In my last post, I mentioned that I am getting up three times a week at 5:00 am to go to the gym. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have NEVER professed to be a "morning person". In fact, my growing up years were literally painful because both my mother and sister were morning people- who actually talk, laugh and are cheerful in the morning. I swear, it's a sickness of some kind...
Anyhoona, if you would have told me a year ago that I'd be doing this today, I would've probably herniated something vital laughing at you. (Nice, I know, but I'm not perfect!)
Why, you ask then, am I doing this? Thanks for asking- I thought you never would.....
In January of this year I went to the Ladies Retreat through our church. Now in the past when I have gone, it's been mainly to have a relaxing weekend off from life, rest, eat tons of good food, and fellowship with friends. This year however, I wasn't even planning on going until about a week before the retreat. I had decided that it was too hard for my family for me to be away, and that I didn't need the time off. I know- what was I thinking?!?! What mother doesn't need time off?
I realized that I really did want to go, and signed up at the last minute. It's amazing to look back and see how God ordered my steps in so many ways to get me there- for He had a big work to do in me that weekend. About 3 days before the retreat, I threw my back out. Seriously out- I couldn't walk, sit or stand in any comfort at all, and spent the entire time flat on the floor of my house (try homeschooling 2 kids with an 18 month old running around while lying on the floor sometime- go ahead, I dare you!). But, God knew what He was doing- he always does. Because I was in so much pain and had to fight to get to the retreat, I was truly expecting something big to come of it spiritually. You see, had I been my normal self, I would've spent a lot of time being social there, and maybe not so much time being spiritual there.
As it was, I literally laid on the floor in the back of the room on a camping mat the whole weekend. The only time I got up was to eat and go to the bathroom. Ever heard the scripture, "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10? That's what I had to do- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. And God changed my heart in a huge way.
The scripture for the weekend was Hebrews 12: 1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us"-- the Amazing Race. The speaker encouraged us to identify our weights- the things that keep us from running our race to the fullest for the Lord, and our besetting sin- the main thing in our life that encumbers us through unrighteousness. As I pondered her words from my position on the floor, fully expecting God to do a mighty work in me, I asked Him to show me my besetting sin.
The answer He gave? FEAR.
Fear of so many things- people, places, events- but most of all- fear of lack of control in my life. Specifically, fear of letting God truly be God in my life. To rule and make all decisions for me, every day. One of the ways I managed the chaos and hurt of my life before getting saved was through iron- fisted control of people and events around me. Gods used this weekend to show me that it was a sin, and lack of faith in my life not to trust Him in all areas of my life.
I have known for years that I have a problem with food and needed to do something about it- but I wasn't willing to give up my sin. Prov 23:2 says, "...Put a knife to thy throat if thou be a man given to appetite." and Prov. 23: 20-21 "be not among winebibbers ; among riotous eaters of flesh: for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty..." For the first time I realized that my lack of obedience in dealing with this sin was based in fear. Fear of giving up the food I used for comfort, fear of allowing God to change me, even fear of having loose skin and an ugly body after the weight loss is done! It was amazing to me how much fear had permeated my thoughts and life. Suffice to say, I gave it all to the Lord that weekend, and since have been on an AMAZING journey out of the abyss of fear.
All that said- I was prompted by the Lord to join Weight Watchers, and also a gym. Since January 20th, I have lost a total of 19 pounds, and I feel great! I am going to the gym three mornings a week at 5am- and when I try to not go- my spirit literally wars within my body until I submit and do it. More important than the weight loss is the deliverance from fear, not only in this area of my life, but in all areas of my life. (That's another post though!). Trusting the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength is allowing Him to show me areas where I have strongholds, and then give Him the power to deliver me. Praise the Lord! It hasn't always been easy, but He has been there every step of the way with me.
Finally, Prov. 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
Go ahead and try it. Just don't be surprised if He totally changes your life.
And starts waking you up at 5 am! AMEN AND AMEN.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Just a Small Rant
I can't help it. I really can't.
Daylight Savings Time (DST) makes me crazier than a hound dog in a chicken factory!
For days I go around looking at the clocks thinking, "I know it says it's 3:00, but it's really 2:00-so I don't have to start on this... yet". I can't get my kids to bed now before the clock says 10 or 10:30 -because their little bodies think it's only 9 or 9:30. Not to mention that their real bed time starts at 8:30- which their bodies currently think of as 7:30 when the clock says 8:30. That's not to mention the taxing of my capabilities when the alarm goes off 3 times a week at 5:00 am- yes that's AM PEOPLE- 5:00 am for me to go to the gym--- and my body thinks it's really 4:00 am- yes, that's AM AGAIN PEOPLE!! I haven't written my post yet about why (dear Lord, why) I am going to the gym 3 times a week at 5:00 AM- actually the dear Lord is why- but we'll get to that later.
WHEW! Not to mention that I read somewhere that the whole idea was started to SAVE CANDLES- for pity's sake. Now, not that I'm against those of us who are still lighting our homes with candles- don't get me wrong- but what are the odds that people who live that way even OWN A CLOCK?!?! Oh yeah, and then there's that nifty little thing called research, that proves that it doesn't even save money and time- just spends it! (click the link and search for daylight savings time). Google it, I dare you! It will literally make your head spin.....
Deep breath... OK... I feel better now. Thanks for listening.
Daylight Savings Time (DST) makes me crazier than a hound dog in a chicken factory!
For days I go around looking at the clocks thinking, "I know it says it's 3:00, but it's really 2:00-so I don't have to start on this... yet". I can't get my kids to bed now before the clock says 10 or 10:30 -because their little bodies think it's only 9 or 9:30. Not to mention that their real bed time starts at 8:30- which their bodies currently think of as 7:30 when the clock says 8:30. That's not to mention the taxing of my capabilities when the alarm goes off 3 times a week at 5:00 am- yes that's AM PEOPLE- 5:00 am for me to go to the gym--- and my body thinks it's really 4:00 am- yes, that's AM AGAIN PEOPLE!! I haven't written my post yet about why (dear Lord, why) I am going to the gym 3 times a week at 5:00 AM- actually the dear Lord is why- but we'll get to that later.
WHEW! Not to mention that I read somewhere that the whole idea was started to SAVE CANDLES- for pity's sake. Now, not that I'm against those of us who are still lighting our homes with candles- don't get me wrong- but what are the odds that people who live that way even OWN A CLOCK?!?! Oh yeah, and then there's that nifty little thing called research, that proves that it doesn't even save money and time- just spends it! (click the link and search for daylight savings time). Google it, I dare you! It will literally make your head spin.....
Deep breath... OK... I feel better now. Thanks for listening.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Made me laugh until I snorted!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
God is working in my Life!
I realize it's been an awful long time since I last posted, but I'm just so bursting with news. I figured I must share with someone, anyone-- is there anyone left still even checking my blog?
Oh well...
A few months ago, I posted that I was taking a hiatus because of a particular area that God was stretching and challenging me in- and I needed the time to spend with Him. Well, God has taken me through that to the other side, and has already given me my next assignment- so I've got some time again. And, I just couldn't hold back on the Lord by not sharing all He is doing in my life! My particular challenge back in November was to "work out my own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12). Specifically, I got saved back in 1995, but for a long time, had not really been living like it. My life was so full of sin that I didn't even feel the presence of God anymore. And then the doubts crept in- if I was truly saved, why was I afraid to talk about it, how could I act the way I did and still consider myself a child of God? Why was life so hard all the time?
I had periods of this before in my life, but this one was characterized by the absolute, burning desire to KNOW FOR SURE if I was saved, once and for all, and then to get on with it! The Lord impressed on me not to speak to anyone (even my husband) about it. For you see, it mattered not what everyone else though-- only that I be right with the Lord Jesus Christ. So for the first time in my whole life, I did not speak to anyone about a problem.
Praise God for His awesome timing in all things, for the very next week at church our pastor preached from I John 3: 11-15. "And this is the record, that God hath given us eternal life, and this life is in His son. He that hath the son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life...." The Lord used that message as a spring board of faith for me to step out and truly ask God if I was saved- and if so, to take the doubts away from me.
Through the following months, I saw, on a daily basis, evidence of the fruits of salvation in my life. A transformed heart and spirit of love and forgiveness, increased faith, the resurgence of love for God's word that makes me hunger for it- it was as if God had finally opened my eyes to all He has done and is doing in my life to transform me into His likeness. I think often times because the changes can be so gradual, that we miss the overall view of ourselves in comparison. I do not mean by all of this that God has made me a perfect, sin free person- only that I see Him more and more in my imperfections. 2 Cor 12:9 "...My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
I saw also the areas of sin in my life that were allowing the devil to come in and attack me with doubt- specifically at that time it was not reading God's word on a daily basis. I cannot explain how it works- but I do know that the word is likened to "food", and that without a regular intake of it, my life had become malnourished. That lead to weakness, fleshly thinking and acting, and sin. Romans 12:2 says: "And be ye not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." So, you see, when I was trying to change my sinful behavior outside of this transforming power, I was failing and weak. Easy pickings for the devil who is described thusly: "...because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." I Peter 5: 8.
I'm sure this seems mighty elementary to some, but please believe me when I say that I never really had accepted these truths in my heart, and that is a major reason why I was in doubt all the time. I encourage you that if you feel questions about your salvation status, to ask God in faith to show you- and He will. It may or may not be the same path as mine- but He will answer you.
And, if you've never considered the claims of Christ and the Bible- please click http/www.vb.org search for "Romans Road", read it with an open heart, and consider it. I guarantee you that it will transform your life.
Since then, God has gently lead me in other areas of growth. Once I was able to be free of the cloud of self-condemnation, and allow God to speak to me- then I could truly become what He has for me. Praise God for His faithfulness!
Coming soon- a life and death struggle for a loved one, and the awesome transforming power of God.
Oh well...
A few months ago, I posted that I was taking a hiatus because of a particular area that God was stretching and challenging me in- and I needed the time to spend with Him. Well, God has taken me through that to the other side, and has already given me my next assignment- so I've got some time again. And, I just couldn't hold back on the Lord by not sharing all He is doing in my life! My particular challenge back in November was to "work out my own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12). Specifically, I got saved back in 1995, but for a long time, had not really been living like it. My life was so full of sin that I didn't even feel the presence of God anymore. And then the doubts crept in- if I was truly saved, why was I afraid to talk about it, how could I act the way I did and still consider myself a child of God? Why was life so hard all the time?
I had periods of this before in my life, but this one was characterized by the absolute, burning desire to KNOW FOR SURE if I was saved, once and for all, and then to get on with it! The Lord impressed on me not to speak to anyone (even my husband) about it. For you see, it mattered not what everyone else though-- only that I be right with the Lord Jesus Christ. So for the first time in my whole life, I did not speak to anyone about a problem.
Praise God for His awesome timing in all things, for the very next week at church our pastor preached from I John 3: 11-15. "And this is the record, that God hath given us eternal life, and this life is in His son. He that hath the son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life...." The Lord used that message as a spring board of faith for me to step out and truly ask God if I was saved- and if so, to take the doubts away from me.
Through the following months, I saw, on a daily basis, evidence of the fruits of salvation in my life. A transformed heart and spirit of love and forgiveness, increased faith, the resurgence of love for God's word that makes me hunger for it- it was as if God had finally opened my eyes to all He has done and is doing in my life to transform me into His likeness. I think often times because the changes can be so gradual, that we miss the overall view of ourselves in comparison. I do not mean by all of this that God has made me a perfect, sin free person- only that I see Him more and more in my imperfections. 2 Cor 12:9 "...My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
I saw also the areas of sin in my life that were allowing the devil to come in and attack me with doubt- specifically at that time it was not reading God's word on a daily basis. I cannot explain how it works- but I do know that the word is likened to "food", and that without a regular intake of it, my life had become malnourished. That lead to weakness, fleshly thinking and acting, and sin. Romans 12:2 says: "And be ye not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." So, you see, when I was trying to change my sinful behavior outside of this transforming power, I was failing and weak. Easy pickings for the devil who is described thusly: "...because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." I Peter 5: 8.
I'm sure this seems mighty elementary to some, but please believe me when I say that I never really had accepted these truths in my heart, and that is a major reason why I was in doubt all the time. I encourage you that if you feel questions about your salvation status, to ask God in faith to show you- and He will. It may or may not be the same path as mine- but He will answer you.
And, if you've never considered the claims of Christ and the Bible- please click http/www.vb.org search for "Romans Road", read it with an open heart, and consider it. I guarantee you that it will transform your life.
Since then, God has gently lead me in other areas of growth. Once I was able to be free of the cloud of self-condemnation, and allow God to speak to me- then I could truly become what He has for me. Praise God for His faithfulness!
Coming soon- a life and death struggle for a loved one, and the awesome transforming power of God.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
How Much Do I love thee.......?
Every since the Juliemom family left our home 9 days ago to move to South Africa, things have been a little different around our house. There are no longer children on the playset from morning to night, there is only one telephone ringing, the laundry is all only mine, and things are a little lonely at times.
Suffice it to say, I have been coming up with things for my kids to do when they start to feel like they're missing their friends too much. Mature, spiritual things like whenever we think of them, we pray for one of the things on their list. This way, I tell them, we can remember our friends and draw closer to God at the same time. I've also been arranging play dates with some other kids so they aren't too lonely for their friends.
Well, my kids came up with another way to immortalize their family-- we'll just call it the "Juliemom Family Game". It is actually titled with their last name instead of "Juliemom", but if I provided that to everyone on the internet, I think they would have to bump me off for security purposes. Anyhoona, they came up with this all on their own one day when we were in the basement re-organizing and cleaning post departure. From the other room, I overheard this:
Sweet Pea (my oldest 7 year old daughter) : "OK Bubba, you get to be Snow White and Cinderella, and I'll be Sleeping Beauty, Aunt Julie and Uncle Prince. Now, lets get ready to move to Africa. Start throwing all our stuff away, then pack the rest in the boxes, OK?"
Bubba (my 5 year old son): "OK SP. Let's move all our furniture around and then we can get on the airplane to go."
As I peeked into the room to see what they were doing, I found the two of them on the floor of what had been the girls bedroom, with all the barbies and dolls spread out that they left behind. I asked what they were doing and they said, "We're pretending we're the ----- Family". Now, mind you, there were no boy dolls down there, so poor Uncle Prince was represented by a big-haired Barbie, but you get the picture.
So, to Juliemom and family, I just wanted you to know you are famous! MY kids have ranked you right up there with Dora, Diego, the Wonderpets, and all the other characters that they play pretend as.
I also thought their description of what to do to move was hysterical "throw away all our stuff, move our furniture around and get on the plane"- that must be their perception of what we did the last 10 days of their time here!
I might as well tell you that I went into the other room and cried a little (OK a lot, but whose counting here!). My heart was focusing solely on the loss of my friend and her beloved kids, thinking of the fun they would miss out on together- and here were my kids just having a ball remembering! As the ache in my heart starts to subside into a glow of love and caring for them from afar, I continue to be amazed at the resilience of kids. They ARE still playing with their friends-- what a great lesson for us all. Praise God!
Oh, and Uncle Prince has a kickin' hair-do now too!
Suffice it to say, I have been coming up with things for my kids to do when they start to feel like they're missing their friends too much. Mature, spiritual things like whenever we think of them, we pray for one of the things on their list. This way, I tell them, we can remember our friends and draw closer to God at the same time. I've also been arranging play dates with some other kids so they aren't too lonely for their friends.
Well, my kids came up with another way to immortalize their family-- we'll just call it the "Juliemom Family Game". It is actually titled with their last name instead of "Juliemom", but if I provided that to everyone on the internet, I think they would have to bump me off for security purposes. Anyhoona, they came up with this all on their own one day when we were in the basement re-organizing and cleaning post departure. From the other room, I overheard this:
Sweet Pea (my oldest 7 year old daughter) : "OK Bubba, you get to be Snow White and Cinderella, and I'll be Sleeping Beauty, Aunt Julie and Uncle Prince. Now, lets get ready to move to Africa. Start throwing all our stuff away, then pack the rest in the boxes, OK?"
Bubba (my 5 year old son): "OK SP. Let's move all our furniture around and then we can get on the airplane to go."
As I peeked into the room to see what they were doing, I found the two of them on the floor of what had been the girls bedroom, with all the barbies and dolls spread out that they left behind. I asked what they were doing and they said, "We're pretending we're the ----- Family". Now, mind you, there were no boy dolls down there, so poor Uncle Prince was represented by a big-haired Barbie, but you get the picture.
So, to Juliemom and family, I just wanted you to know you are famous! MY kids have ranked you right up there with Dora, Diego, the Wonderpets, and all the other characters that they play pretend as.
I also thought their description of what to do to move was hysterical "throw away all our stuff, move our furniture around and get on the plane"- that must be their perception of what we did the last 10 days of their time here!
I might as well tell you that I went into the other room and cried a little (OK a lot, but whose counting here!). My heart was focusing solely on the loss of my friend and her beloved kids, thinking of the fun they would miss out on together- and here were my kids just having a ball remembering! As the ache in my heart starts to subside into a glow of love and caring for them from afar, I continue to be amazed at the resilience of kids. They ARE still playing with their friends-- what a great lesson for us all. Praise God!
Oh, and Uncle Prince has a kickin' hair-do now too!
I'm Baaaaack.......
Hey all out there in blog land-- I'm finally back. It's been a long time, but things have finally settled down here, and I've felt the urge to share, once again, with y'all!
Major life changes around my home involve Juliemom and her family leaving for their mission field about a week ago. After the crying and wailing ceased, our lives have resumed a semi-normal state with school, church, family and birthdays to come.
God has been so good to my family through so many things, and allowing us to have Julie and her family with us is just the most recent. So, give Him a huge praise for He is truly faithful!
Major life changes around my home involve Juliemom and her family leaving for their mission field about a week ago. After the crying and wailing ceased, our lives have resumed a semi-normal state with school, church, family and birthdays to come.
God has been so good to my family through so many things, and allowing us to have Julie and her family with us is just the most recent. So, give Him a huge praise for He is truly faithful!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Hiatus
Hey all! I realized I haven't posted anything in about a week, but there is a very good reason.
I'm busy.
"Busy, busy, dreadfully busy. More than a bumblebee, more than an ant......."
(C'mon, you know you recognize the Veggie Tales music)
Truthfully, the Lord has been stretching me in one particular area that is very difficult, and I've been doing an intensive bible study and prayer time. And, to my utter horror, I have felt led of the Lord NOT to talk about it to anyone!
Not to talk about it with anyone, I say.
This is so utterly unlike me-- I usually get at least 3 people's opinion on anything-- like what color socks to wear-- that it is very strange for me to not talk about this major thing. But, I am willing to be obedient to the Lord, even if it makes my head want to explode at times!
SO, to all my readers out there-- all three of you-- please be patient, I'll be back soon.
Hopefully with a new attitude and focus in life.
Also, please pray for me.
I'm busy.
"Busy, busy, dreadfully busy. More than a bumblebee, more than an ant......."
(C'mon, you know you recognize the Veggie Tales music)
Truthfully, the Lord has been stretching me in one particular area that is very difficult, and I've been doing an intensive bible study and prayer time. And, to my utter horror, I have felt led of the Lord NOT to talk about it to anyone!
Not to talk about it with anyone, I say.
This is so utterly unlike me-- I usually get at least 3 people's opinion on anything-- like what color socks to wear-- that it is very strange for me to not talk about this major thing. But, I am willing to be obedient to the Lord, even if it makes my head want to explode at times!
SO, to all my readers out there-- all three of you-- please be patient, I'll be back soon.
Hopefully with a new attitude and focus in life.
Also, please pray for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
