Today, I feel so blessed, at rest, and fulfilled. Nothing huge happened today. Well, not huge in the natural. However, in the supernatural, I witnessed a small glimpse of how God works. When we get home from picking Luke up at school, we usually talk about what he learned, if he listened to his teachers, what kind of day he had, etc. We did all that, and I had some deep cleaning to do in my bedroom and bathroom. Luke and Jacob played on their own. A couple of hours later, we went back downstairs. As I was preparing the food to cook for dinner, Luke popped out Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Um, WOW! I had no idea he knew that verse, and word for word at that! I had to stop myself from jumping up and down and showing too much excitement. If you are a mom of boys, you probably know what I'm talking about. At least with Luke, he gets embarrassed and irritated if you make too big a deal out of anything. He immediately says "I'm bored with that, talk to you later". LOL!
The point of this long story is that I started to meditate on what my 5 year old son was quoting to me. I really started thinking of just how much God, the Creator of the universe, loves ME! He used an unsuspecting, sweet boy to remind me that He KNOWS everything about me. Before HE formed me, he knew me! What a concept! I can understand it. I have been an artist and have drawn and painted since I was very young. I still have some of my paintings from when I was 10 years old. But, as an artist, you have a concept in your head, an idea, a thought of what you want your blank canvas to become before you conceive it. I think of God as an amazing artist. He visualized me and knew everything about me before He even created me! He knows exactly what I have need of in every aspect of my life.
This brings me to my next thought that I've meditated on today. I am truly amazed by the variety of people God has placed in my life. I am so blessed to have strong and confident women, quiet and assured women, gentle and forgiving women, just and merciful women in my life. I could list every friend and list the attributes I admire most about them, but they know who they are. The thing that stands out to me is that God knew my personality and what I would need long before I ever knew. He knew that I would need these specific friends in my life. He knows what the future holds for each of us, and that gives me so much peace. He knows our comings and our goings, our ups and downs, ins and outs. He is so merciful and loving that He chose the exact place and point in history to place us. It's in knowing Jeremiah 1:5 that we can have that blessed assurance that He holds us in His hand and has everything in control for us.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
FOOD
Food. Ahhh, food. It's not just considered something to sustain us here, it is considered an unhealthy obsession. Todd and I occasionally call ourselves "foodies". Although, I'll admit that he will actually eat the weird stuff, and I tend to stick with what is known. Todd enjoys shows where they eat ALL of the animal, and then some. He wants to try the Durian fruit, which is native to Asian countries. Chef Andrew Zimmern, who eats some of the nastiest things ever imagined, compares this fruit to "completely rotten, mushy onions". However, Todd and I have talked a lot about our "obsession" with all things food. We love the flavor, the feelings we get from eating, and the enjoyment we get from making new foods. It's an unhealthy obsession, and truthfully, you can tell by looking at us. We are both 50+ pounds heavier than the day we married, and both feel lethargic. It's not just about portion, but also WHAT I put in my mouth. I tend to go for the junkiest thing you can find on the menu.
I read an article today "How to Replace Food Cravings with God Cravings" by Whitney Hopler on Crosswalk.com. Crosswalk distributes daily devotionals and articles to my e-mail inbox. I really enjoyed the article, and will be printing it out to read daily, weekly or as much as I need to be reminded of the simple truths. It's obvious stuff, but when you are trying to take back what you've let go, it's hard to see the course you have to take. When I was at my healthiest weight, my relationship with God was at my healthiest. I find this very interesting, because, I do believe God sustains us like nothing else can. When I started moving further and further from God, I was turning to food to comfort me, bring me peace, and fill me with joy. Instead, I was drowning myself, becoming heavier and more miserable in my own skin.
Now I am finding myself turning back to the Lord to sustain me. I am asking God to give me the desire to be healthy. I am creating a plan to change. I am asking friends to get involved and keep me accountable. I am filling my mind with God's word, moving my body, and letting the Holy Spirit guide me. I am calling sin what it is (gluttony). I am getting hungry for holiness, and I am learning my emotional triggers. (These tips in bold were outlined in the article by Ms. Hopler) Without a doubt, the hours of 4-7pm are my most stressful part of each day. The rush to make dinner, eat, bathe the kids, bedtime readiness, etc causes an emotional breakdown for me, which leads me to any source of sugar I can find. All that sugar affects mood, which turns it all into a cycle that is never ending. I have noticed that about 30 minutes after a sugar rush, I am fully depressed, angry and snippy. Wow! What a revelation to come to you in the midst of the nightly rush!
Years ago, we sang a song in church called "As the Deer Panteth for the Water", which was written based on the scripture Psalm 42:1. I loved that song, and I still do. The imagery is beautiful to me. Here are the lyrics:
As the deer panteth for the water,
So my soul longs after you
You alone are my hearts desire,
And I long to worship You.
Chorus:
You alone are my strength, my shield;
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire,
And I long to worship You.
I want you more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
Thank God that He is all we need to be satisfied. He is an ever-present help in our times of need. He comforts us, protects us, fully loves us. I thank God for setting me free from the false satisfaction of food. I am a work in progress. If you see me eating excessively, or lots of junk, just check in with me. I am finding this blog to be more helpful to me than I thought it could be! Not only am I seeking Him more, I am finding out more about me! I used to journal frequently, and have not done so in years. Now that I'm getting back to it, there is a deep fulfilled feeling in me. Praise God for changing me from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
I read an article today "How to Replace Food Cravings with God Cravings" by Whitney Hopler on Crosswalk.com. Crosswalk distributes daily devotionals and articles to my e-mail inbox. I really enjoyed the article, and will be printing it out to read daily, weekly or as much as I need to be reminded of the simple truths. It's obvious stuff, but when you are trying to take back what you've let go, it's hard to see the course you have to take. When I was at my healthiest weight, my relationship with God was at my healthiest. I find this very interesting, because, I do believe God sustains us like nothing else can. When I started moving further and further from God, I was turning to food to comfort me, bring me peace, and fill me with joy. Instead, I was drowning myself, becoming heavier and more miserable in my own skin.
Now I am finding myself turning back to the Lord to sustain me. I am asking God to give me the desire to be healthy. I am creating a plan to change. I am asking friends to get involved and keep me accountable. I am filling my mind with God's word, moving my body, and letting the Holy Spirit guide me. I am calling sin what it is (gluttony). I am getting hungry for holiness, and I am learning my emotional triggers. (These tips in bold were outlined in the article by Ms. Hopler) Without a doubt, the hours of 4-7pm are my most stressful part of each day. The rush to make dinner, eat, bathe the kids, bedtime readiness, etc causes an emotional breakdown for me, which leads me to any source of sugar I can find. All that sugar affects mood, which turns it all into a cycle that is never ending. I have noticed that about 30 minutes after a sugar rush, I am fully depressed, angry and snippy. Wow! What a revelation to come to you in the midst of the nightly rush!
Years ago, we sang a song in church called "As the Deer Panteth for the Water", which was written based on the scripture Psalm 42:1. I loved that song, and I still do. The imagery is beautiful to me. Here are the lyrics:
As the deer panteth for the water,
So my soul longs after you
You alone are my hearts desire,
And I long to worship You.
Chorus:
You alone are my strength, my shield;
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire,
And I long to worship You.
I want you more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
Thank God that He is all we need to be satisfied. He is an ever-present help in our times of need. He comforts us, protects us, fully loves us. I thank God for setting me free from the false satisfaction of food. I am a work in progress. If you see me eating excessively, or lots of junk, just check in with me. I am finding this blog to be more helpful to me than I thought it could be! Not only am I seeking Him more, I am finding out more about me! I used to journal frequently, and have not done so in years. Now that I'm getting back to it, there is a deep fulfilled feeling in me. Praise God for changing me from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Iron Sharpens Iron
I am so incredibly blessed to have grown up in church. I feel even more blessed because I had awesome youth pastors! My youth pastor, Jimmy Kirby, challenged us to learn the Word, study it, memorize scripture. "Put the Word in you when you don't "need" it and it will be there when you do!" Understand that we always need the word, but his point is that we go through highs and lows in life. When you have studied and hidden the word in your heart during the high seasons, it's there for you in the low seasons. I have found this to be so true in my life!!! Jimmy started a discipleship class for us, and I think about a dozen or so youth signed up. At the time we were running probably 75 strong in our youth group. This was a lot back in 1990! Anyway, in discipleship classes, we were asked to memorize LOTS of scripture, make sacrifices in our tv and radio time (this is a big deal for a teenager), and study the word. One of the scriptures that mean so much to me is Proverbs 27:17 (AMP) "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose]."
I was thinking about this all day today. We were made to sharpen each other. I am so thankful for my small group friends, who challenge me in the way I think and the way I approach God. I am thankful for the women God is placing in my life to challenge me in all aspects ranging from physical, financial, spiritual, etc. These ladies sharpen me, they make me want to strive to be better. I miss some of the older, wiser women who once were prominent in my life. I don't see them much anymore.
This leads me to what I really am writing about. One of my goals for this year is to not be lazy. I'm not off to a great start, but I am slowly making changes. I think in my head, I envisioned the starting line to a race and that I would take off in a blaze of glory. Not happening. So, keep me accountable, friends. Sharpen me! Give me tips for saving money, getting organized, achieving goals, being a better mommy, wife and friend. I know you can't make it happen for me; I need to get moving and do it myself. However, if you would just continue to encourage me to be productive, I would really appreciate the sharpening! I'll sharpen you as well! Love you girls!!!
I was thinking about this all day today. We were made to sharpen each other. I am so thankful for my small group friends, who challenge me in the way I think and the way I approach God. I am thankful for the women God is placing in my life to challenge me in all aspects ranging from physical, financial, spiritual, etc. These ladies sharpen me, they make me want to strive to be better. I miss some of the older, wiser women who once were prominent in my life. I don't see them much anymore.
This leads me to what I really am writing about. One of my goals for this year is to not be lazy. I'm not off to a great start, but I am slowly making changes. I think in my head, I envisioned the starting line to a race and that I would take off in a blaze of glory. Not happening. So, keep me accountable, friends. Sharpen me! Give me tips for saving money, getting organized, achieving goals, being a better mommy, wife and friend. I know you can't make it happen for me; I need to get moving and do it myself. However, if you would just continue to encourage me to be productive, I would really appreciate the sharpening! I'll sharpen you as well! Love you girls!!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Fan into flame the gift of God in you
This week started off very discouraging for me. Sunday night, I broke down and literally felt like I was losing all sanity! I was speaking in circles and couldn't make a clear thought come out. I love my boys, but they are, well, BOYS. They are perfectly funny, active, sweet, active, loving, active, tenderhearted and active boys. Notice I said active? By the time bedtime rolled around Sunday night, I was spent. My two year old, who has taken to jumping off his brother's bed face first, had said "no" and "stupid" one too many times. My five year old was caught between laughing at what he considers his brother's "funny" antics, and listening to me. Brother's funny stuff beat my directions. It does every time. After a couple of minutes of hearing me stressing out, my tag team partner came up and gave me the relief I needed. I think it took me a couple of hours to come down from the adrenaline rush I was on... Motherhood has made me realize that I'm not as unselfish as I once thought I was. I like "me" time, and I love quiet time. Thank God for loving, compassionate, on-time husbands!
That was the first day of the week! I started meditating on 2 Timothy that night. Our bible study group is starting a study on this book, and I'm familiar with it since I grew up in church and have done lots of studies on the ministry of Paul. As I've said in earlier posts, I've felt stagnant in my relationship with God recently. However, knowing that we were getting into 2 Timothy, I knew of one verse that was going to stick out to me, and boy has it! In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul instructs Timothy "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." When I read this, it instantly jumped out at me. I've read it many times before. The awesome thing about God's word is that it never changes, yet there is always something new to learn no matter how many times you read it. There is always new revelation, greater growth and change. Interesting dynamic!
Our group did a short study on gifts at the end of our first year together. I have seen gifts in my own life, during my walk with God. I have operated freely in the gifts of exhortation, wisdom, faith, giving and mercy. Some are stronger than others, but those are what I see most in my life. I haven't used most of those gifts regularly in the past 10 years. I've had moments of great faith or great wisdom, but have not pursued that. I am feeling re energized to fan into flame those gifts! James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." I pray that I have wisdom in every aspect of my life, but especially in using the gifts God has blessed me with at the right time, with the right people. As a mom of boys, I need to be able to put that gift of mercy to use...daily! I need the gift of wisdom to know how to answer my boys with confidence, and with the Word.
When I think of fanning into flame, I think of a fire that is dying out, and you have to lightly blow on it or fan it to cause it to flame up again. When we spend time with the Lord, we are just getting breathed on by Him, He's fanning us so that we grow hotter and hotter for Him. WOW! That's an awesome visual! I am fanning the flame with God's word, prayer, quiet time to meditate on what God is saying to me, and writing! Let me encourage you to fan into flame those gifts in you, too. What if we all operated in our gifts all the time!?! Could you imagine what we could get done for the Lord? If you're stagnant like I've been, or you just feel complacent, turn off your computer and spend a few minutes talking to your Father. Read what He says in His word to find some direction or peace. Fan into flame the gift that is in you! Stir it up!
That was the first day of the week! I started meditating on 2 Timothy that night. Our bible study group is starting a study on this book, and I'm familiar with it since I grew up in church and have done lots of studies on the ministry of Paul. As I've said in earlier posts, I've felt stagnant in my relationship with God recently. However, knowing that we were getting into 2 Timothy, I knew of one verse that was going to stick out to me, and boy has it! In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul instructs Timothy "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." When I read this, it instantly jumped out at me. I've read it many times before. The awesome thing about God's word is that it never changes, yet there is always something new to learn no matter how many times you read it. There is always new revelation, greater growth and change. Interesting dynamic!
Our group did a short study on gifts at the end of our first year together. I have seen gifts in my own life, during my walk with God. I have operated freely in the gifts of exhortation, wisdom, faith, giving and mercy. Some are stronger than others, but those are what I see most in my life. I haven't used most of those gifts regularly in the past 10 years. I've had moments of great faith or great wisdom, but have not pursued that. I am feeling re energized to fan into flame those gifts! James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." I pray that I have wisdom in every aspect of my life, but especially in using the gifts God has blessed me with at the right time, with the right people. As a mom of boys, I need to be able to put that gift of mercy to use...daily! I need the gift of wisdom to know how to answer my boys with confidence, and with the Word.
When I think of fanning into flame, I think of a fire that is dying out, and you have to lightly blow on it or fan it to cause it to flame up again. When we spend time with the Lord, we are just getting breathed on by Him, He's fanning us so that we grow hotter and hotter for Him. WOW! That's an awesome visual! I am fanning the flame with God's word, prayer, quiet time to meditate on what God is saying to me, and writing! Let me encourage you to fan into flame those gifts in you, too. What if we all operated in our gifts all the time!?! Could you imagine what we could get done for the Lord? If you're stagnant like I've been, or you just feel complacent, turn off your computer and spend a few minutes talking to your Father. Read what He says in His word to find some direction or peace. Fan into flame the gift that is in you! Stir it up!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
How did I come up with the name for my blog?
Well, first, I have to tell you a little bit about me and Todd. Todd and I met online, chatted for a year and were married about 7 months after we met in person. It's a much longer story, but that is the gist of it. So, I moved to Cape Cod, where he lived all of his life. It was a drastic change for me. I went from the largest church in the country to probably the smallest church in the country. 75% of the congregation was over the age of 55. The rest were a mix of children, teenagers and a couple of 30 somethings. I think we had about 50 people in the congregation, but I know Todd would know for sure. He was one of the elders and also the treasurer for the church. Obviously, it was visible if one of us missed. To put it nicely, I had a hard time adjusting to my new church, new pastors, new co-worshippers, etc. The church didn't meet on Sunday nights or Wednesday nights. However, for a short time, they did a bible study on Wednesday nights called "Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God" by Henry Blackaby. The theme that I gathered from this study was overwhelmingly "God is ALWAYS at work". He's always working around us. I believe He is always working in us, even when we don't realize it.
It was during this study that my heart began to open up to what God might be working in me in this tiny church, with the older folks, and even with the few teenagers. I had worked with teens for many years at the church I grew up in, so perhaps God would use me there. To be honest, I just didn't want to cave. I was full of pride, and it felt like it was beneath me. Isn't that horrible? But, God... God is just so good. He knew my areas of weakness, and he directed my steps! Todd and I did the bible study together. This was very early in our marriage, and it was such a blessing to see my husband studying the bible, praying, leading. The point is that I never forgot the chapter that began with God is always at work. If you look back in your lifetime, you can see unanswered prayers, answered prayers, hardships, victories, LIFE! But, you could also see God's hand leading you and guiding you directly to where you are now!
It's taken me a long time to figure out that God has a plan, and I need to stop trying to make things happen in my time. God has a different timetable than I do, and I'm sure we all know Psalm 18:30 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." He will work in you, even in the most mundane places, times, events, life. I had so many dreams and plans for my life that did not involve living in the suburbs, driving a minivan, and sending my kids to christian school. Instead, in my romanticized version, I was living in some remote part of the world as a missionary, having LOTS of kids and working in the ministry. I know God has a plan for me, and I see it unfolding right here, in the suburbs, with my minivan and teaching my children to love Him more than anything. I've heard it for a long time - THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB YOU COULD HAVE. I finally believe it! My little gentlemen will grow up to love their wives like Christ loves the church. God promises in Isaiah 54:13 "And all your children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of your children." I pray this over my children every day, and I believe that they will have great peace because they will know that God is at work in their lives.
It was during this study that my heart began to open up to what God might be working in me in this tiny church, with the older folks, and even with the few teenagers. I had worked with teens for many years at the church I grew up in, so perhaps God would use me there. To be honest, I just didn't want to cave. I was full of pride, and it felt like it was beneath me. Isn't that horrible? But, God... God is just so good. He knew my areas of weakness, and he directed my steps! Todd and I did the bible study together. This was very early in our marriage, and it was such a blessing to see my husband studying the bible, praying, leading. The point is that I never forgot the chapter that began with God is always at work. If you look back in your lifetime, you can see unanswered prayers, answered prayers, hardships, victories, LIFE! But, you could also see God's hand leading you and guiding you directly to where you are now!
It's taken me a long time to figure out that God has a plan, and I need to stop trying to make things happen in my time. God has a different timetable than I do, and I'm sure we all know Psalm 18:30 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." He will work in you, even in the most mundane places, times, events, life. I had so many dreams and plans for my life that did not involve living in the suburbs, driving a minivan, and sending my kids to christian school. Instead, in my romanticized version, I was living in some remote part of the world as a missionary, having LOTS of kids and working in the ministry. I know God has a plan for me, and I see it unfolding right here, in the suburbs, with my minivan and teaching my children to love Him more than anything. I've heard it for a long time - THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB YOU COULD HAVE. I finally believe it! My little gentlemen will grow up to love their wives like Christ loves the church. God promises in Isaiah 54:13 "And all your children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of your children." I pray this over my children every day, and I believe that they will have great peace because they will know that God is at work in their lives.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
God works in the quiet times
Our small group took a questionnaire and was asked to answer 10 questions out of 16. One of the 16 questions, which struck me most, was "Describe a time when you felt closest to God". I immediately went to that time period on my mind. I thought about my late teens, and twenties. I remember experiencing great victories in God, a sincere close relationship with Him. I remembered many times ministering out with my youth group, young adult camps, and talking about God's word with my closest friends. The last time I felt that sincere deep relationship with the Lord was around age 26, just before my Aunt Nene died followed by my dearest friend Stephanie. I think when those events took place, I started to question God. I didn't fully understand why two people I cared for had to leave this earth to take their place in their heavenly homes. I still don't. I don't mourn like many people. I'm pretty quiet in my tears, and i tend to hold it in. It's not healthy, I know. (Getting off track, here) My point is that 26 seems to be the pivotal point where I started to decline in my relationship with a Holy God.
So, after i answered the question for my encouragement partner, I realized that I haven't allowed myself to be close to God in 10 years! 10 YEARS!!!! Oh, I've played church, put the smile on, prayed when needed and lifted my hands in worship, but I haven't been sincere about it! I think if everyone examined their heart, they would probably see that in themselves at some point in their life. This is not a valley that I plan to stay in. Even David "the man after God's own heart" went through valleys and ruts. He questioned. He agonized. Yet, he worshipped. My opinion is that David wrote one of the greatest Psalms ever penned. Psalm 23. We will walk THROUGH valleys, but we don't have to set up house there! I'm looking for a new house on the mountain! ;) Praise God!!! He still loves me!
I don't want to play church anymore. I want to know Him! I want to be so intimately acquainted with Him that when people look at me, they see Jesus. Lord, fill me! Open my eyes to see where I need to grow, what needs to change in me so that You can work through me! Make me a holy vessel for your glory! Show me, God, when I'm wasting time, when I could be increasing in faith. Teach me, guide me, and direct me! Set apart for you.
I just know that in the quiet times, I can hear Him better, I can see His hand more clearly, and I can relax and know that HE IS. He is everything that I am not, and more. He is everything I need and everything I want. Thank you Lord for working in my quiet times! The rest of this blog post is from a note I posted on Facebook several months ago. I hope you enjoy!
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
Just had to share this chapter in the Psalm that brings me so much peace! God is an ever-present help in times of need. He is always there, ready to fill us with His peace, strengthen us, comfort us, guide us, protect us, provide for us, and bless our lives! His unfailing love pursues us. Isn't that a beautiful thought? His love chases after us in pursuit of our heart in order to be our all in all, our Savior and Lord. He desires to be our everything and doesn't give up (unfailing love). WOW! I love how He loves me! Reminds me of the song we used to sing in Sunday School when I was really young:
Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus.
Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!
That's not the full version of the song, only the chorus, but it's the part I love. I found this old hymn tonight, and it's just beautiful, so thought I'd share:
Love Song (a hymn)
In holiness brilliant, in righteousness bright,
Yet sweet in compassion with touch soft and light,
My Father in ravishing love now draws nigh,
To cherish my soul as the gem of His eye.
His covenant promise, His mighty right arm,
Embrace me securely and keep me from harm.
His faithful, longsuffering, infinite grace
Will bring me home safe, where He’ll show me His face.
Till then, my days pass in the palm of His hand;
His Word whispers comfort in every command.
His Promise sustains me; my triumph is won:
My mansion is bought with the blood of His Son.
The work of His Spirit goes on in my heart,
Restoring His image within by His art,
His workmanship Godlike, His skill so divine,
His voice speaks within me: “Be still, and be Mine.”
Though dark be the valley, though steep be the hill,
My comfort, my refuge, is my Father’s will!
His sweet, soft compassion will fit me aright
For holiness brilliant and righteousness bright.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
God is in the small stuff (goals)
Before I start this new blog, I'd like to ask you to overlook any grammatical or spelling errors. I'm writing as I think in my head, sometimes in fragments, sometimes in run-ons. :)
I am not always privileged to see God's hand in my life in immediate circumstances and living, but I do know He is at work in me. Sometimes, it takes years for me to look back and finally realize exactly what He was doing and is doing. Occasionally, I see it at the moment it's happening. Right now, I see nothing. I feel nothing. I am distant from Him, from everyone else, from me. Even in my distance, I KNOW He is at work. Doing what, I don't know.
It has been years since I have made real goals for myself. I haven't written goals, dreams or visions in years. Habakkuk 2:2 says "...write the vision". I need to get over feeling ridiculous writing down goals and dreams for myself, no matter how unattainable they may seem on paper. With God, all things are possible (to those who believe). I have to ask myself, "do you believe what you talk about?" I DO. Now, I just have to act on my belief. I need to strengthen my faith. Jude 20 - "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit". I need to spend a little more time in prayer and building my faith. This means changes for me. Less TV, more WORD. Less chatting online, more chatting in prayer. Less of ME, more of HIM!
One of the priorities I feel that God has put on my heart for 2011 is to cultivate my friendships into lasting, strong and deep friendships. Not to just have many acquaintances, but to have meaningful relationships with people I care about, and who care about me. 2010 was a year in which I met many new ladies, and I look forward to this year being filled with those ladies in my life. Proverbs 18:24 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 27:17 (AMP) - "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
I have also been giving much thought to laziness. Proverbs 10:4 - "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth" I know, without a doubt, that I have allowed myself to get really lazy over the past 10 years. I went from running/walking/working out on a daily basis to barely lifting myself out of bed or off the couch. I've gone from working 80-90 hour work weeks to being a full time stay at home mom. DISCLAIMER - In no way am I calling a SAHM lazy!!! The demands are much higher, and the work is MUCH harder. There is no such thing as a vacation day, and if your sick, you just suck it up! My point is that as a SAHM, I have the option of wearing my pajamas all day if I want to, and I do that quite frequently. After dropping Luke off at school, I often find myself putting on my pj's for the next few hours so i can relax. I end up spending a lot of time online, on my phone, or just sitting on the couch. This year, my goal is to get up and make a difference. I want to make a difference, not only in my life, but in my family's life, and in the lives of the people I will come across. I also want to take care of the things I have put off for too long. (doctor appts, organizing, garage sale, etc)
Another goal for 2011 is to learn a new hobby! I want to learn to sew and quilt this year! I have the sewing machine, now I just need to take a class and get going. I have no scriptural reference for this, just a strong desire to increase my talents and abilities.
I want to be a better financial steward in 2011. I'd like to attend a FPU, if Todd will agree to go with me. There are a TON of scriptures on giving, tithing, and being faithful with finances. I don't want to live foolishly, but with wisdom and integrity in my finances. I believe we can attain our goals for this year!
Of course, like so many others, I have goals for losing weight, eating better, saving money, etc. But, those are my most immediate goals for the year. I have them in writing. I am aiming to update my blog once a week in order to keep myself accountable for the year. Happy New Year everyone! 1.1.11
I am not always privileged to see God's hand in my life in immediate circumstances and living, but I do know He is at work in me. Sometimes, it takes years for me to look back and finally realize exactly what He was doing and is doing. Occasionally, I see it at the moment it's happening. Right now, I see nothing. I feel nothing. I am distant from Him, from everyone else, from me. Even in my distance, I KNOW He is at work. Doing what, I don't know.
It has been years since I have made real goals for myself. I haven't written goals, dreams or visions in years. Habakkuk 2:2 says "...write the vision". I need to get over feeling ridiculous writing down goals and dreams for myself, no matter how unattainable they may seem on paper. With God, all things are possible (to those who believe). I have to ask myself, "do you believe what you talk about?" I DO. Now, I just have to act on my belief. I need to strengthen my faith. Jude 20 - "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit". I need to spend a little more time in prayer and building my faith. This means changes for me. Less TV, more WORD. Less chatting online, more chatting in prayer. Less of ME, more of HIM!
One of the priorities I feel that God has put on my heart for 2011 is to cultivate my friendships into lasting, strong and deep friendships. Not to just have many acquaintances, but to have meaningful relationships with people I care about, and who care about me. 2010 was a year in which I met many new ladies, and I look forward to this year being filled with those ladies in my life. Proverbs 18:24 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 27:17 (AMP) - "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
I have also been giving much thought to laziness. Proverbs 10:4 - "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth" I know, without a doubt, that I have allowed myself to get really lazy over the past 10 years. I went from running/walking/working out on a daily basis to barely lifting myself out of bed or off the couch. I've gone from working 80-90 hour work weeks to being a full time stay at home mom. DISCLAIMER - In no way am I calling a SAHM lazy!!! The demands are much higher, and the work is MUCH harder. There is no such thing as a vacation day, and if your sick, you just suck it up! My point is that as a SAHM, I have the option of wearing my pajamas all day if I want to, and I do that quite frequently. After dropping Luke off at school, I often find myself putting on my pj's for the next few hours so i can relax. I end up spending a lot of time online, on my phone, or just sitting on the couch. This year, my goal is to get up and make a difference. I want to make a difference, not only in my life, but in my family's life, and in the lives of the people I will come across. I also want to take care of the things I have put off for too long. (doctor appts, organizing, garage sale, etc)
Another goal for 2011 is to learn a new hobby! I want to learn to sew and quilt this year! I have the sewing machine, now I just need to take a class and get going. I have no scriptural reference for this, just a strong desire to increase my talents and abilities.
I want to be a better financial steward in 2011. I'd like to attend a FPU, if Todd will agree to go with me. There are a TON of scriptures on giving, tithing, and being faithful with finances. I don't want to live foolishly, but with wisdom and integrity in my finances. I believe we can attain our goals for this year!
Of course, like so many others, I have goals for losing weight, eating better, saving money, etc. But, those are my most immediate goals for the year. I have them in writing. I am aiming to update my blog once a week in order to keep myself accountable for the year. Happy New Year everyone! 1.1.11
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