First of all let's get updated with all the happenings around here for the women's ministry. On Friday, December 16 we will be caroling...even if you don't sing come and join us. We go to houses where people may not be able to get out very much or don't get many visitors. It was a blast last year so we thought we would try it again. Meet at the church at 5:00 p.m. with a dozen cookies!
Chapters will wait until February and be prepared for some outdoor activities for Women of Adventure.
Now on to my rambling which, according to this blog, has not happened since November 1. That's a long time so I apologize. I used to be the sort of person that thrives on a busy schedule. I say used to be but I sort of do now...just not as bad as I use to be. I was the person that not only would I have what I was doing every hour down in my hour by hour scheduler, I had it down to every 30 minutes. I loved that! I wrote down everything that I was doing....I even planned when I would sit down for a break.....but why take any breaks? That's a waste of time....and eating?! Who has time? I would even get upset if I was working in a group setting and someone thought that it was time to get lunch...at 2:30! What?! Let's plow through!!
I had no empathy to anyone who could not hang with my schedule and my "get 'er done" attitude. My desk at school (I use to teach music in the public schools) was a huge mess, the house was a mess, my car was a mess, etc. I had a friend that I taught with that had my same scheduling "quirk" and when we did projects together...watch out! Small projects got bigger and grander and next thing you know we where going to Broadway! Not really but in our music world it was like that. It was very hard for me to work with people who cared about sleep and eating and little things like that.
God blessed me with a husband who is very much the opposite of me. I think of a project and within the next breath, I'm on it! My husband actually thinks before he does a project and helps me think of the details that are involved in my projects. I rely on him immensely to pull my reins and slow me down. You see, it reached a point that I was not only scheduling my life down to every 30 minutes and putting the schedule on the frig so that I could see it...but I got to the point that I was writing down what my husband should be doing every hour and then what my children should be doing every hour of the day. When I started putting up everyones schedules on the refrigerator and stepped back to look at my wonderful organization of my family life, it hit me...."Woman, you are insane! "Who want's to live like this?" This was only four years ago.
I realized that this was not healthy for me or my family. I learned to sit and rest...even take an occasional nap. I have learned to calm my nerves down if something or someone is moving slower than I would like. Let's just say Jeff and I could never do The Amazing Race together. My learning to move slower has been so much better for my family life.
I did find myself recently writing down my schedule every 30 minutes and you know what? It gave me a rush. I loved that feeling of going here and there and rushing around. I haven't really sat down and dug deep to see if it's because I feel needed or feel important or my thyroid is out of whack or "I got a need for speed!" (top gun quote) Guess what also happened during the time period that I was running crazy? I was late for appointments, late in paying bills, I didn't buy food for my family for over two weeks, laundry and dishes where left undone, I could barely get to my computer because of all the paperwork on my desk (that's why I haven't writing in the blog for a while...yeah, that's it), and I took all my clothes that I had on my floor in my bedroom and threw them in the closet to wait for another day to put away.
I think we all secretly love being busy and in certain periods of our lives we all have busy schedules. This is a busy season with Christmas programs at church and at school and Christmas parties and exams and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I think that if people feel they are busy, they feel important, needed or the busyness leaves them no time to reflect on how their life is going.
I have no real solution and no real "spiritual" thought to end with...I've rambled quite a while now. I do know that I want to make time to laugh with my family and friends, thank God for the blessings He has given to me, and think, pray and do things for others. If I'm too busy to do those things, then I'm being busy doing the wrong things.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Laundry
Am I the only one who feels like I'm doing laundry all the time. I swear I just washed clothes a couple days ago. I have taught my children since they were four years old how to work the washing machine but since I am the one at home, the duty seems to fall on me. Today as I was putting a load of clothes in the washing machine (I don't even sort anymore...just throw it all in and put it on cold!) I was thinking to myself..."I just did this!" Same thing with the littler box, vaccumming, doing the dishes, making the bed and picking up after the family. When I let my thoughts think of these tasks as "burdens" I turn into quite a lovely person (heavy on the sarcasm with that last statement). I put my hand on my hips and talk to myself (oh course in my loudest voice with the tone on the border of insanity and really wanting everyone in the house to hear me but still I'm just talking to myself) "Am I the only one around here that does anything around here?!" My family loves those moments. (again, add sarcasm)
Today, I am going to do something different. When I fold clothes, I am going to thank God for meeting our every need. I have 3 wonderful children and they have clothes and shoes for their feet. How many children in the world do not even have those basic needs? When I put the dishes in the dishwasher, I will thank God for food on our table and thank God that he gave me a husband that is willing to make our evening meals (I can put the dishes on the table and in the dishwasher but as for making the meals - that's a roll of the dice there) I will thank God for the blessings of a house and all that goes into having a home. Instead of complaining about the mundane things in life, I will give thanks for the small blessings in my life.
What small chore do you thank God for today?
Today, I am going to do something different. When I fold clothes, I am going to thank God for meeting our every need. I have 3 wonderful children and they have clothes and shoes for their feet. How many children in the world do not even have those basic needs? When I put the dishes in the dishwasher, I will thank God for food on our table and thank God that he gave me a husband that is willing to make our evening meals (I can put the dishes on the table and in the dishwasher but as for making the meals - that's a roll of the dice there) I will thank God for the blessings of a house and all that goes into having a home. Instead of complaining about the mundane things in life, I will give thanks for the small blessings in my life.
What small chore do you thank God for today?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Cleaning up a mess
Here's a little thought and some different events happening for women at Life Stream. First, here are some upcoming events. Our next Chapters Book is called "Who Switched Off My Brain?" It deals how we can handle our toxic thoughts and our thought life. We will meet on November 29th at 7:00 p.m. at Biggby Coffee. Also our Women of Adventure will meet in November and have a "food party". We will be freezing meals to help out the meals ministry and also anyone that may need a meal in the community. More information on that soon.
Newbies is going on and is not too late to join and well as a Monday night bible study on Daniel.
Now for the thought of the day. My daughter just had her 14th birthday. She want's to work in interior design someday so we thought she might get a kick out designing her room for her birthday. She shares her room with her 8 year old sister and both have their own sides of the room with even a curtain to separate their portion. We took her to IKEA because it was a great place to deal with small spaces. She did have fun but what we all realized when we got everything home was...you have to assemble everything together yourself and I mean everything. Even a little box we had to assemble with screws - 12 of them to be exact. Needless to say, she also wanted the room a different color...so we painted (which I did get out of because I had vertigo...that's what I told my husband) So we had to clear the room. Where did we clear their stuff? In our room and in their brother's room and we had to assemble everything in the living room and so on. Our whole house look like it exploded with clothes and boxes. After we painted and put things back and organized their room, it looked awesome and the girls were very excited about their new room.
This got me thinking. How many times do we tell ourselves that we are going to get right with God but when we start to clean up our act we find it gets hard and sometimes messy? No one told us that because we said we wanted to get right that we didn't magically become a new person. No one told us we might have to "assemble" our project and get rid of habits that we might not want to get rid of.
Our instruction manual - the Bible. Our mess - bad habits. Before assembling - sorting out what needs to stay, what needs to be thrown out and following the directions to make sure our life has a solid foundation. After assembling - a new person filled with God's joy and striving to be the person God wants us to be.
Newbies is going on and is not too late to join and well as a Monday night bible study on Daniel.
Now for the thought of the day. My daughter just had her 14th birthday. She want's to work in interior design someday so we thought she might get a kick out designing her room for her birthday. She shares her room with her 8 year old sister and both have their own sides of the room with even a curtain to separate their portion. We took her to IKEA because it was a great place to deal with small spaces. She did have fun but what we all realized when we got everything home was...you have to assemble everything together yourself and I mean everything. Even a little box we had to assemble with screws - 12 of them to be exact. Needless to say, she also wanted the room a different color...so we painted (which I did get out of because I had vertigo...that's what I told my husband) So we had to clear the room. Where did we clear their stuff? In our room and in their brother's room and we had to assemble everything in the living room and so on. Our whole house look like it exploded with clothes and boxes. After we painted and put things back and organized their room, it looked awesome and the girls were very excited about their new room.
This got me thinking. How many times do we tell ourselves that we are going to get right with God but when we start to clean up our act we find it gets hard and sometimes messy? No one told us that because we said we wanted to get right that we didn't magically become a new person. No one told us we might have to "assemble" our project and get rid of habits that we might not want to get rid of.
Our instruction manual - the Bible. Our mess - bad habits. Before assembling - sorting out what needs to stay, what needs to be thrown out and following the directions to make sure our life has a solid foundation. After assembling - a new person filled with God's joy and striving to be the person God wants us to be.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Upcoming events and a little thought
First off, what's happening for women at Life Stream. Well, we have a Chapters meeting coming up on Tuesday, September 27 at 7:00 at Biggby. The book is called "Fool-proofing Your Life". Also, our Newbie Bible Study is actually going to start October 1 at 8:00 a.m. at Biggby. (due to soccer and cross country it was difficult to get together) Also - A PJ party for women on Tuesday, October 4th at 7 p.m. (I think). We hope to get as many women from the church there and just have fun, get to know each other, find out "how can I play?" (what's available for women at Life Stream), and more. Women of Adventure...sorry about the walk on the beach...I did not have any weekends or weeknights free this September so I failed you all. But I have had several women ask about Art Prize and walking Grand Rapids. We are planning on the Art Prize on October 2 after church. We will eat together then head to Grand Rapids and enjoy Art Prize. This is last minute but it is what it is. (profound)
Again, I want to put a plug in for Newbies Bible Study. This is for women who have never been in a bible study before or it's been a long time. It's a great way to ask questions and just learn more. See Lori or Vicki if you are interested.
Now for my little thought. I am a fan of the soap opera "All My Children" (don't judge me). If started watching "All My Children" when I was a freshmen in college. We could only get two channels and ABC was one of them and I didn't have classes at that hour. I would make sure I would be back in the dorm or around some TV during noon to watch what was going to happen and if something came up, I had someone record it on a VCR. It got to a point however, I think it was my junior year in college, that I would go to bed worrying about the fictional characters on this soap. I remember I was so worried about Dixie and how was she going to get away from Adam and that Tad is really the one for her and so forth. That is when I caught myself obsessing over "All My Children" and I had to tell myself...these people are not real! I stopped watching AMC for a while and gradually started watching it again but with a new outlook...if I miss an episode, it will be OK. That was 20 years ago. Now "All My Children" is going to be taken off the air...it's great now because with the show ending they are bringing back the characters that were "dead" and so a lot of my favorite characters that I watched 20 years ago that had "died" (some of them several times) are being brought back for the final episodes.
What does this have to do with anything especially on a Women's Ministry Blog? Well, it reminded me of what I should be thinking about. Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." My thoughts 20 years ago were on silly matters like "All My Children" and boys and such. I am so glad that I had some sense (or quite possibly God smacked me aside my head) to realize what pattern I was falling into and I was aware that I had to change my thought patterns.
What about you? Where are your thoughts? What do you mostly think about when you are sitting around? Do you need to change your thought patterns?
This is the last week for "All My Children" and I will be sad because it has been a part of me for 20 years. Yet I know...I'll be OK...it's not where my thoughts are anymore.
Again, I want to put a plug in for Newbies Bible Study. This is for women who have never been in a bible study before or it's been a long time. It's a great way to ask questions and just learn more. See Lori or Vicki if you are interested.
Now for my little thought. I am a fan of the soap opera "All My Children" (don't judge me). If started watching "All My Children" when I was a freshmen in college. We could only get two channels and ABC was one of them and I didn't have classes at that hour. I would make sure I would be back in the dorm or around some TV during noon to watch what was going to happen and if something came up, I had someone record it on a VCR. It got to a point however, I think it was my junior year in college, that I would go to bed worrying about the fictional characters on this soap. I remember I was so worried about Dixie and how was she going to get away from Adam and that Tad is really the one for her and so forth. That is when I caught myself obsessing over "All My Children" and I had to tell myself...these people are not real! I stopped watching AMC for a while and gradually started watching it again but with a new outlook...if I miss an episode, it will be OK. That was 20 years ago. Now "All My Children" is going to be taken off the air...it's great now because with the show ending they are bringing back the characters that were "dead" and so a lot of my favorite characters that I watched 20 years ago that had "died" (some of them several times) are being brought back for the final episodes.
What does this have to do with anything especially on a Women's Ministry Blog? Well, it reminded me of what I should be thinking about. Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." My thoughts 20 years ago were on silly matters like "All My Children" and boys and such. I am so glad that I had some sense (or quite possibly God smacked me aside my head) to realize what pattern I was falling into and I was aware that I had to change my thought patterns.
What about you? Where are your thoughts? What do you mostly think about when you are sitting around? Do you need to change your thought patterns?
This is the last week for "All My Children" and I will be sad because it has been a part of me for 20 years. Yet I know...I'll be OK...it's not where my thoughts are anymore.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Different events available in the month of September!
We have a lot of things planned for this coming year that if you are a woman, you can be involved with! Just to mention some of the things happening in September, we have a Newbies Bible Study (a bible study for those new to the bible or for those that are new to bible study or for those that have questions about the bible) that will start on Saturday, September 24 at Biggby's Coffee House at 7:30 a.m. (for those of you that went "uuuugggghhhhh, 7:30 in the morning?!" I know, it's early but you have the rest of the day for yourself or your family and it's a great way to start the morning!)
Chapters will meet at the end of September. Tuesday, September 27 to be exact at 7:00 p.m. at Biggby's. We are reading "Fool-proofing Your Life: How to Deal Effectively with the Impossible People in Your Life". Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Pick up a book at the church or at the library and read it and then on the 27, we will get together and discuss!
I'll have to get the exact date on this but our Monday night Bible Study will also begin. This session is about Daniel. I'll find more information and get it out soon. I will also check on the morning bible study for those interested.
Our last Women of Adventure was a blast and what a beautiful night for kayaking and paddleboarding. Our next adventure will be a prayer/beach walk along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. I'll get that information out soon as well.
We have many more things happening as well but I just thought I'd put down what I know for sure is happening.
Chapters will meet at the end of September. Tuesday, September 27 to be exact at 7:00 p.m. at Biggby's. We are reading "Fool-proofing Your Life: How to Deal Effectively with the Impossible People in Your Life". Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Pick up a book at the church or at the library and read it and then on the 27, we will get together and discuss!
I'll have to get the exact date on this but our Monday night Bible Study will also begin. This session is about Daniel. I'll find more information and get it out soon. I will also check on the morning bible study for those interested.
Our last Women of Adventure was a blast and what a beautiful night for kayaking and paddleboarding. Our next adventure will be a prayer/beach walk along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. I'll get that information out soon as well.
We have many more things happening as well but I just thought I'd put down what I know for sure is happening.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
We are up and running again!
OK. So first of all sorry that it has been since June that we have put anything on our blog. Something was up with our blogspot but now we have solved the problem! So last night we went kayaking and some even tried a stand up paddle board on Lake Macatawa. What a beautiful night! We talked about resting and finding something that we can do to recharge our batteries. Even as I type this entry about rest and finding a quiet time I am running upstairs telling my kids to quit being so loud, stop running and clean their rooms! I type then run, then type again and then run back upstairs until I don't want to run upstairs anymore and just start yelling my orders from the computer desk. Does that sound peaceful? Anyone else ready for school to start?
Finding rest is important. What recharges your batteries? What brings a smile to your face? Are the people you are surrounding yourself with encouragers or joy suckers? When was the last time you opened your bible?
Your challenge: Find a quiet time...even with children this is important. Even if you have to ask a friend to help..ask and recharge your batteries! When you are recharged it is better for you, your family, your work and your spiritual life. Even Jesus knew that rest was important. In Matthew 8:18, Jesus withdrew from the crowds (after healing and teaching many) and got in a boat to cross the lake and rested. He even was asleep during a storm! If Jesus found time to rest, even when he knew his time on earth was short and he had a lot to do, why is it then that we don't find time to rest ourselves?
We will be updating you on all the womens events that are happening in the near future. We will do better at updating the blog...I'll just say I've been resting during the summer months to get ready for the fall! (yeah, that's my story :)
Finding rest is important. What recharges your batteries? What brings a smile to your face? Are the people you are surrounding yourself with encouragers or joy suckers? When was the last time you opened your bible?
Your challenge: Find a quiet time...even with children this is important. Even if you have to ask a friend to help..ask and recharge your batteries! When you are recharged it is better for you, your family, your work and your spiritual life. Even Jesus knew that rest was important. In Matthew 8:18, Jesus withdrew from the crowds (after healing and teaching many) and got in a boat to cross the lake and rested. He even was asleep during a storm! If Jesus found time to rest, even when he knew his time on earth was short and he had a lot to do, why is it then that we don't find time to rest ourselves?
We will be updating you on all the womens events that are happening in the near future. We will do better at updating the blog...I'll just say I've been resting during the summer months to get ready for the fall! (yeah, that's my story :)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Women of Adventure devotional and Luge Information
We will be going to Muskegon on Saturday June 25 and going down the Luge! I tried it last week and it will be fun. Meet at the church at 9:15 a.m. with $8.00 and proof of insurance. (It's not an adventure if you don't need proof of insurance, right?) Here is the devotional for tomorrows adventure.
I was reading a Christian website the other day and the title "Five Signs You're Too Comfortable" popped up. That title intrigued me because with Women of Adventure, we do things to get out of our comfort zones. Then I read the article and it was an excerpt from a book, "The Reluctant Entertainer". Now anyone that really knows me knows that hospitality is not one of my spiritual gifts. Anyone can come over to my house anytime just don't expect the house to be clean. I don't even have doors on my kitchen cupboards so people can help themselves and they don't have to ask me where my glasses are. Basically, if you are thirsty when you are over at my house...if you can see the glasses, get up and get yourself a glass of water. I can't even cook that well. When my children were little and we lived in Wisconsin, they use to think our oven was the fireplace. Now in my defense, there was something wrong with oven but several fires did take place.
You probably want to know what the "Five Signs You're Too Comfortable" are.
1. You haven't had people in to your home for at least 6 months.
2. You worry too much about the appearance of your house.
3. You haven't forged a new friendship in a year.
4. You've become obsessed with your family's problems.
5. You haven't tried a new recipe in months; your cooking is in a rut.
(you got me on the last one)
The author then made a statement that really stuck with me. "Sometimes we love safety so much, it stifles us. And when we are stifled, we don't grow beyond a certain point which means we miss out on many of life's blessings." How true, and not just for hospitality but other parts in our lives. What about our spiritual life? How's are reading the bible, or serving? Have we invited people to church or talked to new people in church or shared with a neighbor your love for the Lord? Have we sought out answers about God or are you too embarrassed to ask because you don't want to appear stupid or what people would think?
As women, we sometimes think we have to have it all together in order to try something new or meet new people. The author of "The Reluctant Entertainer" also gave some steps to "courageous hospitality". (I love that term) but we can use these steps to "courageous living".
Ten Steps to Courageous Hospitality
1. Know that you are valuable and important to God and made in His image.
2. Know that you are unique and that people want to know you more.
3. Focus your will onto something meaningful (relationships!).
4. Lean into your fears; learn that things do not have to be perfect.
5. Learn that people usually don't care about the things that bother you.
6. Learn to take a small hill. Start small and invite people into your life.
7. Make soul-friends, friends who get what you are all about.
8. Love the unlovely. Does it really matter what your house looks like?
9. Combat materialism. You don't need the newest or the best.
10. Fight cynicism, which can drain us of hope, creativity, and energy -- all building blocks for courage.
Again, I didn't write the list but thought it was a good reminder. We are going down a luge...it's something unknown and something that will take courage. Life takes courage and the more we gain courage, the more we will be able to set aside our worries, problems, fears and negative thoughts and start living a courageous life.
I was reading a Christian website the other day and the title "Five Signs You're Too Comfortable" popped up. That title intrigued me because with Women of Adventure, we do things to get out of our comfort zones. Then I read the article and it was an excerpt from a book, "The Reluctant Entertainer". Now anyone that really knows me knows that hospitality is not one of my spiritual gifts. Anyone can come over to my house anytime just don't expect the house to be clean. I don't even have doors on my kitchen cupboards so people can help themselves and they don't have to ask me where my glasses are. Basically, if you are thirsty when you are over at my house...if you can see the glasses, get up and get yourself a glass of water. I can't even cook that well. When my children were little and we lived in Wisconsin, they use to think our oven was the fireplace. Now in my defense, there was something wrong with oven but several fires did take place.
You probably want to know what the "Five Signs You're Too Comfortable" are.
1. You haven't had people in to your home for at least 6 months.
2. You worry too much about the appearance of your house.
3. You haven't forged a new friendship in a year.
4. You've become obsessed with your family's problems.
5. You haven't tried a new recipe in months; your cooking is in a rut.
(you got me on the last one)
The author then made a statement that really stuck with me. "Sometimes we love safety so much, it stifles us. And when we are stifled, we don't grow beyond a certain point which means we miss out on many of life's blessings." How true, and not just for hospitality but other parts in our lives. What about our spiritual life? How's are reading the bible, or serving? Have we invited people to church or talked to new people in church or shared with a neighbor your love for the Lord? Have we sought out answers about God or are you too embarrassed to ask because you don't want to appear stupid or what people would think?
As women, we sometimes think we have to have it all together in order to try something new or meet new people. The author of "The Reluctant Entertainer" also gave some steps to "courageous hospitality". (I love that term) but we can use these steps to "courageous living".
Ten Steps to Courageous Hospitality
1. Know that you are valuable and important to God and made in His image.
2. Know that you are unique and that people want to know you more.
3. Focus your will onto something meaningful (relationships!).
4. Lean into your fears; learn that things do not have to be perfect.
5. Learn that people usually don't care about the things that bother you.
6. Learn to take a small hill. Start small and invite people into your life.
7. Make soul-friends, friends who get what you are all about.
8. Love the unlovely. Does it really matter what your house looks like?
9. Combat materialism. You don't need the newest or the best.
10. Fight cynicism, which can drain us of hope, creativity, and energy -- all building blocks for courage.
Again, I didn't write the list but thought it was a good reminder. We are going down a luge...it's something unknown and something that will take courage. Life takes courage and the more we gain courage, the more we will be able to set aside our worries, problems, fears and negative thoughts and start living a courageous life.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Does God Still Love Me if I Can't Sit Up in My Skinny Jeans? Days 33 - 40
Good morning friends - So I feel like I need to start off this post with an apology. For weeks I have been meaning to finish up the last of week of the Body Temple study. Originally the study was going to go for a cool 40 days and I and some of my friends did fast for forty days. However, I have struggled to finish the last week and I think like many things in my life I like to get almost to the end of something and then....Start something else! :-) So this last week of study is a long time coming.
My sister and I have been planning a trip. We are taking our kids - my two boys and her two girls out to see our family on the other side of the country in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Last fall we reunited with our dad whom we had not seen in over 30 years; it was an amazing, amazing experience. Something that I will be writing more about in the months to come.
As you can imagine, I wanted to get my body into shape before the big trip...and having gone through with you the study on the Body, I had learned a lot about myself and our precious heavenly Father. And I had lost some weight - enough to squeeze into my "skinny" jeans. And truly I mean squeeze! Do you ever squeeze yourself into your "skinny" jeans and then do the sit test? I mean, standing is one thing but sitting, that is totally something else isn't it? And there are types of sitting too, lets be honest. There's the kind where we sit on the bed leaning back trying to look casual, and then there is the sitting in a chair, still trying to lean back (and look casual) and then there is the all out sitting straight up. That one is the worst. It is terribly difficult to look casual while fighting with the belly fat - it just refuses to stay where I put it and these low rise jeans are not helpful in keeping the thing tucked.
So I sat here talking to the Lord about my body, well complaining really. Here is part of our conversation:
"Lord, I am tired of thinking about my body, about what I will wear - like these stupid "skinny" jeans. God I am tired of thinking about food - like what I should be putting into my body and what I shouldn't. I don't want to be in this generational trap always thinking about the size of my body. Lord, I know in my head and heart that you love me no matter what I look like. But Lord to be honest, sometimes I have a hard time loving myself. I really want to look cute on my trip Lord, but I realize that that is really the most shallow of requests. Father please help me to see me the way you see me. Help me to love myself the way you love me."
And so next I opened my Bible up to Matthew and was flipping through the pages until I came to this passage, this is the Lord's response:
"Dear one (I put that in there but I know I am His dear one so I figure it's o.k) do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
I know - unbelievable right? And as the tears began to pour I read these beautiful words from our Father in Heaven he said this:
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you--you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall I eat?' or 'What shall I wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them."
Do you ever have moments with the Father when you pour out your heart to Him and He responds specifically from His Word? This was definitely one of those moments. It was as if he was physically sitting right here next to me. He finished up with these words:
"But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
My dear sisters. The Word of God is so rich, so real, so amazing! In these beautiful pages we have everything we need to do life. God in His mercy and grace did not leave us alone to try to figure this stuff out on our own. When we ask He is quick to answer and the Holy Spirit is just as quick to comfort us when we feel alone. We are here for so much more than "skinny" jeans dear ones. We are here to learn and grow and when we have so much from Him how could we possibly not live our lives in service to Him? There is an important shift that needs to happen in our lives. It is good to be healthy to exercise and to lose weight, but when the effort flows from our service to our Father in heaven it becomes otherworldly; it becomes about Him and not about us. So this final week work hard, and eat healthy as would be pleasing in your service to God. Let's explore God's Word. Remember before you begin each day ask God to search your heart and see if there is any place in you that needs cleansing. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to His truth about you, then respond to him by confessing if necessary and then soak in the truth of His Word!
Day 33 - Read Matthew 6:25-27 Now read it again - this time if there is a word or phrase that speaks to you stop there and meditate on that word or phrase. Write it in your journal. Why do you think that word or phrase stood out to you? What does that word or phrase tell you about God? What does it tell you about you? Take some time to pray today - don't forget to thank God for the lessons He is teaching you.
Day 34 - Read Matthew 6:28-30 Apply the same questions from day 33 to this day and follow through with prayer and journaling
Day 35 - Read Matthew 6:31-32 Again apply the same questions as day 33 and follow through with prayer and journaling.
Day 36 - Read Matthew 6:33-34 - Apply same questions as day 33 and follow through with prayer and journaling.
Day 37 - Read Philippians 4:4-9 - Read these verses in their entirety. Just let the truth of God's word soak into the innermost parts of your being. These words are true and they are lasting from the earliest times in all lives all the way through to the end on this earth and beyond. Spend some time today thanking God for His many blessings. In your journal write out everything you can think of that is a blessing in your life then lift all of these up to God in thankfulness for all He has done.
Day 38 - Read Philippians 4:4-7 - Apply the principles from day 33 to these verses - what is God saying to you personally in these words?
Day 39 - Read Philippians 4:8-9 - Apply the principles from day 33 and ask yourself these questions:
How can I view exercise and diet from God's point of view?
What am I thankful about as it relates to my body?
Where do I need peace from God in my life?
Get specific in your journal about these questions and then lay them down before God.
Day 40 - Wow are we finally here? I can't believe what an amazing journey we have been on these last few weeks and even months. What an awesome God we serve. As I think of all my friends and women in general - my love for you is beyond what I ever thought it could be. Continue to seek God's face my dear sisters in Christ - we are on a journey which means until we enter into God's presence in heaven we have lots to learn and lots to give. Lets go forward from here eating, sleeping, exercising, serving and loving. We are going to have failures and bumps we are going to go backward and then forward again. But when we place our trust in Jesus we can do no better. May the God of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
My sister and I have been planning a trip. We are taking our kids - my two boys and her two girls out to see our family on the other side of the country in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Last fall we reunited with our dad whom we had not seen in over 30 years; it was an amazing, amazing experience. Something that I will be writing more about in the months to come.
As you can imagine, I wanted to get my body into shape before the big trip...and having gone through with you the study on the Body, I had learned a lot about myself and our precious heavenly Father. And I had lost some weight - enough to squeeze into my "skinny" jeans. And truly I mean squeeze! Do you ever squeeze yourself into your "skinny" jeans and then do the sit test? I mean, standing is one thing but sitting, that is totally something else isn't it? And there are types of sitting too, lets be honest. There's the kind where we sit on the bed leaning back trying to look casual, and then there is the sitting in a chair, still trying to lean back (and look casual) and then there is the all out sitting straight up. That one is the worst. It is terribly difficult to look casual while fighting with the belly fat - it just refuses to stay where I put it and these low rise jeans are not helpful in keeping the thing tucked.
So I sat here talking to the Lord about my body, well complaining really. Here is part of our conversation:
"Lord, I am tired of thinking about my body, about what I will wear - like these stupid "skinny" jeans. God I am tired of thinking about food - like what I should be putting into my body and what I shouldn't. I don't want to be in this generational trap always thinking about the size of my body. Lord, I know in my head and heart that you love me no matter what I look like. But Lord to be honest, sometimes I have a hard time loving myself. I really want to look cute on my trip Lord, but I realize that that is really the most shallow of requests. Father please help me to see me the way you see me. Help me to love myself the way you love me."
And so next I opened my Bible up to Matthew and was flipping through the pages until I came to this passage, this is the Lord's response:
"Dear one (I put that in there but I know I am His dear one so I figure it's o.k) do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
I know - unbelievable right? And as the tears began to pour I read these beautiful words from our Father in Heaven he said this:
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you--you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall I eat?' or 'What shall I wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them."
Do you ever have moments with the Father when you pour out your heart to Him and He responds specifically from His Word? This was definitely one of those moments. It was as if he was physically sitting right here next to me. He finished up with these words:
"But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
My dear sisters. The Word of God is so rich, so real, so amazing! In these beautiful pages we have everything we need to do life. God in His mercy and grace did not leave us alone to try to figure this stuff out on our own. When we ask He is quick to answer and the Holy Spirit is just as quick to comfort us when we feel alone. We are here for so much more than "skinny" jeans dear ones. We are here to learn and grow and when we have so much from Him how could we possibly not live our lives in service to Him? There is an important shift that needs to happen in our lives. It is good to be healthy to exercise and to lose weight, but when the effort flows from our service to our Father in heaven it becomes otherworldly; it becomes about Him and not about us. So this final week work hard, and eat healthy as would be pleasing in your service to God. Let's explore God's Word. Remember before you begin each day ask God to search your heart and see if there is any place in you that needs cleansing. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to His truth about you, then respond to him by confessing if necessary and then soak in the truth of His Word!
Day 33 - Read Matthew 6:25-27 Now read it again - this time if there is a word or phrase that speaks to you stop there and meditate on that word or phrase. Write it in your journal. Why do you think that word or phrase stood out to you? What does that word or phrase tell you about God? What does it tell you about you? Take some time to pray today - don't forget to thank God for the lessons He is teaching you.
Day 34 - Read Matthew 6:28-30 Apply the same questions from day 33 to this day and follow through with prayer and journaling
Day 35 - Read Matthew 6:31-32 Again apply the same questions as day 33 and follow through with prayer and journaling.
Day 36 - Read Matthew 6:33-34 - Apply same questions as day 33 and follow through with prayer and journaling.
Day 37 - Read Philippians 4:4-9 - Read these verses in their entirety. Just let the truth of God's word soak into the innermost parts of your being. These words are true and they are lasting from the earliest times in all lives all the way through to the end on this earth and beyond. Spend some time today thanking God for His many blessings. In your journal write out everything you can think of that is a blessing in your life then lift all of these up to God in thankfulness for all He has done.
Day 38 - Read Philippians 4:4-7 - Apply the principles from day 33 to these verses - what is God saying to you personally in these words?
Day 39 - Read Philippians 4:8-9 - Apply the principles from day 33 and ask yourself these questions:
How can I view exercise and diet from God's point of view?
What am I thankful about as it relates to my body?
Where do I need peace from God in my life?
Get specific in your journal about these questions and then lay them down before God.
Day 40 - Wow are we finally here? I can't believe what an amazing journey we have been on these last few weeks and even months. What an awesome God we serve. As I think of all my friends and women in general - my love for you is beyond what I ever thought it could be. Continue to seek God's face my dear sisters in Christ - we are on a journey which means until we enter into God's presence in heaven we have lots to learn and lots to give. Lets go forward from here eating, sleeping, exercising, serving and loving. We are going to have failures and bumps we are going to go backward and then forward again. But when we place our trust in Jesus we can do no better. May the God of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
LifeWalk
Good morning to all of you! You are invited to this weekends upcoming event Lifewalk benefiting the Lakeshore Pregnancy Center.
The mission of the Lakeshore Pregnancy Center is a Christ-centered ministry responding to those in our community experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, emphasizing the eternal value of all human life, and teaching biblical sexuality. The Lakeshore Pregnancy Center is celebrating its 20th year of ministry to men and women they are currently operating in Allegan, Allendale, Grand Haven and Holland.
Several of us at Life Stream will be walking to raise awareness and money for this wonderful ministry to those in our community. Please feel free to join us! We will be meeting at the Township Park in Allendale at 8:30 a.m. for registration with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. this coming Saturday.
We hope to see you there!
The mission of the Lakeshore Pregnancy Center is a Christ-centered ministry responding to those in our community experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, emphasizing the eternal value of all human life, and teaching biblical sexuality. The Lakeshore Pregnancy Center is celebrating its 20th year of ministry to men and women they are currently operating in Allegan, Allendale, Grand Haven and Holland.
Several of us at Life Stream will be walking to raise awareness and money for this wonderful ministry to those in our community. Please feel free to join us! We will be meeting at the Township Park in Allendale at 8:30 a.m. for registration with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. this coming Saturday.
We hope to see you there!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Women of Adventure
Kickboxing Saturday morning (April 30) at 10:00 a.m. at our new building. Meet in the cafegymatorium. Invite others! What a great way to excercise and meet new people.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
It's been a while
Sorry. I know it's been a while since anything has been posted...it was one of those things where I kept saying, "I'll do that tomorrow." You know how that can go sometimes...tomorrow turns into a month. I'll try to be better with updating things. OK. On to letting you know what events are coming up.
Tonight will be Chapters where we can discuss the book, "Heaven Is For Real". What a great book so I am looking forward to great conversation tonight at Biggby's at 7:00 p.m. I'll share thoughts from those that come tonight on the blog tomorrow in case some have to miss tonight.
Saturday the Women Of Adventure will be Kickboxing. Yes, kickboxing. We will meet at the church building at 10:00 a.m. As women sometimes we let taking care of ourselves go on the back burner because we are busy. If we feel better health wise we become better friends, moms, sisters, daughters etc... God has so much planned for us but sometimes we slow ourselves down. Kickboxing is just another way to excercise and try something different! Don't worry, you will not be judged.
I'll be better at posting things and different women's events going on at Life Stream.
Tonight will be Chapters where we can discuss the book, "Heaven Is For Real". What a great book so I am looking forward to great conversation tonight at Biggby's at 7:00 p.m. I'll share thoughts from those that come tonight on the blog tomorrow in case some have to miss tonight.
Saturday the Women Of Adventure will be Kickboxing. Yes, kickboxing. We will meet at the church building at 10:00 a.m. As women sometimes we let taking care of ourselves go on the back burner because we are busy. If we feel better health wise we become better friends, moms, sisters, daughters etc... God has so much planned for us but sometimes we slow ourselves down. Kickboxing is just another way to excercise and try something different! Don't worry, you will not be judged.
I'll be better at posting things and different women's events going on at Life Stream.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Heaven is for Real - book for Chapters
OK, so I'm not really good at updating the blog. Vicki did such a nice job with the Body Temple! If you participated in the study in anyway shape or form, please tell us.
I just finished reading our next Chapters book, "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. It is an easy read and a very good read. It makes you think about...so many things. I'm not going to go into detail about the book because I think everyone should read it.
Jesus loves children. When the disciples told the children to go away, Jesus scolded the disciples and embraced the children saying that we need to have a child-like faith. That makes me think, do we still have a child-like faith or as we get older do we become more jaded and skeptical. What happens to us that we lose our inner child and have a harder time trusting God and a harder time handing God control? Sometimes we try to overthink matters of religon and we do need to mature spiritually. Maybe, sometimes we need to take a step back and look at things with child-like eyes.
Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little Ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is Strong. Yes, Jesus Loves Me. Yes, Jesus Loves Me. Yes, Jesus Loves Me. The Bible tells me so.
I just finished reading our next Chapters book, "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. It is an easy read and a very good read. It makes you think about...so many things. I'm not going to go into detail about the book because I think everyone should read it.
Jesus loves children. When the disciples told the children to go away, Jesus scolded the disciples and embraced the children saying that we need to have a child-like faith. That makes me think, do we still have a child-like faith or as we get older do we become more jaded and skeptical. What happens to us that we lose our inner child and have a harder time trusting God and a harder time handing God control? Sometimes we try to overthink matters of religon and we do need to mature spiritually. Maybe, sometimes we need to take a step back and look at things with child-like eyes.
Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little Ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is Strong. Yes, Jesus Loves Me. Yes, Jesus Loves Me. Yes, Jesus Loves Me. The Bible tells me so.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Princess and the King (days 28 - 32)
There was no clear event that had brought the princess to this place of darkness. No misfortune that she could point to and say, "That is when the unhappiness began." Yet sadness was an unwelcome companion who dogged her steps. "How long can I do this?" thought the young princess? Oh, she had tried, and failed, to get back to normal life. "Just stick to the routine," she told herself. But no matter her effort, despair and loneliness shadowed her every thought. It was as though her entire life was falling apart. "Go to the Father," the quiet voice spoke to her. She considered the advice but doubts crept in swirling over her mind like a shroud. "The King is too busy with important matters of state," she reasoned, "He is too busy to see me," and in the deepest part of her, fear lay like a stone and the fear was not silent. The fear told her that she was not worthy to see the King and that even if He did see her He would not help. The fear told her that there was no comfort for her in the presence of the King. Despair threatened to engulf her until out of desperation she turned toward the great hallway that led to the throne room. She took little notice of the deference paid her by the King's servants. Her typically gracious demeanor swallowed up by worry.
Soon she was standing at the great doors to the throne room. Instinctively she knew she could approach her Father with confidence, yet still, doubt nagged at her compelling her to remain outside. The golden doors to the great hall rose above her, an imposing barrier to her Father within. Pushing aside doubt, she gathered her courage and nudged the door open. It swung easily on its hinges and opened upon a magnificent room lined on either side by great marble pillars which reached high to the vaulted ceiling. Flame from the free standing torches flickered playfully against the golden walls, beckoning the young girl forward. Still, despair clutched at the heart of the princess and she nearly turned to leave but once again she gathered herself and padded forward, her slippers barely making a sound on the smooth surface of the marble floor.
Her Father was surrounded by a group of men conferring on important matters of state. Suddenly the group parted and the King turned His gaze to His daughter. How He knew of her presence she could not tell. She had not been announced but yet He knew she was there. She stopped, breathless as she gazed into His eyes. And it seemed that within that moment her fears melted away and she remembered how much she loved Him, how much she trusted Him. He left his group and hurried to her His face full of love and concern. He gathered her in His arms and held her. For a long time they remained there Father and daughter. It was as if the King made pause of time for her, just for her and the princess cried out her pain and fear releasing them to Him.
"Daughter," The word was softly spoken but the strength of it bore away her doubt and fear. She felt her burden lifted until it was gone leaving peace behind. The King guided his precious daughter outside to the garden where they walked and the daughter of the King poured out her heart.
"Why did you not come to me?" The Father asked not unkindly.
"I was afraid to come to you," She admitted.
"My Daughter," He said, "Why did you doubt?"
"I am really not sure," she responded as they sat on a bench in the garden, "Being here now makes me wonder what made me wait so long to come to you. Sometimes," she confessed, "I am afraid that you will be silent, that you won't answer me. I am afraid that I will be alone. But being here with you I realize that sometimes you allow me to go through things that are hard but you will never leave me during those times." The princess lay her head on the King's shoulder and felt His sigh of compassion even as her tears overflowed onto his sleeve. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, "I am sorry that I doubted you."
The King turned His daughter's face to Him and said "My daughter, I love you with an everlasting love. My love for you is higher than the heavens above the earth, and I remember your wrongdoing no more they are as far as the east is from the west. You are forgiven dearest, such is my love for you." The King smiled and pulled her to her feet.
"Now, lets hear what has you so upset, tell me everything." So the daughter of the King recounted for her Father the things on her heart and mind. And they walked in the garden until the shadows grew long and afternoon passed into the cool of evening.
My dear sisters do you see yourself in the life of this young princess? Do you believe that just as you are right this minute that God loves you? Do you believe that God loves you as a Father loves a beloved daughter? This week we will be looking at who we are before an almighty God. Because of the work that Jesus did for us we have the ability to become children of God. What an amazing gift!
Day 28
Journal writing. Can you relate to the young princess above? She is like so many of us isn't she? The longer we wait to run to the Father the more we sink in to doubt and fear. Sometimes it is very difficult to approach the Father because of all the junk that we are carrying around. It is time my friends to turn to the Father and allow Him to do a work. Lets take a look at some scripture that will help us to get there. The Father made a way for us to come to Him by way of Jesus His Son.
Read Romans 10:9-13 The word "Confess" in verse 9 is the Greek word homologeō which means to assent, that is to covenant, acknowledge
Have you acknowledged with your mouth that Jesus is Lord?
Do you believe that God will save you from the junk in your life?
Just like our princess we have to actually make a decision to turn away from our pain and open the door which leads to the Father. It begins with taking these steps and trusting Him for the results.
Day 29
Read Ephesians 1:4-13 Read through these verses and in your journal list all that you can see about what God has done for us as His children. Spend some time in prayer over each of the truths that you found about God in this passage. My prayer for you my dear sisters is verse 18 of that same chapter, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people."
Day 30
I believe that we struggle so much with our own insecurities and doubts that we miss the amazing truth of God's Word. Here is what we know from the passage from yesterday about our identity in Christ:
These truths are about you dear sisters that God loved us from the foundations of the earth and because of that great love you can say the following based on His Word:
1. I am chosen
2. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ
3. I am chosen to be holy and blameless
4. I am adopted
5. I am redeemed
6. I am forgiven
7. I am a recipient of His grace
8. I am sealed
9. I am blessed
What an amazing gift. Take a few moments to take in the truths of His Word and spend some time in prayer thanking Him for all that He has given you.
Day 31
How can we come before the Father? His Words says that because of the work that Jesus did on the cross that we can come boldly before the very throne of God.
Read Hebrews 4:14-16
The richness of this passage is beyond measure so lets take our time and discover what God would have us learn about how we approach the King.
1. Who is Jesus according to verse 14?
According to Jewish tradition a high priest would stand between God and the sins of the people. He would make a blood sacrifice to atone or pay for the sin of the people. God in His great love for us (Jews and non-Jews or Gentiles) sent his Son to stand in that place for us to shed his blood to pay for the sins of the people. And because of that we are free to approach God.
2. According to verse 15 why is it that we can trust Jesus with all the junk that we carry and all the temptations that we experience every day?
3. What is the differernce between us and Jesus as it relates to temptation according to verse 15?
My friends, Jesus did it all for us and now we are able to push on those throne room doors and enter the very throne room of God our Father. We are princesses of the King.
Day 32
Read Hebrews 4:14-16 again and write in your journal what speaks most to you. Let the Word speak truth into the inner most parts of your heart. Now read verse 16 aloud and imagine yourself entering into the very presence of the God of the universe. He loves you so dear sisters. He longs to walk with you and talk with you.
1. How does verse 16 say that we can approach the throne of grace?
2. And what does it say will happen if we approach?
3. What areas of your life do you need God's mercy, His grace?
4. What would you say right now is your time of need?
Bring these areas before God right now and imaging yourself walking with him in the cool of the day. What does he say to you?
Challenge We are still working hard on losing that weight and being consistent in our exercise choices. This week I want you to get out the scale and weigh yourself. Then in your journal I want you to give that weight to God. Come before the throne of grace sisters, and confess what needs confessing. Receive that God loves you just as you are! Then in your journal I want you to set a goal. What would you like to weigh and what do you need to do to get there. Come up with a plan and follow it. You have been through a lot these last few weeks. It is time to trust in God for all the results. The next week we are going to wrap up this study and you will be ready to hit it hard with the goals that you have set. You can do it!
Soon she was standing at the great doors to the throne room. Instinctively she knew she could approach her Father with confidence, yet still, doubt nagged at her compelling her to remain outside. The golden doors to the great hall rose above her, an imposing barrier to her Father within. Pushing aside doubt, she gathered her courage and nudged the door open. It swung easily on its hinges and opened upon a magnificent room lined on either side by great marble pillars which reached high to the vaulted ceiling. Flame from the free standing torches flickered playfully against the golden walls, beckoning the young girl forward. Still, despair clutched at the heart of the princess and she nearly turned to leave but once again she gathered herself and padded forward, her slippers barely making a sound on the smooth surface of the marble floor.
Her Father was surrounded by a group of men conferring on important matters of state. Suddenly the group parted and the King turned His gaze to His daughter. How He knew of her presence she could not tell. She had not been announced but yet He knew she was there. She stopped, breathless as she gazed into His eyes. And it seemed that within that moment her fears melted away and she remembered how much she loved Him, how much she trusted Him. He left his group and hurried to her His face full of love and concern. He gathered her in His arms and held her. For a long time they remained there Father and daughter. It was as if the King made pause of time for her, just for her and the princess cried out her pain and fear releasing them to Him.
"Daughter," The word was softly spoken but the strength of it bore away her doubt and fear. She felt her burden lifted until it was gone leaving peace behind. The King guided his precious daughter outside to the garden where they walked and the daughter of the King poured out her heart.
"Why did you not come to me?" The Father asked not unkindly.
"I was afraid to come to you," She admitted.
"My Daughter," He said, "Why did you doubt?"
"I am really not sure," she responded as they sat on a bench in the garden, "Being here now makes me wonder what made me wait so long to come to you. Sometimes," she confessed, "I am afraid that you will be silent, that you won't answer me. I am afraid that I will be alone. But being here with you I realize that sometimes you allow me to go through things that are hard but you will never leave me during those times." The princess lay her head on the King's shoulder and felt His sigh of compassion even as her tears overflowed onto his sleeve. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, "I am sorry that I doubted you."
The King turned His daughter's face to Him and said "My daughter, I love you with an everlasting love. My love for you is higher than the heavens above the earth, and I remember your wrongdoing no more they are as far as the east is from the west. You are forgiven dearest, such is my love for you." The King smiled and pulled her to her feet.
"Now, lets hear what has you so upset, tell me everything." So the daughter of the King recounted for her Father the things on her heart and mind. And they walked in the garden until the shadows grew long and afternoon passed into the cool of evening.
My dear sisters do you see yourself in the life of this young princess? Do you believe that just as you are right this minute that God loves you? Do you believe that God loves you as a Father loves a beloved daughter? This week we will be looking at who we are before an almighty God. Because of the work that Jesus did for us we have the ability to become children of God. What an amazing gift!
Day 28
Journal writing. Can you relate to the young princess above? She is like so many of us isn't she? The longer we wait to run to the Father the more we sink in to doubt and fear. Sometimes it is very difficult to approach the Father because of all the junk that we are carrying around. It is time my friends to turn to the Father and allow Him to do a work. Lets take a look at some scripture that will help us to get there. The Father made a way for us to come to Him by way of Jesus His Son.
Read Romans 10:9-13 The word "Confess" in verse 9 is the Greek word homologeō which means to assent, that is to covenant, acknowledge
Have you acknowledged with your mouth that Jesus is Lord?
Do you believe that God will save you from the junk in your life?
Just like our princess we have to actually make a decision to turn away from our pain and open the door which leads to the Father. It begins with taking these steps and trusting Him for the results.
Day 29
Read Ephesians 1:4-13 Read through these verses and in your journal list all that you can see about what God has done for us as His children. Spend some time in prayer over each of the truths that you found about God in this passage. My prayer for you my dear sisters is verse 18 of that same chapter, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people."
Day 30
I believe that we struggle so much with our own insecurities and doubts that we miss the amazing truth of God's Word. Here is what we know from the passage from yesterday about our identity in Christ:
These truths are about you dear sisters that God loved us from the foundations of the earth and because of that great love you can say the following based on His Word:
1. I am chosen
2. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ
3. I am chosen to be holy and blameless
4. I am adopted
5. I am redeemed
6. I am forgiven
7. I am a recipient of His grace
8. I am sealed
9. I am blessed
What an amazing gift. Take a few moments to take in the truths of His Word and spend some time in prayer thanking Him for all that He has given you.
Day 31
How can we come before the Father? His Words says that because of the work that Jesus did on the cross that we can come boldly before the very throne of God.
Read Hebrews 4:14-16
The richness of this passage is beyond measure so lets take our time and discover what God would have us learn about how we approach the King.
1. Who is Jesus according to verse 14?
According to Jewish tradition a high priest would stand between God and the sins of the people. He would make a blood sacrifice to atone or pay for the sin of the people. God in His great love for us (Jews and non-Jews or Gentiles) sent his Son to stand in that place for us to shed his blood to pay for the sins of the people. And because of that we are free to approach God.
2. According to verse 15 why is it that we can trust Jesus with all the junk that we carry and all the temptations that we experience every day?
3. What is the differernce between us and Jesus as it relates to temptation according to verse 15?
My friends, Jesus did it all for us and now we are able to push on those throne room doors and enter the very throne room of God our Father. We are princesses of the King.
Day 32
Read Hebrews 4:14-16 again and write in your journal what speaks most to you. Let the Word speak truth into the inner most parts of your heart. Now read verse 16 aloud and imagine yourself entering into the very presence of the God of the universe. He loves you so dear sisters. He longs to walk with you and talk with you.
1. How does verse 16 say that we can approach the throne of grace?
2. And what does it say will happen if we approach?
3. What areas of your life do you need God's mercy, His grace?
4. What would you say right now is your time of need?
Bring these areas before God right now and imaging yourself walking with him in the cool of the day. What does he say to you?
Challenge We are still working hard on losing that weight and being consistent in our exercise choices. This week I want you to get out the scale and weigh yourself. Then in your journal I want you to give that weight to God. Come before the throne of grace sisters, and confess what needs confessing. Receive that God loves you just as you are! Then in your journal I want you to set a goal. What would you like to weigh and what do you need to do to get there. Come up with a plan and follow it. You have been through a lot these last few weeks. It is time to trust in God for all the results. The next week we are going to wrap up this study and you will be ready to hit it hard with the goals that you have set. You can do it!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
It's Been A While
Ok, so it's been a while since anything has been posted here. Well guess what - it's been busy!!! And if women are reading this, they will understand. In our last Chapters book, "Simply Wisdom" it talked about a balanced life. As I was typing, I almost typed the word laugh instead of life - I think because I was laughing to myself about a balanced life. As a group of wonderful women sat around Biggby coffee house this week to discuss the book we talked about this subject. We talked about having a "focused" life rather than a balanced life because who can balance their lives?
So, as many of you know, my mind races at over 100 miles per hour and the last thing I have (this is Lori writing in case you were wondering) is - what was I writing about? Oh yeah! Focus. So I am going to try today to focus on one aspect of my life with God. I am going to talk aloud, pray silently, or write down what I am thankful for. The kids were getting on the bus - thank God (not only that they left the house but also that they are wonderful children and they have good friends and a good school). I walked into the kitchen and saw the dirty dishes piled from the night before - thank you Lord for food that we can put on our table and feed not only my family but my children's friends that come by.
I don't think I'm the only one that has trouble focusing. I'm going to try today to focus on being thankful. I am also thankful for the wonderful girlfriends I have in my life - so thanks to anyone who is reading this!
So, as many of you know, my mind races at over 100 miles per hour and the last thing I have (this is Lori writing in case you were wondering) is - what was I writing about? Oh yeah! Focus. So I am going to try today to focus on one aspect of my life with God. I am going to talk aloud, pray silently, or write down what I am thankful for. The kids were getting on the bus - thank God (not only that they left the house but also that they are wonderful children and they have good friends and a good school). I walked into the kitchen and saw the dirty dishes piled from the night before - thank you Lord for food that we can put on our table and feed not only my family but my children's friends that come by.
I don't think I'm the only one that has trouble focusing. I'm going to try today to focus on being thankful. I am also thankful for the wonderful girlfriends I have in my life - so thanks to anyone who is reading this!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Evaluation (day 27)
We are going to make this short and sweet. Last week we did some digging into the lies that we believe about ourselves and then we looked at the truth of God's Word and what it says about how God created us. I want to wrap up this week by asking some follow-up questions. Please feel free to think about them or answer them by writing in your journal.
1. What was the most surprising thing that you discovered about yourself during last weeks lessons?
2. What was the most surprising or best thing that you learned about God?
3. Describe how you feel different now that you have dug up some of that junk from the past?
4. The enemy constantly wants to remind you of your past but God wants to heal you and bring you into a future of hope with Him. Are you ready to continually reject the lies of the enemy? How does it make you feel to be able to be free of that junk?
I hope that you have been encouraged and challenged this week my friends. I know that the Lord is so pleased with your efforts to continually draw closer to Him! Now that we have identified some of the lies of the enemy we are going to look more deeply into how God sees us. Be ready my friends it is going to be a great week!
Homework
One of my favorite Psalms is the Psalm 19 written by David described as a man after God's own heart. I love these words of praise from David's lips to God. I have often used these words in prayer. Take some time to read this entire chapter aloud - make it a prayer to God and let the words sink in to the inner most parts of your being - they are truly beautiful!
Challenge
Are you exercising 1/2 hour daily? Time to ramp up even more girlfriends. Our goal is to hit at least 45 minutes of movement a day. I like to break these up into 1/2 hour in the morning and another 15 minutes to 1/2 hour later on but feel free to do what feels good for you and your body. Remember though we need to find a balance between pushing ourselves past some of the pain but also listening to our bodies to avoid injury. Don't give up - keep going - you can do it! :-)
1. What was the most surprising thing that you discovered about yourself during last weeks lessons?
2. What was the most surprising or best thing that you learned about God?
3. Describe how you feel different now that you have dug up some of that junk from the past?
4. The enemy constantly wants to remind you of your past but God wants to heal you and bring you into a future of hope with Him. Are you ready to continually reject the lies of the enemy? How does it make you feel to be able to be free of that junk?
I hope that you have been encouraged and challenged this week my friends. I know that the Lord is so pleased with your efforts to continually draw closer to Him! Now that we have identified some of the lies of the enemy we are going to look more deeply into how God sees us. Be ready my friends it is going to be a great week!
Homework
One of my favorite Psalms is the Psalm 19 written by David described as a man after God's own heart. I love these words of praise from David's lips to God. I have often used these words in prayer. Take some time to read this entire chapter aloud - make it a prayer to God and let the words sink in to the inner most parts of your being - they are truly beautiful!
Challenge
Are you exercising 1/2 hour daily? Time to ramp up even more girlfriends. Our goal is to hit at least 45 minutes of movement a day. I like to break these up into 1/2 hour in the morning and another 15 minutes to 1/2 hour later on but feel free to do what feels good for you and your body. Remember though we need to find a balance between pushing ourselves past some of the pain but also listening to our bodies to avoid injury. Don't give up - keep going - you can do it! :-)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Ugly Lies Beautiful Truth (days 22 - 26 )
* Hello to you! Welcome to the Body Temple study. If you are just joining us and you would like to start from the beginning look to the right and you will notice under Blog Map the words "Body Temple" click on that and it will take you all of the Body Temple entries. Go to the very bottom and work your way up. May the Lord bless you in your journey!
We ALL have them - horror stories of when we began to have bad feelings about our bodies. I would bet a small fortune that every woman has experienced something which has shaped the way she feels about her body. Many of us carry those experiences and feelings to the present. We drag them along with us in our memories like so many heavy chains. Those experiences not only have left wounds but they also can also dictate how we live our daily lives. Things like what kind of clothes we buy or who we feel worthy to date or be married to, or what we see in the mirror every day. Those experiences have a profound effect on what we think about ourselves or even how we feel about God. Sometimes we are not even aware of the extent to which those words or experiences hold sway over our thinking.
When I was about thirteen I had one such event which shaped my own belief about my body. As a kid I was painfully thin. I have seen pictures of myself; I was all pointy bones and skin. Unlike some of my friends, adolescence had not yet rounded my body. At the time I was blissfully unaware of how my body looked. I had been raised in a family where I was loved and accepted. And I had not yet reached the age where I had become self-conscious of my looks. That however would change one summer day and my life after that event would never again be the same. My innocence was shattered with just one cruel observation. The day was warm and I and my friends were standing outside all wearing shorts outfits. One girl began to compare our legs. "Look," she said matter of factly, "Stacey has dancer's legs but look at Vicki her knees are knobby." It was the first time that I became aware that one girl was pretty while, according to my friend, I was not.
That moment changed me. For the first time I was ashamed of my body. It affected what I chose to wear, it changed the way I felt about myself. I prayed for different legs I prayed for a different body. My mom spoke wisdom into my life but I held onto the lie that was spoken over me. The girl that said the words probably never knew the impact she had on my life. But the damage was done and the enemy used it in my life to create body image issues that would follow me for years. The truth is that I gave the enemy permission to speak lies into my life. When I agreed with the lie he then had power over me. For as long as I was in agreement with the lie I opened myself up to attacks of self-doubt and fear.
The enemy begins with one lie but he does not stop there. His words are poison and his goal is to infect every area of our lives. For me the lie began with, "Your legs are ugly," and once I had received that as truth the lies continued. Softly he whispered more, "Your whole body is ugly, how could anyone like someone like you? You don't deserve to have friends, You are unlovable, No one will love you..." With each successive lie and subsequent agreement the web increased as did the territory that I conceded to the enemy.
Do you see my dear sisters how quickly we can be engulfed in negative thoughts and lies? It takes no time at all and we are literally held captive.
The beautiful answer dear ones is that we have a way out, a way of freedom which only God offers. He extends tender mercy and acceptance. His way brings wholeness; His way brings healing. This week we are going to identify the lies that the enemy has told us regarding our bodies.
The homework for this week may take you to places that you have not visited in a while. I would encourage you here to make sure that you have a trusted friend available to talk through the things that you discover. If you do not have anyone than please contact us at Life Stream via our email and someone will help you walk through this. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus then please call or email us and we would love to talk to you and pray with you. Again this will be an extensive week of searching God's Word so take your time with each day. I am praying for you my friends. May God bless you in your journey!
Day 22
Homework
Important: Pray first before you begin. Ask God to reveal the lies that were spoken over you and the lies that you believed. Ask God for protection against the enemy and claim victory with the blood of Jesus.
Get out your journal now and think back to any past or present moments where you have felt bad about your body. If you can I want you to write down what was said and identify the lie. Remember that Satan does not stop with just one lie. So next write down all the subsequent lies that you believed about yourself. All week we will be combing through the scriptures for the truth and we will begin with Psalm 139:13-18 - read these verses aloud. Let the truth of God's Word sink in to the inner most parts of your being. For today I want you to just get an overview of this beautiful passage we will break it down in subsequent days.
Challenge
Continue your work outs and your good eating habits. Are you remembering to pray your special prayer before each time you eat. Let the food nourish your body but remember don't abuse your body with food! Are you feeling stronger after all this working out? If you have been pushing your body to 1/2 hour work-outs then today go back to a 10 minute workout. Journal how you felt after 10 minutes. Your body is getting stronger!
Day 23
Important: Pray first before you begin. Ask God to reveal the lies that were spoken over you and the lies that you believed. Ask God for protection against the enemy and claim victory with the blood of Jesus.
Homework
Today in your journaling I want you to go deeper. Yesterday you identified some of the lies that the enemy told you, lies that you believed. Think back to the moment that you believed that first lie. If you can, write in your journal that story. Be specific with details. This may bring back some pretty deep pain, allow yourself to feel that. But keep in mind the scripture that you read yesterday and the hope that it provides!
Now go back to the scripture Psalm 139:13-14 - Write these verses in your journal. From this passage write the truths that you can glean about how God feels about you and your creation.
Read over the lies that you wrote down and reject the lies in the name of Jesus - do this out loud and claim the blood that purchased your redemption. We will learn a little more about this purchase tomorrow.
Day 24
Homework:
Read Psalm 139:13-14
According to v. 13:
1. Who created you?
The word "created" in verse 13 is the Hebrew word qanah which means: create by extension to procure especially by purchase.
Read Revelation 5:9
2. What did Christ do on our behalf?
Christ was slain and shed his blood which purchased us for God.
3. What does the text say specifically about how you were made?
The King James Version uses the word "covered me in my mother's womb" The word "covered" or maybe your version says "knit" is the Hebrew word sakak sakak which means to entwine as a screen or implies a covering or protection.
My dear sisters God not only created you and protected your life, He made a way of protection from the sin and death. He has purchased our very lives with his blood.
Prayer - the more you are able to believe the truths of God's word the less power those lies will have over you. Continue to pray for strength and wisdom to believe the truth of God's Word. God did not make a mistake when he made you my friend. He knew what He was doing - He took great care to create, protect and purchase.
Day 25
Homework
Read Psalm 139:15-16 Read these verses aloud and allow them to speak to you. Write down in your journal which words or phrases stood out to you.
1. Of the words or phrases which stood out - what can you learn about God?
2. Of those same words or phrases what can you learn about yourself?
3. Look back over the lies that you believed about yourself - how do these verses refute those lies?
4. What does verse 16 say about your days?
Prayer Time - Spend some time thanking God for all the ways that He made you. Even the ways that you would see as negative God will use it for your good. In what ways has God used you to minister to others?
Day 26
Homework
Read Psalm 139 17-18 Read these verses aloud and allow them to speak to you. Write down in your journal which words or phrases stood out to you.
1. Of the words or phrases which stood out - what can you learn about God?
2. Of those same words or phrases what can you learn about yourself?
3. What can you learn about God's thoughts toward you?
4. How do God's thoughts about you differ from your thoughts toward yourself?
God's thoughts toward you outnumber the grains of sand - what an amazing God we serve! Imagine how much God loves you to have His thoughts so turned toward you!
Spend some time in prayer just sitting quietly before God pray the words of Psalm 139:17-18 to Him and let the truth of His Word reach the innermost part of your being. Allow God to do a work of healing in your lives my dear sisters. The truth of God's thoughts toward you are so much greater than the lies that you have believed about yourselves! Tomorrow we will spend some time evaluating this last week. You have done well. Remember the words of Zephaniah
The Lord your God is with you
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
We ALL have them - horror stories of when we began to have bad feelings about our bodies. I would bet a small fortune that every woman has experienced something which has shaped the way she feels about her body. Many of us carry those experiences and feelings to the present. We drag them along with us in our memories like so many heavy chains. Those experiences not only have left wounds but they also can also dictate how we live our daily lives. Things like what kind of clothes we buy or who we feel worthy to date or be married to, or what we see in the mirror every day. Those experiences have a profound effect on what we think about ourselves or even how we feel about God. Sometimes we are not even aware of the extent to which those words or experiences hold sway over our thinking.
When I was about thirteen I had one such event which shaped my own belief about my body. As a kid I was painfully thin. I have seen pictures of myself; I was all pointy bones and skin. Unlike some of my friends, adolescence had not yet rounded my body. At the time I was blissfully unaware of how my body looked. I had been raised in a family where I was loved and accepted. And I had not yet reached the age where I had become self-conscious of my looks. That however would change one summer day and my life after that event would never again be the same. My innocence was shattered with just one cruel observation. The day was warm and I and my friends were standing outside all wearing shorts outfits. One girl began to compare our legs. "Look," she said matter of factly, "Stacey has dancer's legs but look at Vicki her knees are knobby." It was the first time that I became aware that one girl was pretty while, according to my friend, I was not.
That moment changed me. For the first time I was ashamed of my body. It affected what I chose to wear, it changed the way I felt about myself. I prayed for different legs I prayed for a different body. My mom spoke wisdom into my life but I held onto the lie that was spoken over me. The girl that said the words probably never knew the impact she had on my life. But the damage was done and the enemy used it in my life to create body image issues that would follow me for years. The truth is that I gave the enemy permission to speak lies into my life. When I agreed with the lie he then had power over me. For as long as I was in agreement with the lie I opened myself up to attacks of self-doubt and fear.
The enemy begins with one lie but he does not stop there. His words are poison and his goal is to infect every area of our lives. For me the lie began with, "Your legs are ugly," and once I had received that as truth the lies continued. Softly he whispered more, "Your whole body is ugly, how could anyone like someone like you? You don't deserve to have friends, You are unlovable, No one will love you..." With each successive lie and subsequent agreement the web increased as did the territory that I conceded to the enemy.
Do you see my dear sisters how quickly we can be engulfed in negative thoughts and lies? It takes no time at all and we are literally held captive.
The beautiful answer dear ones is that we have a way out, a way of freedom which only God offers. He extends tender mercy and acceptance. His way brings wholeness; His way brings healing. This week we are going to identify the lies that the enemy has told us regarding our bodies.
The homework for this week may take you to places that you have not visited in a while. I would encourage you here to make sure that you have a trusted friend available to talk through the things that you discover. If you do not have anyone than please contact us at Life Stream via our email and someone will help you walk through this. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus then please call or email us and we would love to talk to you and pray with you. Again this will be an extensive week of searching God's Word so take your time with each day. I am praying for you my friends. May God bless you in your journey!
Day 22
Homework
Important: Pray first before you begin. Ask God to reveal the lies that were spoken over you and the lies that you believed. Ask God for protection against the enemy and claim victory with the blood of Jesus.
Get out your journal now and think back to any past or present moments where you have felt bad about your body. If you can I want you to write down what was said and identify the lie. Remember that Satan does not stop with just one lie. So next write down all the subsequent lies that you believed about yourself. All week we will be combing through the scriptures for the truth and we will begin with Psalm 139:13-18 - read these verses aloud. Let the truth of God's Word sink in to the inner most parts of your being. For today I want you to just get an overview of this beautiful passage we will break it down in subsequent days.
Challenge
Continue your work outs and your good eating habits. Are you remembering to pray your special prayer before each time you eat. Let the food nourish your body but remember don't abuse your body with food! Are you feeling stronger after all this working out? If you have been pushing your body to 1/2 hour work-outs then today go back to a 10 minute workout. Journal how you felt after 10 minutes. Your body is getting stronger!
Day 23
Important: Pray first before you begin. Ask God to reveal the lies that were spoken over you and the lies that you believed. Ask God for protection against the enemy and claim victory with the blood of Jesus.
Homework
Today in your journaling I want you to go deeper. Yesterday you identified some of the lies that the enemy told you, lies that you believed. Think back to the moment that you believed that first lie. If you can, write in your journal that story. Be specific with details. This may bring back some pretty deep pain, allow yourself to feel that. But keep in mind the scripture that you read yesterday and the hope that it provides!
Now go back to the scripture Psalm 139:13-14 - Write these verses in your journal. From this passage write the truths that you can glean about how God feels about you and your creation.
Read over the lies that you wrote down and reject the lies in the name of Jesus - do this out loud and claim the blood that purchased your redemption. We will learn a little more about this purchase tomorrow.
Day 24
Homework:
Read Psalm 139:13-14
According to v. 13:
1. Who created you?
The word "created" in verse 13 is the Hebrew word qanah which means: create by extension to procure especially by purchase.
Read Revelation 5:9
2. What did Christ do on our behalf?
Christ was slain and shed his blood which purchased us for God.
3. What does the text say specifically about how you were made?
The King James Version uses the word "covered me in my mother's womb" The word "covered" or maybe your version says "knit" is the Hebrew word sakak sakak which means to entwine as a screen or implies a covering or protection.
My dear sisters God not only created you and protected your life, He made a way of protection from the sin and death. He has purchased our very lives with his blood.
Prayer - the more you are able to believe the truths of God's word the less power those lies will have over you. Continue to pray for strength and wisdom to believe the truth of God's Word. God did not make a mistake when he made you my friend. He knew what He was doing - He took great care to create, protect and purchase.
Day 25
Homework
Read Psalm 139:15-16 Read these verses aloud and allow them to speak to you. Write down in your journal which words or phrases stood out to you.
1. Of the words or phrases which stood out - what can you learn about God?
2. Of those same words or phrases what can you learn about yourself?
3. Look back over the lies that you believed about yourself - how do these verses refute those lies?
4. What does verse 16 say about your days?
Prayer Time - Spend some time thanking God for all the ways that He made you. Even the ways that you would see as negative God will use it for your good. In what ways has God used you to minister to others?
Day 26
Homework
Read Psalm 139 17-18 Read these verses aloud and allow them to speak to you. Write down in your journal which words or phrases stood out to you.
1. Of the words or phrases which stood out - what can you learn about God?
2. Of those same words or phrases what can you learn about yourself?
3. What can you learn about God's thoughts toward you?
4. How do God's thoughts about you differ from your thoughts toward yourself?
God's thoughts toward you outnumber the grains of sand - what an amazing God we serve! Imagine how much God loves you to have His thoughts so turned toward you!
Spend some time in prayer just sitting quietly before God pray the words of Psalm 139:17-18 to Him and let the truth of His Word reach the innermost part of your being. Allow God to do a work of healing in your lives my dear sisters. The truth of God's thoughts toward you are so much greater than the lies that you have believed about yourselves! Tomorrow we will spend some time evaluating this last week. You have done well. Remember the words of Zephaniah
The Lord your God is with you
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
If you have any questions about how to become a Jesus follower please email us and we would be glad to talk to you. Email us at lifestreamwomen@lifestreamweb.org May the Lord bless you and keep you, May He make His face to smile upon you and give you peace.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Small thing
I hate to interrupt what Vicki is doing with her Body Temple study but I thought I had to write about this odd little God moment that happened to me this morning. When my kids are waiting for the bus to come in the morning I usally sit on the back of my big lounging chair and look out the bay window for the bus. While I do this, I have been reading short devotionals from Joel Osteen "Your Best Life Begins Each Morning". Now sometimes I will admit that Joel Osteen's positive "You can do it!" mentality can be overwhelming or (I hate to even say this but) cheesy. I just picture this guy smiling ear to ear and it hurts my face just looking at him. I'm sure if I came to him and told him I just lost my right leg he would tell me that my left leg has been waiting for this moment all it's life and will strive to be even better than my right one ever would. OK, that's a stretch and I really don't know Joel Osteen personally and I am really off the topic.
Anyway, I was reading a devotional about being surrounded with favor. He wrote of how even in the mundane routines of our lives, God still wants us to seek His favor. An example was given of how even if you are stuck in traffic and are trying to get to an important appointment we can simply say, "Father, I thank You that I have Your favor, and that You are going to make a way for me where it appears that there is no way right now." Then he says to trust God and keep your eyes open for any opportunities.
Here's where my God moment comes in. I read that I ask God to grant favor for my children and husband and then watched the kids get on the bus and I went back to bed. My husband calls me about 20 minutes later and asks me to find this special fitting water resistant plastic wrap to put on a broken arm. Our friend just had surgery on her wrist and needed something so she could shower but not get her arm wet. We actually do have such an item because in the summer of 2007, both my daughters had broken arms. You use this special wrap for showers, swimming etc. The thing is we had it in 2007 and we moved to Michigan in 2007. We still have unpacked boxes in the garage and in different storage areas. So, I put my devotional reading to use. I asked God, "God, I know this is a small thing but if You find favor with me, could You help me find this thing?" I looked then in the closet and .... it wasn't there. My husband calls me and asks me something else. By this time I had to get going to the school to volunteer. I'm out in the garage getting in the van, talking to my husband when I look in a clear bin in the back of the garage. Yep, there I could see the special wrap through the clear container that has been packed for 3 1/2 years. I was on the phone and just saying "No way!" Followed quickly by a "Thank You God for showing me favor."
This was a small thing but an actual "Wow" moment. The scripture verse I read was Psalm 5:12 about being surrounded with God's favor.
Anyway, I was reading a devotional about being surrounded with favor. He wrote of how even in the mundane routines of our lives, God still wants us to seek His favor. An example was given of how even if you are stuck in traffic and are trying to get to an important appointment we can simply say, "Father, I thank You that I have Your favor, and that You are going to make a way for me where it appears that there is no way right now." Then he says to trust God and keep your eyes open for any opportunities.
Here's where my God moment comes in. I read that I ask God to grant favor for my children and husband and then watched the kids get on the bus and I went back to bed. My husband calls me about 20 minutes later and asks me to find this special fitting water resistant plastic wrap to put on a broken arm. Our friend just had surgery on her wrist and needed something so she could shower but not get her arm wet. We actually do have such an item because in the summer of 2007, both my daughters had broken arms. You use this special wrap for showers, swimming etc. The thing is we had it in 2007 and we moved to Michigan in 2007. We still have unpacked boxes in the garage and in different storage areas. So, I put my devotional reading to use. I asked God, "God, I know this is a small thing but if You find favor with me, could You help me find this thing?" I looked then in the closet and .... it wasn't there. My husband calls me and asks me something else. By this time I had to get going to the school to volunteer. I'm out in the garage getting in the van, talking to my husband when I look in a clear bin in the back of the garage. Yep, there I could see the special wrap through the clear container that has been packed for 3 1/2 years. I was on the phone and just saying "No way!" Followed quickly by a "Thank You God for showing me favor."
This was a small thing but an actual "Wow" moment. The scripture verse I read was Psalm 5:12 about being surrounded with God's favor.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Evaluation (day 21)
* Hello to you! Welcome to the Body Temple study. If you are just joining us and you would like to start from the beginning look to the right and you will notice under Blog Map the words "Body Temple" click on that and it will take you all of the Body Temple entries. Go to the very bottom and work your way up. May the Lord bless you in your journey!
Wow can you believe we have come to the end of another week? This journey is now more than half over my friends! As I look back over the days of study and fasting I am amazed at what Jesus accomplished! The scripture says that after 40 days of fasting that he was hungry. You think? You know Jesus told his disciples that we (the Christians that would follow him) would do greater things than he. To accomplish this he left his Spirit - who we call the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God indwells each person who puts their faith and trust in Jesus as their savior. What an amazing gift!
So how did you do this week girls? I must admit this has been the most difficult of all the weeks for me. I have struggled with issues of discouragement and failure. I feel pulled in a hundred different directions and at the same time feel unable to finish anything well. This is exactly where the enemy wants me. It is in discouragement that he has victory. Yet God is so gracious, even in the midst of my pain He comforts me.
In fact Jesus said when he was still here on earth that he needed to leave so that he could send the counselor or comforter. He said, "Unless I go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." He goes on to say, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth."
My dear sisters even in our times of difficulty and discouragement God has given us Himself in the form of the Holy Spirit. What a comfort to know that during those times He is ever present, ever able to help us in our trouble.
So what about you? As you look back over this week has it been a time of victory or pain, of highs or lows? Know that He is able to above and beyond what you could ever ask or imagine. Sometimes our faith rises and falls like a tide. But thanks be to God who is the same yesterday today and forever. He does not change like shifting shadows. Believe and be encouraged our God is with us.
Homework
Read John 16:5-15 aloud and write in your journal the verses or words that stand out to you.
What do you learn of God from these words or verses?
What do you learn of yourself?
Read Zephaniah 3:17 aloud. Take in these beautiful words. Allow them to soak into the very innermost parts of your being. I have no words to describe my feelings of gratitude and love for a God who loves me this much. What about you? How do these words make you feel? Again write the words or phrases that most speak to you.
Challenge
Spend some extended time in prayer over the verses above. Speak aloud to God about where you feel discouraged or hurt. Pour out your heart to him friend - He will hear your prayer!
Wow can you believe we have come to the end of another week? This journey is now more than half over my friends! As I look back over the days of study and fasting I am amazed at what Jesus accomplished! The scripture says that after 40 days of fasting that he was hungry. You think? You know Jesus told his disciples that we (the Christians that would follow him) would do greater things than he. To accomplish this he left his Spirit - who we call the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God indwells each person who puts their faith and trust in Jesus as their savior. What an amazing gift!
So how did you do this week girls? I must admit this has been the most difficult of all the weeks for me. I have struggled with issues of discouragement and failure. I feel pulled in a hundred different directions and at the same time feel unable to finish anything well. This is exactly where the enemy wants me. It is in discouragement that he has victory. Yet God is so gracious, even in the midst of my pain He comforts me.
In fact Jesus said when he was still here on earth that he needed to leave so that he could send the counselor or comforter. He said, "Unless I go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." He goes on to say, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth."
My dear sisters even in our times of difficulty and discouragement God has given us Himself in the form of the Holy Spirit. What a comfort to know that during those times He is ever present, ever able to help us in our trouble.
So what about you? As you look back over this week has it been a time of victory or pain, of highs or lows? Know that He is able to above and beyond what you could ever ask or imagine. Sometimes our faith rises and falls like a tide. But thanks be to God who is the same yesterday today and forever. He does not change like shifting shadows. Believe and be encouraged our God is with us.
Homework
Read John 16:5-15 aloud and write in your journal the verses or words that stand out to you.
What do you learn of God from these words or verses?
What do you learn of yourself?
Read Zephaniah 3:17 aloud. Take in these beautiful words. Allow them to soak into the very innermost parts of your being. I have no words to describe my feelings of gratitude and love for a God who loves me this much. What about you? How do these words make you feel? Again write the words or phrases that most speak to you.
Challenge
Spend some extended time in prayer over the verses above. Speak aloud to God about where you feel discouraged or hurt. Pour out your heart to him friend - He will hear your prayer!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Being Poured Out (day 20)
* Hello to you! Welcome to the Body Temple study. If you are just joining us and you would like to start from the beginning look to the right and you will notice under Blog Map the words "Body Temple" click on that and it will take you all of the Body Temple entries. Go to the very bottom and work your way up. May the Lord bless you in your journey!
One of my favorite pictures in Scripture is that of a drink offering. A drink offering consisted of wine poured out on an altar as a sacrifice to God. In Genesis 35:14 Jacob poured a drink offering on the place where he had met with God. The drink offering was said to be a pleasing aroma to God (Exodus 29:41). In 2 Timothy 4:6 Paul talks about his life. He says, "I am already being poured out like a drink offering..."
These scriptures are so rich with application that I barely know where to begin. But lets just take a couple of the ideas and run with them.
First the idea of meeting with God. Jacob poured the drink offering on the place where he met with God. It was to signify something very special that had happened. Sisters every day we have the opportunity to meet with God to share with Him and pour out our lives to Him. The very act of pouring ourselves out before the One who loves us is a sacrifice which is pleasing to Him. It is very special.
Second Paul takes the idea of drink offering to a whole new level when he says, "I am already being poured out like a drink offering," and to me it is interesting that in this instance Paul says he is being poured out. In other words Paul is the vessel in which God does the pouring. Imaging God taking your life and pouring you out as a drink offering to those around you - to your friends, family and acquaintances. He is doing the work and we respond in obedience by "being poured out."
My dear friends as we drink in the Word of God in our special times of meeting with Him He in turn pours us out to a dying and needy world. What a privilege!
As we continue to seek to obey God with our bodies and our spirits lets strive to continue to do so by pouring ourselves out. As you are poured out may you find strength to persevere beyond what you hoped or imagined!
Homework
Read aloud 2 Timothy 4:6-7
What do you learn about God from this passage?
What do you learn about yourself?
Write in your journal the verse or verses that really speak to you or perhaps it is just one or two words. Meditate on these portions and ask God for wisdom to teach you.
Think of a time that God poured you out think about how that felt and who benefited from your sacrifice.
One of my favorite pictures in Scripture is that of a drink offering. A drink offering consisted of wine poured out on an altar as a sacrifice to God. In Genesis 35:14 Jacob poured a drink offering on the place where he had met with God. The drink offering was said to be a pleasing aroma to God (Exodus 29:41). In 2 Timothy 4:6 Paul talks about his life. He says, "I am already being poured out like a drink offering..."
These scriptures are so rich with application that I barely know where to begin. But lets just take a couple of the ideas and run with them.
First the idea of meeting with God. Jacob poured the drink offering on the place where he met with God. It was to signify something very special that had happened. Sisters every day we have the opportunity to meet with God to share with Him and pour out our lives to Him. The very act of pouring ourselves out before the One who loves us is a sacrifice which is pleasing to Him. It is very special.
Second Paul takes the idea of drink offering to a whole new level when he says, "I am already being poured out like a drink offering," and to me it is interesting that in this instance Paul says he is being poured out. In other words Paul is the vessel in which God does the pouring. Imaging God taking your life and pouring you out as a drink offering to those around you - to your friends, family and acquaintances. He is doing the work and we respond in obedience by "being poured out."
My dear friends as we drink in the Word of God in our special times of meeting with Him He in turn pours us out to a dying and needy world. What a privilege!
As we continue to seek to obey God with our bodies and our spirits lets strive to continue to do so by pouring ourselves out. As you are poured out may you find strength to persevere beyond what you hoped or imagined!
Homework
Read aloud 2 Timothy 4:6-7
What do you learn about God from this passage?
What do you learn about yourself?
Write in your journal the verse or verses that really speak to you or perhaps it is just one or two words. Meditate on these portions and ask God for wisdom to teach you.
Think of a time that God poured you out think about how that felt and who benefited from your sacrifice.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Get Behind Me Satan! (day 19)
* Hello to you! Welcome to the Body Temple study. If you are just joining us and you would like to start from the beginning look to the right and you will notice under Blog Map the words "Body Temple" click on that and it will take you all of the Body Temple entries. Go to the very bottom and work your way up. May the Lord bless you in your journey!
We have been studying perseverance this week and wouldn't you know that in the middle of studying perseverance I have had a terrible time persevering? In fact today especially I struggled a lot. The day started out really well - I was on my way to church to prepare for worship and I had one crazy thought after another. It got so bad that I rebuked the enemy right there in the car. Amazingly the thoughts disappeared and the worship was so meaningful. Soon after though the enemy was back with a vengeance and this time I did not pray I wallowed. Have you ever felt like you had a victory well in hand and then everything went south? My dear sisters I know how you feel! The more difficult the circumstances it seems the harder it is to pray and ask for help. But in the midst of those most difficult of times that is when God tells us to pray and ask for help. I learned this lesson once again today. Finally at the end of the day I surrendered all the details of the day to the One who loves me more than I can even imagine. My friends when we choose to give over our worries and hurts to God, He is so faithful to extend the peace the passes all understanding.
So please be encouraged! Don't give up, continue to fight your way through this and not only will you be rewarded but you will find victory on the other side! The Lord brought a couple of passages to mind and I have them listed below in two different versions. The passage is from Philippians 4:6-9 - drink in the words and let them heal and encourage you to continue to do this journey. And may the Lord Bless you as you do!
The Message
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
The Life Application Bible - NIV
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything , by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think on such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Homework
Read aloud the passages above. Drink in the words - take your time and allow the words to sink in. In your journal write which portions speak most to you.
1. What do you learn from God from these passages?
2. What do you learn about yourself?
3. In this process have you felt attacked by the enemy? In what ways?
4. Have you felt discouraged or wanted to give up during this journey?
5. How do these passages help you to refocus and gain victory in those areas of struggle?
6. Specifically how can you apply these passages to the area of weight loss and healthy living? List a few ways.
Challenge
Continue to eat right and exercise this week. I would encourage you to turn your attention to someone else this week. Oftentimes the best way to be encouraged ourselves is to encourage someone else. Invite someone to walk with you, or send a card or note in the mail. And may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob comfort and encourage you!
We have been studying perseverance this week and wouldn't you know that in the middle of studying perseverance I have had a terrible time persevering? In fact today especially I struggled a lot. The day started out really well - I was on my way to church to prepare for worship and I had one crazy thought after another. It got so bad that I rebuked the enemy right there in the car. Amazingly the thoughts disappeared and the worship was so meaningful. Soon after though the enemy was back with a vengeance and this time I did not pray I wallowed. Have you ever felt like you had a victory well in hand and then everything went south? My dear sisters I know how you feel! The more difficult the circumstances it seems the harder it is to pray and ask for help. But in the midst of those most difficult of times that is when God tells us to pray and ask for help. I learned this lesson once again today. Finally at the end of the day I surrendered all the details of the day to the One who loves me more than I can even imagine. My friends when we choose to give over our worries and hurts to God, He is so faithful to extend the peace the passes all understanding.
So please be encouraged! Don't give up, continue to fight your way through this and not only will you be rewarded but you will find victory on the other side! The Lord brought a couple of passages to mind and I have them listed below in two different versions. The passage is from Philippians 4:6-9 - drink in the words and let them heal and encourage you to continue to do this journey. And may the Lord Bless you as you do!
The Message
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
The Life Application Bible - NIV
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything , by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think on such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Homework
Read aloud the passages above. Drink in the words - take your time and allow the words to sink in. In your journal write which portions speak most to you.
1. What do you learn from God from these passages?
2. What do you learn about yourself?
3. In this process have you felt attacked by the enemy? In what ways?
4. Have you felt discouraged or wanted to give up during this journey?
5. How do these passages help you to refocus and gain victory in those areas of struggle?
6. Specifically how can you apply these passages to the area of weight loss and healthy living? List a few ways.
Challenge
Continue to eat right and exercise this week. I would encourage you to turn your attention to someone else this week. Oftentimes the best way to be encouraged ourselves is to encourage someone else. Invite someone to walk with you, or send a card or note in the mail. And may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob comfort and encourage you!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Uterus is a Muscle You Know! (day 18)
* Hello to you! Welcome to the Body Temple study. If you are just joining us and you would like to start from the beginning look to the right and you will notice under Blog Map the words "Body Temple" click on that and it will take you all of the Body Temple entries. Go to the very bottom and work your way up. May the Lord bless you in your journey!
Do you ever go into your day knowing that you are not really prepared? I mean really not prepared? I have. I am not sure that I can explain how my mind works - I know my husband would tell you most of the time he has no clue how my mind works. But it is hard to explain to others what you really don't understand yourself. I am sure that I am going to embarrass myself when I tell you the events of this morning; it lends new weight to the word humility.
There is a passage in Philippians 2 which talks about the humility of Christ and how he "didn't consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing...being made in human likeness...he humbled himself..." So in a very small way I am seeking also to humble myself before you all in the hopes that we can all learn something.
O.K. back to my story, so I woke up this morning and decided that I should work out. But I really didn't feel like putting my clothes on so I ran downstairs in my pj's with my workout DVD in one hand and my shoes in the other. I didn't even bother to put on socks. So picture with me, bedhead hair, moose jamies (which I bought in Seattle), shoes (no socks). I did not eat anything nor did I drink anything. I turned on the workout and began to warm up. I have a new DVD which I think I will really like, it is called Rio Butt Lift - I figure I could use a bit of a butt lift. The guy is from Rio I think, and he is an extremely energetic dancer as are all of his hot babes who don't sweat and smile all the time. The things they do with their hips - I have No idea how they accomplish that. But anyway, I actually got a really good workout, sweat pouring, heart pumping. When the workout was finished (I managed to get almost to the very end) I ran upstairs and jumped in the shower. Suddenly I began to feel extremely light headed, and I thought for sure I was going to lose my dinner from the night before (because I had not had breakfast of course). I began to sweat - how does one sweat in the shower for heaven sakes? I bent over double with the most terrible pains I had experienced since childbirth. "What the heck is happening?" I asked myself, picturing at the same time my family having to drag me naked from the shower. "I haven't even shaved my legs," I thought irrationally (every woman's fear - having to go to the hospital unprepared). I managed to wrap a towel around myself and then get to the bed. The pain continued to get worse and I seriously thought I was going to have to call for help so I dragged myself to the closet and got dressed before again depositing myself on the bed soaked in sweat. Even the dog heard my distress and tried to give me some comfort in her own doggy way.
At this point I didn't want to call 911 so I did the next best thing, I called my brother-in-law who is a nurse, he said it sounded to him like the vagus nerve which runs the length of the body and can cause all of the symptoms that I was experiencing save the terrible cramps. But he bade me lie still and drink some water which I did. He had some concerns with the cramping and I told him I have an o.b. nurse friend and he agreed it would be a good idea to give her a call, which I did.
I called my friend Debbie the o.b. nurse and interrupted her pedicure, describing once again my symptoms and she listened intently and this is how our conversation went,
"Did you eat anything before you worked out this morning?" She asked.
"Ummmmmmm No," I replied.
"Did you drink any liquids before your workout?"
"No, I didn't" I replied again, somewhat sheepishly.
"Did you properly cool down after your workout?"
"Well, no I guess not," I admitted.
"Well, my dear," she kindly said, "When you don't take care of yourself beforehand then your body is going to react negatively. Not eating and drinking a little something before your workout, not cooling down and then jumping into a hot shower all contributed to a drop in blood pressure. Your Uterus is a muscle you know," she continued with confidence, "it will contract - thus the cramping."
Convinced now that I was not going to die I thanked her profusely. Whew! I had learned a valuable lesson. Being prepared is not only good it is quite necessary.
Preparing for the workout is just as important as the workout. Does that mean that you shouldn't wear your jammies while exercising? No, that's o.k. but having an attitude where you rush through is truly not the best option.
It made me think how many times I don't prepare myself spiritually before my day. Remember back when we studied the temptation of Christ? Satan tempted Jesus by telling him that he should tell stones to become bread. Jesus responded by quoting scripture, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
So the Word of God is able to help us with every day that we live and every circumstance that we go through. It is up to us to prepare well by studying His word so that we can be well prepared. My dear sisters lets not take the words of Jesus lightly! When we begin to scour the Word of God for answers we will be amazed at what we find. Being prepared is a beautiful thing and it also doesn't hurt to have brilliant nursie friends to call in a crisis either!
Homework
This week we have been looking at perseverance and what that looks like for us as we choose to continue to live healthier lives both in mind and body. Before we begin studying this particular passage lets get a bit of background on what was happening historically. The Israelites (God's chosen people) had disobeyed God by not putting their trust in Him. As a result they were punished. They spent 40 years wandering the desert Numbers 14:26-35. The events of Deuteronomy cover only a week or two of the 11th month of the 40th year that the Israelites had been wandering in the desert. Imagine what the Israelites must have felt as once again they were positioned to enter the land that God had promised them.
Read Deuteronomy chapter 8 aloud
Read again vv. 1-5
1. Have you ever been given a second chance after learning a lesson? Write this in your journal and jot down some of the benefits of the lessons you learned during this time.
2. Describe a time if you can where you disobeyed God. In what ways were you humbled? List some of things out. Did you have to confess to a friend or loved one? What was that like?
3. During the time of discipline God caused them to hunger but then fed them. Has there ever been a time that God has caused you to hunger for Him and how has He fed you during this time? Did He give you a friend to talk to or perhaps a special verse that got you through it? Write it out in your journal.
4. Have you been tempted to give up during that difficult time? What rewards did you receive when you worked through it?
5. As you read through those five verses what words stood out to you? Write them down. What did you learn about God in these verses? What did you learn about yourself?
Challenge
Are you working out every day? I want to encourage you dear sisters to continue to press toward the mark and not forget that preparation is just as important as the workout itself both physically and spiritually. Spend good quality time with the Lord so that he can strengthen you in your inner spirit. And keep up the good work you can do it. At the end of this week we are going to take it a step further so hang on it's going to be a fun ride!
Do you ever go into your day knowing that you are not really prepared? I mean really not prepared? I have. I am not sure that I can explain how my mind works - I know my husband would tell you most of the time he has no clue how my mind works. But it is hard to explain to others what you really don't understand yourself. I am sure that I am going to embarrass myself when I tell you the events of this morning; it lends new weight to the word humility.
There is a passage in Philippians 2 which talks about the humility of Christ and how he "didn't consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing...being made in human likeness...he humbled himself..." So in a very small way I am seeking also to humble myself before you all in the hopes that we can all learn something.
O.K. back to my story, so I woke up this morning and decided that I should work out. But I really didn't feel like putting my clothes on so I ran downstairs in my pj's with my workout DVD in one hand and my shoes in the other. I didn't even bother to put on socks. So picture with me, bedhead hair, moose jamies (which I bought in Seattle), shoes (no socks). I did not eat anything nor did I drink anything. I turned on the workout and began to warm up. I have a new DVD which I think I will really like, it is called Rio Butt Lift - I figure I could use a bit of a butt lift. The guy is from Rio I think, and he is an extremely energetic dancer as are all of his hot babes who don't sweat and smile all the time. The things they do with their hips - I have No idea how they accomplish that. But anyway, I actually got a really good workout, sweat pouring, heart pumping. When the workout was finished (I managed to get almost to the very end) I ran upstairs and jumped in the shower. Suddenly I began to feel extremely light headed, and I thought for sure I was going to lose my dinner from the night before (because I had not had breakfast of course). I began to sweat - how does one sweat in the shower for heaven sakes? I bent over double with the most terrible pains I had experienced since childbirth. "What the heck is happening?" I asked myself, picturing at the same time my family having to drag me naked from the shower. "I haven't even shaved my legs," I thought irrationally (every woman's fear - having to go to the hospital unprepared). I managed to wrap a towel around myself and then get to the bed. The pain continued to get worse and I seriously thought I was going to have to call for help so I dragged myself to the closet and got dressed before again depositing myself on the bed soaked in sweat. Even the dog heard my distress and tried to give me some comfort in her own doggy way.
At this point I didn't want to call 911 so I did the next best thing, I called my brother-in-law who is a nurse, he said it sounded to him like the vagus nerve which runs the length of the body and can cause all of the symptoms that I was experiencing save the terrible cramps. But he bade me lie still and drink some water which I did. He had some concerns with the cramping and I told him I have an o.b. nurse friend and he agreed it would be a good idea to give her a call, which I did.
I called my friend Debbie the o.b. nurse and interrupted her pedicure, describing once again my symptoms and she listened intently and this is how our conversation went,
"Did you eat anything before you worked out this morning?" She asked.
"Ummmmmmm No," I replied.
"Did you drink any liquids before your workout?"
"No, I didn't" I replied again, somewhat sheepishly.
"Did you properly cool down after your workout?"
"Well, no I guess not," I admitted.
"Well, my dear," she kindly said, "When you don't take care of yourself beforehand then your body is going to react negatively. Not eating and drinking a little something before your workout, not cooling down and then jumping into a hot shower all contributed to a drop in blood pressure. Your Uterus is a muscle you know," she continued with confidence, "it will contract - thus the cramping."
Convinced now that I was not going to die I thanked her profusely. Whew! I had learned a valuable lesson. Being prepared is not only good it is quite necessary.
Preparing for the workout is just as important as the workout. Does that mean that you shouldn't wear your jammies while exercising? No, that's o.k. but having an attitude where you rush through is truly not the best option.
It made me think how many times I don't prepare myself spiritually before my day. Remember back when we studied the temptation of Christ? Satan tempted Jesus by telling him that he should tell stones to become bread. Jesus responded by quoting scripture, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
So the Word of God is able to help us with every day that we live and every circumstance that we go through. It is up to us to prepare well by studying His word so that we can be well prepared. My dear sisters lets not take the words of Jesus lightly! When we begin to scour the Word of God for answers we will be amazed at what we find. Being prepared is a beautiful thing and it also doesn't hurt to have brilliant nursie friends to call in a crisis either!
Homework
This week we have been looking at perseverance and what that looks like for us as we choose to continue to live healthier lives both in mind and body. Before we begin studying this particular passage lets get a bit of background on what was happening historically. The Israelites (God's chosen people) had disobeyed God by not putting their trust in Him. As a result they were punished. They spent 40 years wandering the desert Numbers 14:26-35. The events of Deuteronomy cover only a week or two of the 11th month of the 40th year that the Israelites had been wandering in the desert. Imagine what the Israelites must have felt as once again they were positioned to enter the land that God had promised them.
Read Deuteronomy chapter 8 aloud
Read again vv. 1-5
1. Have you ever been given a second chance after learning a lesson? Write this in your journal and jot down some of the benefits of the lessons you learned during this time.
2. Describe a time if you can where you disobeyed God. In what ways were you humbled? List some of things out. Did you have to confess to a friend or loved one? What was that like?
3. During the time of discipline God caused them to hunger but then fed them. Has there ever been a time that God has caused you to hunger for Him and how has He fed you during this time? Did He give you a friend to talk to or perhaps a special verse that got you through it? Write it out in your journal.
4. Have you been tempted to give up during that difficult time? What rewards did you receive when you worked through it?
5. As you read through those five verses what words stood out to you? Write them down. What did you learn about God in these verses? What did you learn about yourself?
Challenge
Are you working out every day? I want to encourage you dear sisters to continue to press toward the mark and not forget that preparation is just as important as the workout itself both physically and spiritually. Spend good quality time with the Lord so that he can strengthen you in your inner spirit. And keep up the good work you can do it. At the end of this week we are going to take it a step further so hang on it's going to be a fun ride!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Half Time (day 17)
* Hello to you! Welcome to the Body Temple study. If you are just joining us and you would like to start from the beginning look to the right and you will notice under Blog Map the words "Body Temple" click on that and it will take you all of the Body Temple entries. Go to the very bottom and work your way up. May the Lord bless you in your journey!
I am a big project starter. I love the feeling when the new thought of a project comes to mind. It starts as a little seed and begins to grow. I water it, feed it and ruminate on it. I plan and make lists and when I have it all planned out I plan a little more. I often have to go to the store and buy things which makes it even more fun. There is nothing like heading into my favorite Lowes with a list and a plan.
After I have purchased all my items I am ready to begin. I jump in with both feet and enjoy the process; immediately I see results and changes and I feel good about accomplishing something good.
About half way through though I begin to tire of the work and I lose momentum and enthusiasm. I find other things more important and my project gets shuffled to the back of the line. I have officially hit the middle.
The middle can be the wasteland of good intentions can't it?
We, dear sisters have reached the middle week. This is where we can fall into the wasteland of good intentions and that is all that they will have been - intentions. " I intended to see it through, but..." we can fill in the rest of this sentence with lots and lots of words can't we?
But remember that if our goal is obedience to God then everything else will fall into place. Keep in mind our lessons that we did on obedience from Genesis. God is asking us to trust Him but the work is not ours - it is His. Dear ones as children of God we have a guarantee and that is that God will complete the work He has begun in our lives. He never leaves anything undone. Praise God for that!
As you work hard toward living a healthier life know that God is pleased with your efforts. Week 2 we learned the importance of Obedience. This week we will concentrate on persevering; we will learn about God's plan for us. Hang in there! You can do this - continue to fight the fight you are not alone!
Homework:
Read Philippians 3:7-14 aloud pay attention as you read - which verses really stand out to you? Write them in your journal. Spend some time in prayer asking God for wisdom to show you the importance of these particular verses in your life. What do you learn from God in these verses and what do you learn about yourself? Write these things down.
Paul encourages Christians "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead", how can you apply this to our goal for healthier bodies? As you have gone through this study is there anything that you would like to forget or anything where you feel you have failed? To what are you straining toward? Write these things down.
This is a good time to set again in your mind your goals for this study spiritually as well as physically. It is good to set goals but remember that God will do the work in your heart - trust Him for that!
Challenge
How are you doing on your exercise and food intake? Have you chosen a diet program that you think will work for you? I would like you to take a look at this article - especially for those of you over 40 - it helped me to understand a bit more about my body and how it works.
I am a big project starter. I love the feeling when the new thought of a project comes to mind. It starts as a little seed and begins to grow. I water it, feed it and ruminate on it. I plan and make lists and when I have it all planned out I plan a little more. I often have to go to the store and buy things which makes it even more fun. There is nothing like heading into my favorite Lowes with a list and a plan.
After I have purchased all my items I am ready to begin. I jump in with both feet and enjoy the process; immediately I see results and changes and I feel good about accomplishing something good.
About half way through though I begin to tire of the work and I lose momentum and enthusiasm. I find other things more important and my project gets shuffled to the back of the line. I have officially hit the middle.
The middle can be the wasteland of good intentions can't it?
We, dear sisters have reached the middle week. This is where we can fall into the wasteland of good intentions and that is all that they will have been - intentions. " I intended to see it through, but..." we can fill in the rest of this sentence with lots and lots of words can't we?
But remember that if our goal is obedience to God then everything else will fall into place. Keep in mind our lessons that we did on obedience from Genesis. God is asking us to trust Him but the work is not ours - it is His. Dear ones as children of God we have a guarantee and that is that God will complete the work He has begun in our lives. He never leaves anything undone. Praise God for that!
As you work hard toward living a healthier life know that God is pleased with your efforts. Week 2 we learned the importance of Obedience. This week we will concentrate on persevering; we will learn about God's plan for us. Hang in there! You can do this - continue to fight the fight you are not alone!
Homework:
Read Philippians 3:7-14 aloud pay attention as you read - which verses really stand out to you? Write them in your journal. Spend some time in prayer asking God for wisdom to show you the importance of these particular verses in your life. What do you learn from God in these verses and what do you learn about yourself? Write these things down.
Paul encourages Christians "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead", how can you apply this to our goal for healthier bodies? As you have gone through this study is there anything that you would like to forget or anything where you feel you have failed? To what are you straining toward? Write these things down.
This is a good time to set again in your mind your goals for this study spiritually as well as physically. It is good to set goals but remember that God will do the work in your heart - trust Him for that!
Challenge
How are you doing on your exercise and food intake? Have you chosen a diet program that you think will work for you? I would like you to take a look at this article - especially for those of you over 40 - it helped me to understand a bit more about my body and how it works.
If you have any questions about how to become a Jesus follower please email us and we would be glad to talk to you. Email us at lifestreamwomen@lifestreamweb.org May the Lord bless you and keep you, May He make His face to smile upon you and give you peace.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Chapters New Book - Simply Living
I thought I should tell you about the new book we are reading for Chapters. The book is "Simply Living...Modern Wisdom from the Ancient Book of Proverbs". I'll read what's on the back of the book so you can get an idea about the book. "The book of Proverbs deals with the human search for meaning. Through reason, experience, common sense, and observation, the sages sought to discover God in the details of daily life. In Simply Living, Cecil Murphey reacquaints us with dozens of proverbs - some familiar and some forgotten- and helps us apply these ancient insights to the problems with which we contend in our modern lives."
Isn't that something. The problems and concerns we have in our lives today, the people in ancient times had as well. AND the Bible addresses situations that span the mighty reaches of time. Whenever I read the Proverbs I usually find myself saying, "Duh". Or I find myself going, "OK already God! I know I'm suppose do that, but it's easier said than done." Or I find myself saying, "Oh yeah. I forgot." The Proverbs seem like common sense little life nuggets or something we find in a fortune cookie. (Sidebar: Which you rarely get fortunes out of fortunes cookies anymore!!! What's the point?")
So if the Proverbs are common sense...why do we need reminding so much? Notice how in Proverbs the author just gets right to the point and says what he says. Maybe so we don't have to dig deep in our supplemental study bibles to understand the true meaning of the passage. It's just laid all out there for us to have an immediate reaction or thought. Why is it harder to live it then? Proverbs talks about watching your mouth. Why do I continue to babble digging myself into holes and awkward situations? Proverbs says a soft answer turns away wrath yet when my daugther does the "teenage" thing, I fly off the handle.
The book Simply Living is a good reminder and talks about real life situations and how using the Proverbs can help us live the life God wants us to live.
We will meet on MARCH 1. That's on a Tuesday night at Biggby Coffee at 7:00. Enjoy reading!
Isn't that something. The problems and concerns we have in our lives today, the people in ancient times had as well. AND the Bible addresses situations that span the mighty reaches of time. Whenever I read the Proverbs I usually find myself saying, "Duh". Or I find myself going, "OK already God! I know I'm suppose do that, but it's easier said than done." Or I find myself saying, "Oh yeah. I forgot." The Proverbs seem like common sense little life nuggets or something we find in a fortune cookie. (Sidebar: Which you rarely get fortunes out of fortunes cookies anymore!!! What's the point?")
So if the Proverbs are common sense...why do we need reminding so much? Notice how in Proverbs the author just gets right to the point and says what he says. Maybe so we don't have to dig deep in our supplemental study bibles to understand the true meaning of the passage. It's just laid all out there for us to have an immediate reaction or thought. Why is it harder to live it then? Proverbs talks about watching your mouth. Why do I continue to babble digging myself into holes and awkward situations? Proverbs says a soft answer turns away wrath yet when my daugther does the "teenage" thing, I fly off the handle.
The book Simply Living is a good reminder and talks about real life situations and how using the Proverbs can help us live the life God wants us to live.
We will meet on MARCH 1. That's on a Tuesday night at Biggby Coffee at 7:00. Enjoy reading!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Diets Diets Diets (day 16)
Let's talk about diets. It is amazing what you can find when you google the word "diet". I mean a person could literally spend days looking at all the options. Here are a few of my select favorites: The Lemonade Diet, Morning Banana Diet, The Big Breakfast Diet, or the Cabbage Soup Diet. I have never tried any of these and maybe some of you have and one has really worked for you. If so great - I figure you can never really get enough lemonade or bananas for that matter. And I am always hip to a big breakfast if it is closer to lunch time as long as it is not cabbage soup!
What we know is that food can be a control issue in our lives and it can be one of those things that we idolize. So I would generally caution all of us to be careful to not get caught in a web of this diet over that. I believe that all food is good and all food in excess is bad.
I like the philosophy of eating when I am hungry and stopping when I am full. Some of us might struggle with what full feels like. so lets unpack that just a bit. Full should not be painful. Girls, if we have to unbutton our jeans after eating or quick go put on some sweats or stretchy pants we have overindulged. It is time to learn to understand our body's signals. When we are hungry our stomachs will grumble and there will be some discomfort. As you eat the stomach receives the food to breakdown into useful parts which goes into the blood stream and the not useful parts it expels as waste. So when you are eating take notice of when you begin to feel full. Full should not be painful or even uncomfortable. You should have a satisfied or comfortably full feeling. Here are some tricks I have found work for me:
1. Take small bites and chew slowly. It is easy when taking bigger bits to swallow larges chunks of food.
2. Slow down and don't rush through your meal - it is easy to do so especially when you are hungry or distracted by something or someone.
3. Eat more veggies and fruits and get rid of the junk that will cause temptation.
4. Don't worry about cleaning your plate. If you begin to feel full then stop eating and let things settle. If you are comfortably full then leave the rest.
5. I am not a huge calorie counter but on the other hand it is good to know about how many calories you are consuming. Calorie is a measurement of energy. If you are taking in more calories than your body needs then the rest is stored as fat. So, if you are working out 1/2 hour every day I would suggest that you eat between 1,200 to 1,800 calories a day. Again you can get as specific and careful about this as you would like. It is kind of fun to keep track. It may even be an eye opener. Just for kicks keep track for a day and see how much you are eating. You can find the calorie information the packaging of food.
6. Higher carb items will turn to sugar in your blood stream so keep that in mind. I try to limit the amount of carbs I take in in a day.
7. Drink water - it is good for you and it doesn't have any calories! So enjoy. Those high sugar drinks will cause your blood sugar to spike and fall quickly which keeps you on a roller coaster that is not good for you.
8. Remember everything in moderation. I don't like to cut anything completely out of my diet. I love food but keep it down to a dull roar as my mother would say.
Our goal in this study is to learn and begin to trust that God loves us just the way we are. Can we choose to make wiser choices when it comes to our bodies? Absolutely. But lets make those choices using the wisdom that He gives us. So pick a diet but ask yourself if it is something that you can maintain for a lifetime. If it's not then you might want to rethink it. Pray and ask for wisdom in making diet and exercise choices.
Homework
Read James 1:5-7
We may have read this before in our study but I believe it is worth revisiting.
Work at committing these verses to memory this week.
Read these verses aloud
Do you believe that God will give you wisdom if you ask?
Has there been a time when you have asked for wisdom and He has answered? What was that situation, write it down.
Have there been times that you have felt like the person being blown and tossed by the wind? What was that like?
Continue to work at your new 1/2 hour of daily exercise. Call a friend and invite them to exercise with you. Enjoy it and be thankful for the body with which God has blessed you!
I am continuing to pray for you dear sisters. Keep the faith and also keep up the good work. May God give you strength and wisdom for this day.
What we know is that food can be a control issue in our lives and it can be one of those things that we idolize. So I would generally caution all of us to be careful to not get caught in a web of this diet over that. I believe that all food is good and all food in excess is bad.
I like the philosophy of eating when I am hungry and stopping when I am full. Some of us might struggle with what full feels like. so lets unpack that just a bit. Full should not be painful. Girls, if we have to unbutton our jeans after eating or quick go put on some sweats or stretchy pants we have overindulged. It is time to learn to understand our body's signals. When we are hungry our stomachs will grumble and there will be some discomfort. As you eat the stomach receives the food to breakdown into useful parts which goes into the blood stream and the not useful parts it expels as waste. So when you are eating take notice of when you begin to feel full. Full should not be painful or even uncomfortable. You should have a satisfied or comfortably full feeling. Here are some tricks I have found work for me:
1. Take small bites and chew slowly. It is easy when taking bigger bits to swallow larges chunks of food.
2. Slow down and don't rush through your meal - it is easy to do so especially when you are hungry or distracted by something or someone.
3. Eat more veggies and fruits and get rid of the junk that will cause temptation.
4. Don't worry about cleaning your plate. If you begin to feel full then stop eating and let things settle. If you are comfortably full then leave the rest.
5. I am not a huge calorie counter but on the other hand it is good to know about how many calories you are consuming. Calorie is a measurement of energy. If you are taking in more calories than your body needs then the rest is stored as fat. So, if you are working out 1/2 hour every day I would suggest that you eat between 1,200 to 1,800 calories a day. Again you can get as specific and careful about this as you would like. It is kind of fun to keep track. It may even be an eye opener. Just for kicks keep track for a day and see how much you are eating. You can find the calorie information the packaging of food.
6. Higher carb items will turn to sugar in your blood stream so keep that in mind. I try to limit the amount of carbs I take in in a day.
7. Drink water - it is good for you and it doesn't have any calories! So enjoy. Those high sugar drinks will cause your blood sugar to spike and fall quickly which keeps you on a roller coaster that is not good for you.
8. Remember everything in moderation. I don't like to cut anything completely out of my diet. I love food but keep it down to a dull roar as my mother would say.
Our goal in this study is to learn and begin to trust that God loves us just the way we are. Can we choose to make wiser choices when it comes to our bodies? Absolutely. But lets make those choices using the wisdom that He gives us. So pick a diet but ask yourself if it is something that you can maintain for a lifetime. If it's not then you might want to rethink it. Pray and ask for wisdom in making diet and exercise choices.
Homework
Read James 1:5-7
We may have read this before in our study but I believe it is worth revisiting.
Work at committing these verses to memory this week.
Read these verses aloud
Do you believe that God will give you wisdom if you ask?
Has there been a time when you have asked for wisdom and He has answered? What was that situation, write it down.
Have there been times that you have felt like the person being blown and tossed by the wind? What was that like?
Continue to work at your new 1/2 hour of daily exercise. Call a friend and invite them to exercise with you. Enjoy it and be thankful for the body with which God has blessed you!
I am continuing to pray for you dear sisters. Keep the faith and also keep up the good work. May God give you strength and wisdom for this day.
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