my heart against other people's actions and comments. I need to stay focused on the Lord's work and I need to learn not to take these things to heart. I need to remember that we are all sinners and we all make mistakes. If I am hurt, then I need to put it into that perspective and leave it at the feet of Jesus.
The heart is a very delicate thing. May we guard it today and every day.
Please pray for the children @ Capshaw Baptist this week. May their hearts be open to the word of the Lord!
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. I just love this verse and I have clung to it since my time as a single person. It is so true that the heart is the center of it all. And how easily it is that the heart can be hurt, broken or hardened.
Today, these verses ring true to me because we are entering into VBS week. It is such a time of excitement, but it is inevitable that some one's heart will be hurt by unkind words or actions. Stress, exhaustion, and different personalities will cause strife.
My prayer is that I remember to keep corrupt talk from my lips this week. I really need to keep my eyes focused on what the goal is. That goal is teaching children about Jesus. Pointing them to the almighty Savior! So, I need to zip my lip, when my feelings are hurt or when someone is on my last nerve. Lord, please help me control my mouth! I don't want to be the source of some one's heart being hurt.
I know this rings true in everyday life. I really have a hard time with my mouth. Sometimes I wish I could rip out my voice box. The Lord is disciplining me in this area. I am a slow learner, but I am learning that I don't always have to say what I think. I am also learning that when I do wrong to someone, a sincere apology goes a LONG way in restoring a friendship.
On the flip side, I have to learn to guard my heart against other people's actions and comments. I need to stay focused on the Lord's work and I need to learn not to take these things to heart. I need to remember that we are all sinners and we all make mistakes. If I am hurt, then I need to put it into that perspective and leave it at the feet of Jesus.
The heart is a very delicate thing. May we guard it today and every day.
Please pray for the children @ Capshaw Baptist this week. May their hearts be open to the word of the Lord!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wisdom and Understanding
If you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-6
I have been reading 1 Kings and have been in awe of the wisdom that God granted King Solomon. King Solomon simply had to ask for it, and it is the same wisdom that is available for us to have. Wisdom for every aspect of our lives. God cares about it all and we need to seek wisdom in the decisions you make each day.
Here in the passage above Solomon gives us the steps that it takes to discover this wisdom. First, we have the accept that God's word is true and then we need to MEMORIZE scripture. I need to get better at this. It is something that I did very well in my younger years and I was always amazed how God would draw the scripture up about of my heart in the most perfect times.
Then, we have to ASK for our eyes to be opened and our heart to understand what we are studying in the bible. I have started to do this before I open the bible each morning and the insight that I get is so amazing!
Finally, we have to SEARCH for it. It isn't going to jump out at us like a jack in the box. It is something that we have to give time to. Something that we have to be willing to work for. We are willing to work so hard for so many things in life. Work hard so we can have our toys and vacations. So we can have our clothes and are meals out in restaurants. But, how hard do we work for the thing that matters the most? How much time and effort do we put into finding wisdom and understanding in God? Do we really seek God?
I am humbled this morning at these questions. I love my vacations and have even considered working outside the home just so that we can go on more. Am I that dedicated to my relationship with the Lord? Do I yearn for it as much as I do a vacation? Am I willing to sacrifice and work hard for it? I think I have a long way to go. But, I will commit to doing the steps above each day that I am in the word. In time, my wisdom will grow.
I have been reading 1 Kings and have been in awe of the wisdom that God granted King Solomon. King Solomon simply had to ask for it, and it is the same wisdom that is available for us to have. Wisdom for every aspect of our lives. God cares about it all and we need to seek wisdom in the decisions you make each day.
Here in the passage above Solomon gives us the steps that it takes to discover this wisdom. First, we have the accept that God's word is true and then we need to MEMORIZE scripture. I need to get better at this. It is something that I did very well in my younger years and I was always amazed how God would draw the scripture up about of my heart in the most perfect times.
Then, we have to ASK for our eyes to be opened and our heart to understand what we are studying in the bible. I have started to do this before I open the bible each morning and the insight that I get is so amazing!
Finally, we have to SEARCH for it. It isn't going to jump out at us like a jack in the box. It is something that we have to give time to. Something that we have to be willing to work for. We are willing to work so hard for so many things in life. Work hard so we can have our toys and vacations. So we can have our clothes and are meals out in restaurants. But, how hard do we work for the thing that matters the most? How much time and effort do we put into finding wisdom and understanding in God? Do we really seek God?
I am humbled this morning at these questions. I love my vacations and have even considered working outside the home just so that we can go on more. Am I that dedicated to my relationship with the Lord? Do I yearn for it as much as I do a vacation? Am I willing to sacrifice and work hard for it? I think I have a long way to go. But, I will commit to doing the steps above each day that I am in the word. In time, my wisdom will grow.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Walk This Way
I have finished reading Hebrews and the Lord has lead me to 1 Kings. I dread reading it. I have a pattern when it comes to the Old Testament. I start a book with very good intentions and then get so bogged down in all the history that I don't understand. I throw my hands up in surrender and run back to the New Testament. So, here I am. Already scratching my head in the first three chapters. Asking questions such as "Why do we need to know that King David was cold, so they brought him a virgin to lie with?" Why did King Solomon have to chop off his brother's head because he asked for that same virgin for his wife?" The number one question is "How in the world am I supposed to apply this to my life?"
Through prayer this morning, God did show me how to apply it. There is a common theme that is running through these first three chapters. WALK IN THE WAY OF THE LORD.
So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws, and his requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do, and wherever you go, and that the Lord may keep his promise to me" 1 Kings 2:2-4 (King David is charging Solomon. He is about to die and Solomon is about to take over the throne.)
And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life. 1 Kings 3:14 ( The Lord has come to Solomon in a dream and told him that he would give him anything he wanted. Instead of wealth, a long life or victory over his enemies, Solomon has asked for wisdom. The Lord is pleased and has granted him a discerning heart and has also promised him riches and honor. He will also give him a long life if he does as the above verse states.)
It is clear to me that I must walk in the ways of the Lord daily. But, how is that done? How do I know what that walk looks like? Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
I will not know how to walk in the ways of the Lord, unless I study his word. The word of the Lord will be my guide. It will show me how to walk. It is my GPS. Without it, I will end up on the "wrong side of town" doing things that are against God's commands.
Wow! I am really impressed that all of this came together for me today. It just goes to show that the Lord shows up every time you are in the word. I have learned all I have to do is ask that my ears be opened and that my eyes may see what the Lord is trying to teach me. Oh, and I don't stop until the Lord has given me my nugget. This morning it was an hour and a half. Yesterday, it was 10 minutes. All in God's time! Thank you, Lord. Now, on to VBS stuff!
Through prayer this morning, God did show me how to apply it. There is a common theme that is running through these first three chapters. WALK IN THE WAY OF THE LORD.
So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws, and his requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do, and wherever you go, and that the Lord may keep his promise to me" 1 Kings 2:2-4 (King David is charging Solomon. He is about to die and Solomon is about to take over the throne.)
And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life. 1 Kings 3:14 ( The Lord has come to Solomon in a dream and told him that he would give him anything he wanted. Instead of wealth, a long life or victory over his enemies, Solomon has asked for wisdom. The Lord is pleased and has granted him a discerning heart and has also promised him riches and honor. He will also give him a long life if he does as the above verse states.)
It is clear to me that I must walk in the ways of the Lord daily. But, how is that done? How do I know what that walk looks like? Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
I will not know how to walk in the ways of the Lord, unless I study his word. The word of the Lord will be my guide. It will show me how to walk. It is my GPS. Without it, I will end up on the "wrong side of town" doing things that are against God's commands.
Wow! I am really impressed that all of this came together for me today. It just goes to show that the Lord shows up every time you are in the word. I have learned all I have to do is ask that my ears be opened and that my eyes may see what the Lord is trying to teach me. Oh, and I don't stop until the Lord has given me my nugget. This morning it was an hour and a half. Yesterday, it was 10 minutes. All in God's time! Thank you, Lord. Now, on to VBS stuff!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
One Month Out
Today is the one month anniversary of my surgery. According to the doctor's scales I have lost 26 pounds. It is such a great accomplishment and I praise the Lord for the success that I have seen. I think I am the happiest about the fact that I actually survived this first month. When they told me that the first few weeks were very hard, I never imagined just how hard it would be. They can't prepare you for the severity of the diet, the withdrawal from the sugar, the mental issues that come along with no longer having food as your best friend and the aggravation that comes along with learning how to physically eat differently.
I am reminded today that I am in a race. It isn't a sprint. It is a marathon. I just got finished with the training for the race. Often times, it is the training that causes the most pain. But, it is also in the training that you see the biggest results. Now, I am starting my marathon. My weight loss will not be as dramatic as it was the first month. I won't lose as fast as a gastric bypass patient. I have to mentally get myself ready to diet, exercise, and have patience. Slow and steady wins the race.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning the shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men. so that you will not grow wear and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
This passage follows the "Faith Chapter". Chapter 11 is an account of many of the men and women that held tight to their faith in God. It is because of their witness that we can see what we can accomplish when we hold tight to God and do not lose heart. It gives us some very practical things to do as we run our race with the Lord(and every one's course is different). First, we have to get rid of our perpetual sin that keeps us from God. What is it for you? Mine is my addiction to food. I will have to make daily decisions to turn away from this sin in order to stay on course. Then, I have to run and keep running. When I think that I can't go one step further, I need to lean on Jesus for strength. What should my focus be? JESUS. There will be bumps in the road, but I must not lose heart. I have the best coach and cheerleader that one could ever have. Jesus is going to lead me through this race.
I also have to remember that when I stubble and fall, I must get right back up and continue the race. I must not let myself walk to the sideline and sit down. I can't get comfy and complacent in this journey. Step by step and day by day with the Lord as my guide I will continue. May God have all the glory in this transformation. How excited I am in what he as already done within my soul in the past month!
I am reminded today that I am in a race. It isn't a sprint. It is a marathon. I just got finished with the training for the race. Often times, it is the training that causes the most pain. But, it is also in the training that you see the biggest results. Now, I am starting my marathon. My weight loss will not be as dramatic as it was the first month. I won't lose as fast as a gastric bypass patient. I have to mentally get myself ready to diet, exercise, and have patience. Slow and steady wins the race.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning the shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men. so that you will not grow wear and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
This passage follows the "Faith Chapter". Chapter 11 is an account of many of the men and women that held tight to their faith in God. It is because of their witness that we can see what we can accomplish when we hold tight to God and do not lose heart. It gives us some very practical things to do as we run our race with the Lord(and every one's course is different). First, we have to get rid of our perpetual sin that keeps us from God. What is it for you? Mine is my addiction to food. I will have to make daily decisions to turn away from this sin in order to stay on course. Then, I have to run and keep running. When I think that I can't go one step further, I need to lean on Jesus for strength. What should my focus be? JESUS. There will be bumps in the road, but I must not lose heart. I have the best coach and cheerleader that one could ever have. Jesus is going to lead me through this race.
I also have to remember that when I stubble and fall, I must get right back up and continue the race. I must not let myself walk to the sideline and sit down. I can't get comfy and complacent in this journey. Step by step and day by day with the Lord as my guide I will continue. May God have all the glory in this transformation. How excited I am in what he as already done within my soul in the past month!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Sweet Name of Jesus
This hymn was put in my heart this morning. Oh, how sweet it is just to trust in Jesus. Rest in his promises today, my friend.
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
Did you know that Louisa Stead wrote this hymn after her husband died while trying the save a drowning boy? Even through such a horrible time in her life, she put her trust in Jesus. May we not forget it when things are going well in our lives!
Thank you, Jesus for being my savior and my friend! Through the good and the bad, you are with me! May I learn to trust you more and more. Amen.
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
Did you know that Louisa Stead wrote this hymn after her husband died while trying the save a drowning boy? Even through such a horrible time in her life, she put her trust in Jesus. May we not forget it when things are going well in our lives!
Thank you, Jesus for being my savior and my friend! Through the good and the bad, you are with me! May I learn to trust you more and more. Amen.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Shhhh...Listen
If you are a Christian, you have a little voice inside of you that is waiting to help guide you through each decision that you need to make. It is called the Holy Spirit. I am learning that I only really hear the Holy Spirit when I am still and listen for his guidance. He doesn't scream or shout directions to you. He speaks in a whisper.
I have been in the practice of asking the Holy Spirit for guidance over my food choices for over a year now(honestly not very well). Last year I learned this verse and it gives you guidance on how to do this.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way, walk in it." Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!". Isaiah 30:21-22
The first thing I have to remember to do is, STOP and ASK. Every time I go to eat something, I need to say a short prayer. I need to ask "Is this going to glorify your temple? Do I really need this in order to sustain me?" Sometimes my prayer is as simple as "Do I, Lord?" Then I LISTEN. Remember, it is a gentle stirring within you. You will get your answer. If the answer is yes, then enjoy! If the answer is no, RUN! Notice that the verse above speaks about idols and what it says to do with them. It isn't some light hearted response that we are to summon. We need to remove ourselves from the situation. If that means throwing out the rest of the left over cake, then do it!
What I love about this verse, is that it isn't just food specific. I wish I could say that I only had one idol, but it isn't the case. So I use this same logic in many different circumstances. "Lord, should I watch this TV program? Should I say what I am thinking? Should I post that response on Face Book? Is this book I am reading pleasing to you? Should I tell this piece of information to someone? " And on and on it goes.
I have to learn to defile my idols. If only I could remember to STOP, ASK, and LISTEN! It is such an effective tool that I need to learn to depend on more and more! The Lord gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. What wise counsel goes to waste all day long!
I have been in the practice of asking the Holy Spirit for guidance over my food choices for over a year now(honestly not very well). Last year I learned this verse and it gives you guidance on how to do this.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way, walk in it." Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!". Isaiah 30:21-22
The first thing I have to remember to do is, STOP and ASK. Every time I go to eat something, I need to say a short prayer. I need to ask "Is this going to glorify your temple? Do I really need this in order to sustain me?" Sometimes my prayer is as simple as "Do I, Lord?" Then I LISTEN. Remember, it is a gentle stirring within you. You will get your answer. If the answer is yes, then enjoy! If the answer is no, RUN! Notice that the verse above speaks about idols and what it says to do with them. It isn't some light hearted response that we are to summon. We need to remove ourselves from the situation. If that means throwing out the rest of the left over cake, then do it!
What I love about this verse, is that it isn't just food specific. I wish I could say that I only had one idol, but it isn't the case. So I use this same logic in many different circumstances. "Lord, should I watch this TV program? Should I say what I am thinking? Should I post that response on Face Book? Is this book I am reading pleasing to you? Should I tell this piece of information to someone? " And on and on it goes.
I have to learn to defile my idols. If only I could remember to STOP, ASK, and LISTEN! It is such an effective tool that I need to learn to depend on more and more! The Lord gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. What wise counsel goes to waste all day long!
Monday, June 13, 2011
A New Normal
I ran across one of my favorite verses last night. You all have probably heard it a million times. "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. As I reread the entire chapter this morning, I gained some new perspective.
The first thing I saw was that the Lord was speaking to the people that had been exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem. There life had been uprooted. They were worried about what was in store for them. In verses 5-7 God tells them to "settle in". He wanted them to find a new normal. He wanted them to know that he was going to take care of them, even in a foreign land. He told them to build houses, plant gardens, have babies and make peace in the land. He didn't want them to just get comfortable for a little while, he wanted them to start a new life.
I am there. I am starting my new normal. Life is becoming easier. I have stopped looking back and second guessing my decision. I realized that there was no use. All that looking back would never change anything. I have to trust that the Lord has my back. He is going to take care of me.
He also promised them something else. This is the major nugget for me. Then you will call upon 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 29:12-13
First of all, God LISTENS to us. I often times think of God saying, "yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. We have been through all this a million times. Why don't you just move on, Mary" That isn't the case at all. When we bring our troubles to God, he listens every time. Whether it is the first time or the hundredth time. The only catch is that he really is hoping that we will find peace and hope in him. How are we to do that? SEEK HIM EARNESTLY!
Seeking something can be different for everyone. Take my parents for example. When my father loses something, he walks into a room and standing in the center looks around and then proclaims that he can not find what he is looking for. My mom on the other hand, will get down on her hands and knees and will overturn everything in the room until she finds the lost item. Which do you think would be the image of seeking something earnestly? Mother, of course!
I can't just pick up a devotional and read one verse and an explanation and spend 5 minutes with my Lord. I can't just listen to christian music while I run errands. These things are great ways to remind myself through the day that God is with me, but I will never find true peace and hope this way. I have to dig a little deeper. I have to give God some REAL time. I have to make my relationship a priority. I have learned this first hand. In the last month I have been making every effort to have a deeper relationship with my Lord. As time has passed, I have grown more peaceful and have more hope then I have in a long time. Even when days are rough because I am living a new normal, I know that the Lord has my back. He has a plan for me! That is what is exciting!!
The first thing I saw was that the Lord was speaking to the people that had been exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem. There life had been uprooted. They were worried about what was in store for them. In verses 5-7 God tells them to "settle in". He wanted them to find a new normal. He wanted them to know that he was going to take care of them, even in a foreign land. He told them to build houses, plant gardens, have babies and make peace in the land. He didn't want them to just get comfortable for a little while, he wanted them to start a new life.
I am there. I am starting my new normal. Life is becoming easier. I have stopped looking back and second guessing my decision. I realized that there was no use. All that looking back would never change anything. I have to trust that the Lord has my back. He is going to take care of me.
He also promised them something else. This is the major nugget for me. Then you will call upon 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 29:12-13
First of all, God LISTENS to us. I often times think of God saying, "yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. We have been through all this a million times. Why don't you just move on, Mary" That isn't the case at all. When we bring our troubles to God, he listens every time. Whether it is the first time or the hundredth time. The only catch is that he really is hoping that we will find peace and hope in him. How are we to do that? SEEK HIM EARNESTLY!
Seeking something can be different for everyone. Take my parents for example. When my father loses something, he walks into a room and standing in the center looks around and then proclaims that he can not find what he is looking for. My mom on the other hand, will get down on her hands and knees and will overturn everything in the room until she finds the lost item. Which do you think would be the image of seeking something earnestly? Mother, of course!
I can't just pick up a devotional and read one verse and an explanation and spend 5 minutes with my Lord. I can't just listen to christian music while I run errands. These things are great ways to remind myself through the day that God is with me, but I will never find true peace and hope this way. I have to dig a little deeper. I have to give God some REAL time. I have to make my relationship a priority. I have learned this first hand. In the last month I have been making every effort to have a deeper relationship with my Lord. As time has passed, I have grown more peaceful and have more hope then I have in a long time. Even when days are rough because I am living a new normal, I know that the Lord has my back. He has a plan for me! That is what is exciting!!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Repeat
Have you ever read the bible and felt like it was on repeat? The same topic is being brought up over and over again no matter what book of the bible you are in. It is happening to me. I can honestly say that God is really trying to show me just how important this topic is. It has been repeated on this blog many times as well. See if you can guess what it is.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25
Did you guess encouragement of others? I have learned that I have to get out of my self-centered little bubble and look around. When I have, two things have happened. First, I realize just how many people around me are hurting emotionally, sick, or just going through a rough patch in life. Secondly, when I act to encourage these people, I forget about my troubles.
God isn't playing around with this concept. I think he means business when he talks about it. So, I have been asking God to open my eyes and heart to those around me. Let me see it on their faces or in their actions if they need encouragement. I want to be open to others. I have to take the blinders off my eyes and stop focusing inward.
On the other hand, I think that we have gotten really good as Christians at playing like there is nothing wrong. Telling everyone that everything is fine. Not wanting anyone to know that we are struggling. Well, my friends, how can you expect God to minister to you through others if you don't let others know that you are need. I have learned through this blog that it helps so much to put it out there and let people know what you are dealing with. And to think, that I entered into this process with the plan to only tell a few people. I didn't want anyone to know what I was doing. Oh, the blessings I would have missed along the way!!!!
I will leave you today with the quote that we say to Eleanor at least once a day(Since she is an only child, we seem to have to remind her quite often!). It is not all about you. It is about other people too!
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25
Did you guess encouragement of others? I have learned that I have to get out of my self-centered little bubble and look around. When I have, two things have happened. First, I realize just how many people around me are hurting emotionally, sick, or just going through a rough patch in life. Secondly, when I act to encourage these people, I forget about my troubles.
God isn't playing around with this concept. I think he means business when he talks about it. So, I have been asking God to open my eyes and heart to those around me. Let me see it on their faces or in their actions if they need encouragement. I want to be open to others. I have to take the blinders off my eyes and stop focusing inward.
On the other hand, I think that we have gotten really good as Christians at playing like there is nothing wrong. Telling everyone that everything is fine. Not wanting anyone to know that we are struggling. Well, my friends, how can you expect God to minister to you through others if you don't let others know that you are need. I have learned through this blog that it helps so much to put it out there and let people know what you are dealing with. And to think, that I entered into this process with the plan to only tell a few people. I didn't want anyone to know what I was doing. Oh, the blessings I would have missed along the way!!!!
I will leave you today with the quote that we say to Eleanor at least once a day(Since she is an only child, we seem to have to remind her quite often!). It is not all about you. It is about other people too!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Feelings
I have a major case of the "I don't feel like it". I didn't feel like reading my bible this morning. I didn't feel like having grits for the umpteenth day in a row for breakfast. I don't feel like going to the grocery today. I don't feel like taking care of Eleanor. Have you ever had one of these days?
Well, I have come to realize that we just have to suck it up and do it anyway. Oh, and we aren't supposed to do it just to do it. We are supposed to do it with all our might in order to glorify the Lord. BLAH!!! I need a major attitude adjustment!
My nugget of truth was hard to find this morning. Hebrews is so complicated and I don't even understand what the author is talking about half the time. I know that all scripture is God-breathed, but I couldn't find relevance in it for me today. So, I went searching for a scripture and found one on my fridge!
So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10
*SIGH* I need to straighten up my attitude today. The way I am acting is not pleasing to the Lord. I have spent a lot of time in prayer asking that the Lord change my attitude. Realized that it is up to me to do that. And until it comes naturally, I need to make an effort to hide my true feelings about things! No need to drag anyone else down!
Well, I have come to realize that we just have to suck it up and do it anyway. Oh, and we aren't supposed to do it just to do it. We are supposed to do it with all our might in order to glorify the Lord. BLAH!!! I need a major attitude adjustment!
My nugget of truth was hard to find this morning. Hebrews is so complicated and I don't even understand what the author is talking about half the time. I know that all scripture is God-breathed, but I couldn't find relevance in it for me today. So, I went searching for a scripture and found one on my fridge!
So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10
*SIGH* I need to straighten up my attitude today. The way I am acting is not pleasing to the Lord. I have spent a lot of time in prayer asking that the Lord change my attitude. Realized that it is up to me to do that. And until it comes naturally, I need to make an effort to hide my true feelings about things! No need to drag anyone else down!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Temptation
Food temptation has never been a thing that I have considered going to Jesus about until recently. I just considered it a battle of the will. If you had enough will-power, then you could make it through.
My thoughts are changing. The first shift came through the book Made to Crave and the second shift came this morning.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15
I have always had this tendency to think of Jesus as this super hero. Knowing he was fully human but without sin, is a hard concept for me. But, look, he was tempted in EVERY way that we are. Even if it isn't food that is tempting you, he has been there and done that! I am reminded that Jesus went 40 days without food. Man, that is a long time! I didn't think I was going to survive a week without food! So, Jesus does know what I am going through. And because of that, he is able to give me the support and strength that I need to make it through the temptation.
We often want advice from someone who has been through a situation like ours. It is easier to grasp how to make it when you can talk to someone that has been around the same block! Well, we have to look no further and Jesus!
I was struggling with this the other night. I told a friend that it was so hard because very few people can even comprehend what I am struggling with. There is only a couple of people that can truly empathize with this process. But, I am encouraged today to know that Jesus knows. Jesus can help me. And guess what, Jesus can help you to. What are you struggling with? Is there something out there that is tempting you? Well, Jesus has been there and has overcome!
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Help is there. It just requires us to take a step toward Jesus and ask for his help. There is grace and mercy awaiting us! Jesus isn't some far away super hero, he is our friend. The best friend that we could ever have!
My thoughts are changing. The first shift came through the book Made to Crave and the second shift came this morning.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15
I have always had this tendency to think of Jesus as this super hero. Knowing he was fully human but without sin, is a hard concept for me. But, look, he was tempted in EVERY way that we are. Even if it isn't food that is tempting you, he has been there and done that! I am reminded that Jesus went 40 days without food. Man, that is a long time! I didn't think I was going to survive a week without food! So, Jesus does know what I am going through. And because of that, he is able to give me the support and strength that I need to make it through the temptation.
We often want advice from someone who has been through a situation like ours. It is easier to grasp how to make it when you can talk to someone that has been around the same block! Well, we have to look no further and Jesus!
I was struggling with this the other night. I told a friend that it was so hard because very few people can even comprehend what I am struggling with. There is only a couple of people that can truly empathize with this process. But, I am encouraged today to know that Jesus knows. Jesus can help me. And guess what, Jesus can help you to. What are you struggling with? Is there something out there that is tempting you? Well, Jesus has been there and has overcome!
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Help is there. It just requires us to take a step toward Jesus and ask for his help. There is grace and mercy awaiting us! Jesus isn't some far away super hero, he is our friend. The best friend that we could ever have!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Encouraging Words Go A Long Way
I want to thank each and every one of you that prayed for me and offered encouraging words yesterday. If it wasn't for those things, I would probably still be in bed this morning. I would not want to move on past my disappointments. I would be stuck in the negative thoughts that Satan planted in my head. May you all be blessed for your faithfulness! You did just as God tells us to do.
See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. but encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13
We are not meant to sit back and watch others struggle without helping to encourage. Do we scorn each other for the sin in our lives? No, we ENCOURAGE each other to turn our hearts back to God.
en·cour·age (
n-kûr
j, -k
r-)
See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. but encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13
We are not meant to sit back and watch others struggle without helping to encourage. Do we scorn each other for the sin in our lives? No, we ENCOURAGE each other to turn our hearts back to God.
en·cour·age (
n-kûrj, -kr-) tr.v. en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing, en·cour·ag·es
1. To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; hearten.
2. To give support to; foster: .
3. To stimulate; spur:
It is interesting to me that encouragement is often taken as the first definition above. That is the sweet side of encouragement. But yesterday, it was the ones that encouraged by the third definition that really got me moving. They empathized with where I was, but were not going to let me stay there.
As Christians, we can't let our brothers and sisters wallow in their sin or in their complacency.
Above all else, just do something. A kind word, a friendly gesture, or a sincere prayer does a lot for the hurting soul. It is the silence that wounds. It is the silence that makes the doubter doubt even more. We have to be there for each other. We are not fighting by ourselves, but with an army of believers.
Thank you again for everyone that pulled me out of the pit yesterday. Love you all!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Failure to Succeed
ZERO. That is the amount of weight I lost this week. FAILURE. That is what I feel like. I can't even manage to be successful at weight loss with 85% of my stomach being gone. I have been here so many times. Lose a little weight and then my body freezes. It refuses to give up anymore weight. It was for this very reason that I decided to have surgery. And look, I am here again. A FAILURE.
And let me tell you, I know the logical side to it. I almost busted Bryan's teeth in this morning for trying to remind me. But, let me explain the logical the way I see it. I am consuming 600 calories or less a day. My body burns 2372 calories at rest(I was tested). So, logically I should be losing 1 1/2 lbs every two days. But for the last 12 days I have lost ZERO!
Don't try to tell me that I shouldn't measure success by the scale. Hello, this is weight loss surgery. How do you measure weight loss? The scale. Why did I have this surgery done? To lose weight.
I feel double the failure because I can't even lose weight with drastic measures! Because of this, I want to grab back control. I want to do one of two things. I want to go back to eating just jello because that is the only time that I have lost weight. Maybe if I cut it back to 35 calories a day, I could lose it. Or, I want to go against doctor's orders and start working out obsessively. The only thing that is keeping from either one right now is Eleanor. I can't be that kind of example to her. Not when we are trying to teach her healthy eating habits.
So here I sit. Back in the pit. I brought a pillow and blanket this time. Not sure how long I am going to be here. I have no will to pull myself back out.
I recognize this feeling. I felt them all throughout our battle with infertility. Doing everything by the book and yet your body fails you time and time again. And let me tell you, it isn't an easy feeling to sit with. It pulls you down, way down. Hopefully I can keep my head above water enough to take care of my girl. Now, back to the bed I go. Praying that Eleanor will be content with TV for a long time today.
And let me tell you, I know the logical side to it. I almost busted Bryan's teeth in this morning for trying to remind me. But, let me explain the logical the way I see it. I am consuming 600 calories or less a day. My body burns 2372 calories at rest(I was tested). So, logically I should be losing 1 1/2 lbs every two days. But for the last 12 days I have lost ZERO!
Don't try to tell me that I shouldn't measure success by the scale. Hello, this is weight loss surgery. How do you measure weight loss? The scale. Why did I have this surgery done? To lose weight.
I feel double the failure because I can't even lose weight with drastic measures! Because of this, I want to grab back control. I want to do one of two things. I want to go back to eating just jello because that is the only time that I have lost weight. Maybe if I cut it back to 35 calories a day, I could lose it. Or, I want to go against doctor's orders and start working out obsessively. The only thing that is keeping from either one right now is Eleanor. I can't be that kind of example to her. Not when we are trying to teach her healthy eating habits.
So here I sit. Back in the pit. I brought a pillow and blanket this time. Not sure how long I am going to be here. I have no will to pull myself back out.
I recognize this feeling. I felt them all throughout our battle with infertility. Doing everything by the book and yet your body fails you time and time again. And let me tell you, it isn't an easy feeling to sit with. It pulls you down, way down. Hopefully I can keep my head above water enough to take care of my girl. Now, back to the bed I go. Praying that Eleanor will be content with TV for a long time today.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Do you ever have those mornings where you wake up and don't have a real sense that God is with you? That is how I feel this morning. I don't feel a strong stirring within me. I don't even feel a great need to call out to him. But, I know he is there and I know that I need him. It is just so much harder to have a relationship and lean on God when life is just normal. Wouldn't you agree? I life lived for Jesus is so much easier in the hard times.
I am coming out of the hard part of the surgery. I am starting to see the light of day. Life is getting easier for me. I am starting to find my new normal. So, each day as I sit down with my bible, I feel less and less urgency to seek God. But, I am glad to know that he is still there and he is still able to speak to me and show me his love and compassion.
I am reading Lamentations and it is an account of the devastation of Jerusalem. Jeremiah is crying out to the Lord because of the suffering that is occurring. In the midst of it, he finds God. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:22-26
I am reminded that the Lord in the storm is still the Lord in the calm. The same Lord that helped me through the last couple of weeks, is the one that wants to walk through the calm with me. I must count on his faithfulness every moment. For it is when we think we need him the least that we actually need him the most.
I am coming out of the hard part of the surgery. I am starting to see the light of day. Life is getting easier for me. I am starting to find my new normal. So, each day as I sit down with my bible, I feel less and less urgency to seek God. But, I am glad to know that he is still there and he is still able to speak to me and show me his love and compassion.
I am reading Lamentations and it is an account of the devastation of Jerusalem. Jeremiah is crying out to the Lord because of the suffering that is occurring. In the midst of it, he finds God. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:22-26
I am reminded that the Lord in the storm is still the Lord in the calm. The same Lord that helped me through the last couple of weeks, is the one that wants to walk through the calm with me. I must count on his faithfulness every moment. For it is when we think we need him the least that we actually need him the most.
Above is the hymn "Great is They Faithfulness" sung by Chris Rice. Such truth in the words. May they bring you encouragement today as we walk with our Lord!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
Psalm 139 is probably one of my favorite psalms. It tells of God's greatness and David praises the Lord for creating him just the way he is. David knows that the Lord can make no mistakes. In this psalm, he is overwhelmed by this knowledge.
As I come across the verse above, I always think of babies. Maybe it is because this verse is plastered across walls, art, picture frames, and so much more. Then it is always placed in a baby's nursery! How come we can believe it about a wonderful newborn, but not believe it about ourselves and others? Is it because their sin isn't evident yet?
Well, it is time that I start believing it about myself. I look at portions of this verse and can shout AMEN! I know that it is true that God's works are wonderful. I am surrounded by the beauty he has created in nature. I can see it in the eyes of my daughter. I just can't see it in myself.
So how do I get there? The directions are above. I need to start claiming it as a fact and then I need to start PRAISING the Lord for it! Whenever I start thinking negative thoughts about myself, I need to claim this verse. I need to hold on to the TRUTH that God didn't make a mistake! God didn't goof up on me. I don't think the word "Oops" is in his vocabulary! After I have a firm grasp on that and I have let the truth uproot the lie, I PRAISE the Lord for what he has done!
Oh, and this doesn't stop with me. When I start seeing the negative in others and I am tempted to start focusing on their flaws, I need to stop and apply the same principle. They are fearfully and wonderfully made as well. I need to remember that we are all flawed, but that God made us who we are for a reason. My love for others needs to move past those flaws and into praise for the one who made them!
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of the everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 This is my prayer today. May we all start to see the beauty in ourselves and in others. God didn't mess up. Praise him for that! Oh, and go read Psalm 139!
Psalm 139 is probably one of my favorite psalms. It tells of God's greatness and David praises the Lord for creating him just the way he is. David knows that the Lord can make no mistakes. In this psalm, he is overwhelmed by this knowledge.
As I come across the verse above, I always think of babies. Maybe it is because this verse is plastered across walls, art, picture frames, and so much more. Then it is always placed in a baby's nursery! How come we can believe it about a wonderful newborn, but not believe it about ourselves and others? Is it because their sin isn't evident yet?
Well, it is time that I start believing it about myself. I look at portions of this verse and can shout AMEN! I know that it is true that God's works are wonderful. I am surrounded by the beauty he has created in nature. I can see it in the eyes of my daughter. I just can't see it in myself.
So how do I get there? The directions are above. I need to start claiming it as a fact and then I need to start PRAISING the Lord for it! Whenever I start thinking negative thoughts about myself, I need to claim this verse. I need to hold on to the TRUTH that God didn't make a mistake! God didn't goof up on me. I don't think the word "Oops" is in his vocabulary! After I have a firm grasp on that and I have let the truth uproot the lie, I PRAISE the Lord for what he has done!
Oh, and this doesn't stop with me. When I start seeing the negative in others and I am tempted to start focusing on their flaws, I need to stop and apply the same principle. They are fearfully and wonderfully made as well. I need to remember that we are all flawed, but that God made us who we are for a reason. My love for others needs to move past those flaws and into praise for the one who made them!
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of the everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 This is my prayer today. May we all start to see the beauty in ourselves and in others. God didn't mess up. Praise him for that! Oh, and go read Psalm 139!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sacrifice
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1
I am the first one to admit that the verse above is one of those verses that I hear "blah blah blah" in my mind when I read it. You know what I mean. One of those verses that you hear so often, that you no longer feel that it is relevant. I think, "Yeah, I got that already, God. Thanks for sharing".
But I don't have it. I am far from having it!
This morning I did my morning ritual of getting on the scale. It hasn't done anything but bounce around the same 3 numbers for the last 10 days. I got angry! I have had weight loss surgery, for goodness sake! I am eating next to nothing! That numbers should be moving!!! (No worries, Bryan has now hidden the scale from me.) Didn't I have this surgery so that I could LOSE weight? Wasn't that the point? Wasn't it supposed to make it easier? But, here I am, in the same hold pattern that has defined my life. Lose a little weight and then the scale stops budging.
So, off to my bible I go. I am MAD. I want answers! And wouldn't you know, this verse was my nugget. So, still a little ticked at the situation, I look up the meaning of sacrifice. In my mind, I had already given the sacrifice in the way of 85% of my stomach being taken out of me!
This is what sacrifice means: Forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim. Then we must combine that with "living".
There is my AH-HA moment....I can't just do it once. The surgery wasn't my sacrifice. It is what I choose to do daily with my body that matters. Right now, it isn't my food choices that will be my sacrifice, because those are predetermined for me. It is my mind that I must sacrifice daily. I must turn over my expectations and sacrifice them to the Lord.
The verse goes on to say, that this is our "act of worship". Really? So, God gets the same amount of pleasure out of what we do with our bodies, as he does when we sing praises to him? Sit with that. We have been so trained that worship is what we do on Sundays with the music and the lights and the production. Friends, it is SO much more than that! It is what we do moment by moment, choice by choice with our bodies! Let's put a smile on our Father's face today! In all that we do and think, may it be to the glory of our Father!
I am the first one to admit that the verse above is one of those verses that I hear "blah blah blah" in my mind when I read it. You know what I mean. One of those verses that you hear so often, that you no longer feel that it is relevant. I think, "Yeah, I got that already, God. Thanks for sharing".
But I don't have it. I am far from having it!
This morning I did my morning ritual of getting on the scale. It hasn't done anything but bounce around the same 3 numbers for the last 10 days. I got angry! I have had weight loss surgery, for goodness sake! I am eating next to nothing! That numbers should be moving!!! (No worries, Bryan has now hidden the scale from me.) Didn't I have this surgery so that I could LOSE weight? Wasn't that the point? Wasn't it supposed to make it easier? But, here I am, in the same hold pattern that has defined my life. Lose a little weight and then the scale stops budging.
So, off to my bible I go. I am MAD. I want answers! And wouldn't you know, this verse was my nugget. So, still a little ticked at the situation, I look up the meaning of sacrifice. In my mind, I had already given the sacrifice in the way of 85% of my stomach being taken out of me!
This is what sacrifice means: Forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim. Then we must combine that with "living".
There is my AH-HA moment....I can't just do it once. The surgery wasn't my sacrifice. It is what I choose to do daily with my body that matters. Right now, it isn't my food choices that will be my sacrifice, because those are predetermined for me. It is my mind that I must sacrifice daily. I must turn over my expectations and sacrifice them to the Lord.
The verse goes on to say, that this is our "act of worship". Really? So, God gets the same amount of pleasure out of what we do with our bodies, as he does when we sing praises to him? Sit with that. We have been so trained that worship is what we do on Sundays with the music and the lights and the production. Friends, it is SO much more than that! It is what we do moment by moment, choice by choice with our bodies! Let's put a smile on our Father's face today! In all that we do and think, may it be to the glory of our Father!
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