Where have I been? That is hard to describe other than on a journey off the path of what is best for my soul. More to come on that......
Showing posts with label Christian Living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian Living. Show all posts
Thursday, February 27, 2014
The Return
It's been a long long LONG hiatus but I'm getting back to writing....
Where have I been? That is hard to describe other than on a journey off the path of what is best for my soul. More to come on that......
Where have I been? That is hard to describe other than on a journey off the path of what is best for my soul. More to come on that......
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day 20: Picking Up The Pieces...
I have watched my almost 2 year old attempt this. She will pick up 1 piece, put it under her arm and then bend over to pick up another piece, then another. In the process, the first one falls and she has to start all over again. If this happens too many times, she get frustrated and starts crying. What happens when you go to pick up the pieces, clean up the mess only to find those same pieces falling over again? Have not quite found the answer…..
I liked the picture on gods-man post today. SO VERY OFTEN I feel like that picture. Things around me are not missing, pieces of me are missing or have fallen and I am trying to pick them back up. Despite my best efforts, over the past 6 weeks or so I have done very well with my exercise goals, but my nutrition has been thumbs down. I have not been keeping up with journaling, eating late at night, and worst of all eating too much artificial sugar. This week, my goal is to meet my fitness and nutrition goals by:
- Planning my workout
- Preparing meals in advance – all. We have our dinner menu for the week on the fridge!
- Maintaining my food journal.
- Drinking tea instead of snacking before bed
- Going to bed on time!!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Day 9: Know God's love
i know it, i have studied it. have i received it?? that is a whole other question. on this journey as a high C personality type this is a challenge for me. there are after all rules and regulations to follow, specific tasks to achieve, one MUST get it right in order to know, believe, and receive God's love???
Oh, i am SOOO glad His thoughts are not mine and his ways are higher. i am in the process of reading a few nights a week. like Gods-man, I too was an avid reader and writer in my youth. i find myself missing reading for pleasure a lot. sometimes i even blame it on my "inability" to finish a book. but i kow for sure that isnot true!! anyway, these quotes from Max Lucado's When God Whispers Your Name was particularly fitting for todays challenge:
"He loves each of us like there was only one of us to love"
Oh, i am SOOO glad His thoughts are not mine and his ways are higher. i am in the process of reading a few nights a week. like Gods-man, I too was an avid reader and writer in my youth. i find myself missing reading for pleasure a lot. sometimes i even blame it on my "inability" to finish a book. but i kow for sure that isnot true!! anyway, these quotes from Max Lucado's When God Whispers Your Name was particularly fitting for todays challenge:
"He loves each of us like there was only one of us to love"
Friday, May 22, 2009
what's in your hand?
A few weeks ago I attended Maximum Impact 2009- Leadership That Inspires. The main current throughout the day was: DREAMS. So anytime subject comes up, immediately the voices start:
In the past, that would have circled through my mind for weeks and months. THIS year I am proud to report that after lunch I was done with the voices and cleared them out!!!! Instead of choosing those feelings of defeat, I chose these words:
So, going forward I decided to make sure my ears are open as God speaks. Fast forward a few days, and I am listening to Brian Houston from Hillsong church in aussie land; message title: “Use what’s in your hand”. Great message. Fast forward a few more days, where I rewind (reminiscent of the series LOST) to a show I had on DVR: Mike Murdock is talking about wisdom of course. He also goes into detail about finding purpose in things that burden, bother, and anger you.
Let’s fast forward one more time to today: Listening To Love, Honor, and Vaccum From this I moved on to a few more of her podcasts. In the middle I have this semi-eureka moment of realizing that God not only spoken his purpose in his Word, but he has physically handed me purpose by introducing me to 3 important influential people: God’s Man, fish stick, and chicken nugget.
I have arrived at this destination many times before, but have found myself wondering: “is that it?” I guess I feel differently this time. I don’t have those same feeling of lack as if I am being cheated by not having a more “influential” or spectacular platform like American Idol or a TV broadcast. This IS it! What could be worth it MORE than knowing that you created the best relationship that you could with your best friend WHILE you reared your children in the way God decreed (Deut 6:5-12):
WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND??
What ARE your dreams? WHEN was the last time you really dreamed?
Let’s be honest do you even have any dreams anymore, look at your boring
life….
In the past, that would have circled through my mind for weeks and months. THIS year I am proud to report that after lunch I was done with the voices and cleared them out!!!! Instead of choosing those feelings of defeat, I chose these words:
"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." (Jer 1:5)
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
(Jer. 29:11)
For we are God's workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(Eph 2:10)
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not
return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall
prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Is 55:11, KJV)
So, going forward I decided to make sure my ears are open as God speaks. Fast forward a few days, and I am listening to Brian Houston from Hillsong church in aussie land; message title: “Use what’s in your hand”. Great message. Fast forward a few more days, where I rewind (reminiscent of the series LOST) to a show I had on DVR: Mike Murdock is talking about wisdom of course. He also goes into detail about finding purpose in things that burden, bother, and anger you.
Let’s fast forward one more time to today: Listening To Love, Honor, and Vaccum From this I moved on to a few more of her podcasts. In the middle I have this semi-eureka moment of realizing that God not only spoken his purpose in his Word, but he has physically handed me purpose by introducing me to 3 important influential people: God’s Man, fish stick, and chicken nugget.
My burden: dead marriages and children who do not know their worth
and value
My bother(s): husbands and wives that do
not experience God’s design for their
marriage; children
that grow up in a Christian home but do not know the Lord.
My anger: ANY dilution of God's Word!
I have arrived at this destination many times before, but have found myself wondering: “is that it?” I guess I feel differently this time. I don’t have those same feeling of lack as if I am being cheated by not having a more “influential” or spectacular platform like American Idol or a TV broadcast. This IS it! What could be worth it MORE than knowing that you created the best relationship that you could with your best friend WHILE you reared your children in the way God decreed (Deut 6:5-12):
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be
upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at
home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on
the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your
fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing
cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did
not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not
plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the
LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND??
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Spiritual Diet
During my 5K this weekend, God spoke. Read what he said:
How is your spiritual diet? I am learning more and more daily about a healthy lifestyle. This consists of proper eating habits, exercise, stress management, positive self talk, etc. but how much MORE important is our spiritual diet? If you measured your “spiritual” metabolic rate (SMR). Are you: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. Where would you be? One of the scriptures I quote frequently is:
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matt 7:14 (NIV)
Being too far left or too far right will make you fall off the narrow path. Finding the right combination for you is key developing healthy spiritual habits. This is the hardest part because we have to transform our minds (rom 12:1-2) and our will. We have to PRACTICE!! Are you staying within the boundaries of the narrow path? Are you moving toward having healthy spiritual habits? How has developing these habits transformed your life? I would like to hear from you!! Please comment below.
How is your spiritual diet? I am learning more and more daily about a healthy lifestyle. This consists of proper eating habits, exercise, stress management, positive self talk, etc. but how much MORE important is our spiritual diet? If you measured your “spiritual” metabolic rate (SMR). Are you: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. Where would you be? One of the scriptures I quote frequently is:
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matt 7:14 (NIV)
Being too far left or too far right will make you fall off the narrow path. Finding the right combination for you is key developing healthy spiritual habits. This is the hardest part because we have to transform our minds (rom 12:1-2) and our will. We have to PRACTICE!! Are you staying within the boundaries of the narrow path? Are you moving toward having healthy spiritual habits? How has developing these habits transformed your life? I would like to hear from you!! Please comment below.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Purpose to Practice
I frequently tell my 5 year old to "practice your patience". in rearing children, I think that is a VERY important character trait to develop.
How did Micheal Jordan become a great basketball player? How does Tiger Woods continue to take his game higher? PRACTICE. As Christians, I think we can become great in God by "practicing your purpose". How else will we become good at what God has called us to do?
A few years ago I read the popular book, Purpose Driven Life. The aftermath of that book was phenomenal, and many people have either accepted Christ into their lives and/or grown deeper in their relationship with him. See description below from purposedrivenlife.com:
The most basic question everyone faces in life is Why am I here? What is my purpose? Self-help books suggest that people should look within, at their own desires and dreams, but Rick Warren says the starting place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life. Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God’s purposes for putting us on earth.
The Purpose-Driven Life takes the groundbreaking message of the award-winning Purpose-Driven Church and goes deeper, applying it to the lifestyle of individual Christians. This book helps readers understand God’s incredible plan for their lives. Warren enables them to see the big picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life God created them to live.
The Purpose-Driven Life is a manifesto for Christian living in the 21st century...a lifestyle based on eternal purposes, not cultural values. Using biblical stories and letting the Bible speak for itself, Warren clearly explains God’s five purposes for each of us:
We were planned for God’s pleasure, so your first purpose is to offer real worship.
We were formed for God’s family, so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.
We were created to become like Christ, so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship.
We were shaped for serving God, so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.
We were made for a mission, so your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice the 4th purpose: "practice real ministry". One definition of practice is: "translating an idea into action". All of the purposes listed above require practice.
Once you know your purpose, start practicing, keep practicing, and press forward:
Philippians 3:13-15 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
How did Micheal Jordan become a great basketball player? How does Tiger Woods continue to take his game higher? PRACTICE. As Christians, I think we can become great in God by "practicing your purpose". How else will we become good at what God has called us to do?
A few years ago I read the popular book, Purpose Driven Life. The aftermath of that book was phenomenal, and many people have either accepted Christ into their lives and/or grown deeper in their relationship with him. See description below from purposedrivenlife.com:
The most basic question everyone faces in life is Why am I here? What is my purpose? Self-help books suggest that people should look within, at their own desires and dreams, but Rick Warren says the starting place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life. Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God’s purposes for putting us on earth.
The Purpose-Driven Life takes the groundbreaking message of the award-winning Purpose-Driven Church and goes deeper, applying it to the lifestyle of individual Christians. This book helps readers understand God’s incredible plan for their lives. Warren enables them to see the big picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life God created them to live.
The Purpose-Driven Life is a manifesto for Christian living in the 21st century...a lifestyle based on eternal purposes, not cultural values. Using biblical stories and letting the Bible speak for itself, Warren clearly explains God’s five purposes for each of us:
We were planned for God’s pleasure, so your first purpose is to offer real worship.
We were formed for God’s family, so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.
We were created to become like Christ, so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship.
We were shaped for serving God, so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.
We were made for a mission, so your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice the 4th purpose: "practice real ministry". One definition of practice is: "translating an idea into action". All of the purposes listed above require practice.
Once you know your purpose, start practicing, keep practicing, and press forward:
Philippians 3:13-15 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Not Alone
the more i look around, i realize that i am not alone in the downs of life, but more importantly in the "UPS" of life as well. i have a wonderful husband to share ALL of my life with, and a group of friends to share life with as well. so.....HA HA HA to the voices that try to whisper lonliness and defeat in my ears!!!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Burn Out: Tying it together
Burn out: Tying it all together
A very dear friend listened to my frustration with my work, family, and church schedule with compassion and patience and then gave me this scripture as an antidote:
Rev 2:1-4 (NIV)
2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
Revelation 2:2-4 (Amplified Bible)
2I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars. 3I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary. 4But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].
Seriously?? How could she say that?? I mean, I pray, I sing songs of praise and worship, I forgive and serve others. I do my Christian duty. I am looking for “real” solutions to de-cluttering my schedule and juggling all these flaming balls in the air.
Well the following passages have occurred to me recently:
Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Gal 5:22-24
Life by the Spirit
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit
NONE of the activities I have been involved in lately are being lead by the Spirit. How do I know that I am not fully tuned in to that channel and have been consumed with what “needs” to get done? I have no peace or rest on the inside. I constantly feel as though I am struggling with one thing or another. As soon as one issue is resolved up comes another one, then maybe 2 or 3 more. It is hard to admit that with the wealth of knowledge I have about God and what he has already done in my life, that I have no peace. This means that I am not surrendering myself to the Spirit. So, am I really living?? I have no illusions that problems will go away once I surrender, but they definitely are to become easier to deal with because I am not alone!
As many know, I am becoming more and more serious about what goes into my mouth as far as food goes. I have much higher energy levels and do not crave chocolate and sweets constantly. I know I need to do the same spiritually. I want to experience the Zoe life that I was designed to have. I want to keep in step with the Spirit. Luckily, the ins and out of spiritual health are MUCH less complicated.
Prescription: God’s Presence
A very dear friend listened to my frustration with my work, family, and church schedule with compassion and patience and then gave me this scripture as an antidote:
Rev 2:1-4 (NIV)
2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
Revelation 2:2-4 (Amplified Bible)
2I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars. 3I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary. 4But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].
Seriously?? How could she say that?? I mean, I pray, I sing songs of praise and worship, I forgive and serve others. I do my Christian duty. I am looking for “real” solutions to de-cluttering my schedule and juggling all these flaming balls in the air.
Well the following passages have occurred to me recently:
Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Gal 5:22-24
Life by the Spirit
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit
NONE of the activities I have been involved in lately are being lead by the Spirit. How do I know that I am not fully tuned in to that channel and have been consumed with what “needs” to get done? I have no peace or rest on the inside. I constantly feel as though I am struggling with one thing or another. As soon as one issue is resolved up comes another one, then maybe 2 or 3 more. It is hard to admit that with the wealth of knowledge I have about God and what he has already done in my life, that I have no peace. This means that I am not surrendering myself to the Spirit. So, am I really living?? I have no illusions that problems will go away once I surrender, but they definitely are to become easier to deal with because I am not alone!
As many know, I am becoming more and more serious about what goes into my mouth as far as food goes. I have much higher energy levels and do not crave chocolate and sweets constantly. I know I need to do the same spiritually. I want to experience the Zoe life that I was designed to have. I want to keep in step with the Spirit. Luckily, the ins and out of spiritual health are MUCH less complicated.
Prescription: God’s Presence
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Boundaries
After a long hiatus, I am following the advice of God's Man and posting something new!
I have faith in God for so many big things, but I have been re-informed that I do not have faith in Him for the little, everyday things. I am on a path to find balance, don't wish me luck, PRAY for me!!!!
Establishing boundaries under God’s direction...
Lord, I am overflowing with your blessing, just as you promised. Now teach me good judgment as well as knowledge. For your laws are my guide.
Psalms 119: 65-66 TLB
In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3: 5-6 TLB
I have faith in God for so many big things, but I have been re-informed that I do not have faith in Him for the little, everyday things. I am on a path to find balance, don't wish me luck, PRAY for me!!!!
Establishing boundaries under God’s direction...
Lord, I am overflowing with your blessing, just as you promised. Now teach me good judgment as well as knowledge. For your laws are my guide.
Psalms 119: 65-66 TLB
In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3: 5-6 TLB
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