To see our Worship through God's eyes.

 I truly get excited when I  am moved to pray for someone and I get a response back from that person saying " I am feeling eerily calm this morning".   That is how I started my Monday out.  

  I can't tell how many times I get to hear that I knew the right thing to say at the right time, "I was just thinking about you", or even "How did you know I needed to hear that today?"  My answer is usually always the same... I didn't.   I just go on the feeling or I see some thing that makes me think of that individual and I need to share it. 

 Obedience in the small things could be a really big thing to someone else.   I am not planting churches, going on missionary trips or even attending church every time the door is opened ( though I wish I could).  I can still serve God by doing what the Holy Spirit prompts me too.   I can still be a light to his mercy and grace, I can be a prayer warrior for those who I know have needs.

 I am not a word smith by any means, my prayers aren't pretty, but they are heart felt.    I do struggle with comparing myself to my other brothers and sisters in Christ.  I am no where close to looking like what a "Christian" should look like in my mind.  BUT on these occasions where God shows me he is answering my prayers, He is giving me encouragement each time that I am doing what HE wants me to do.  I am present in His spirit and He is talking to me.  

 God knows my struggles...we talk about them daily.  He sees me seeking him, guiding my children, and crying out to him.   I sometimes am rewarded by my soul worshiping before my physical body even wakes up.  I find myself singing praises all day long and have outstanding days.  On trouble nights, I pray myself to sleep.  I ask to lay at his feet and just ramble like a child with her father, those my friends are the best nights of sleep I get. 

 I have to remember that my relationship with my Heavenly Father is mine and will not look like anyone else's.  My quiet, intimate moments with God are something I cherish.  My children are not perfect and I love them as if they were. God loves his children the same.  My relationship with each of my kids is different yet still each is just as special.  Time with them no matter how much or how little is always special.   

 Sometimes, I listen to the congregation on Sunday mornings and just imagine how these off key voices sound to God.  I am pretty sure that they are the most amazing sounds when added to the rest of the world worshiping at the same time.   IF only we could hear and see the bigger picture.  

 I hope my thoughts will encourage someone to have their first talk with God, or even their 50th talk for the day.  Or maybe open your heart as to how your "Hey, how ya doing?" comments may be God's way to talking to others.  We need to pray for each other, ourselves.  Prayer strengthens our relationship with God, just like chatting with your friends helps that relationship strengthen.   Prayer also will help us understand our time in the Bible.  It will be revealed to your as your grow in Christ.

 It is a relationship not a religion.

Wonderful changes in my life and I would love to share with you

 Well it has certainly been a long time since I have made a blog entry; but I have been busy.

  Since my last blog...our family has had a severe case of mononucleosis, an appendectomy, graduated high school, graduated Air Force Basic Training, started barrel racing, started homeschooling. changes in contracts for work, sinus problems to name a few.... just life.  Good stress and bad stress and all that comes with it.

Austin's graduation

Morgan's 1st Barrel race

Austin at Basic Training

                                                               












 In the past couple months, I have found Young Living  Essential Oils.  I have heard the "wonders" of these oils.   I was a skeptic at first.  I had a family member that had started using these oils and just gushed over how wonderful Thieves was for her family and fighting off illness. about.  Every conversation I had with her was about the same oils and even new ones to her family.  I have no reason to doubt her and she did get my curiosity started.  I would do searches on Pinterest to see what these oils are all about.

 So..fast forward to this past September....  I made my mind up to give it a try.  I bought my first kit ( because it was the least expensive way to get a wide variety and I'm cheap like that)  This kit came with the basics, Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, the ever so popular Thieves, Peace and Calming,  Joy, Pan Away and frankincense ; along with a diffuser.   I couldn't believe how much came in my order.  THIS IS NOT A SALES PITCH! Just me sharing about wonderful changes in my life.

 So, since opening and starting to use my oils, favorites started emerging.  At first it was Thieves... I love the smell of it and it's healing properties....it has it's on story and I will share that with you and another entry very soon.

Peppermint has been a blessing in a bottle!  Sinus pain has been terrible for me this year.  I put 3 drops in my diffuser ( which was in the next room) and with in 5 minutes I realized I was smelling peppermint and my headache was gone.  However!  I did learn...do not put the peppermint oil on your face anywhere near your eyes!  Goood GraveY!   You will forget you have congestion or a headache for your eyes will be watering like flood gates.   I have more stories on Peppermint I will also save for another entry.

 So after a stressful week, my next favorite became apparent, Stress Away....or as  I like to call it "My Anti-throat Punching my husband" oil.   This particular oil came in my distributors package and also came with a roller ball for application.  I would have my daughter apply this to my shoulders and neck before I went to bed...it is like a mini-massage in a bottle.  I would also put just a little on my wrist so I could enjoy the aroma therapy as I slept.  I found that I was sleeping so sound at night, I woke up in a very good mood. ( This is my husband's favorite oil for obvious reasons)

  Valor has become my new perfume.  I love how it smell too.  This oil is known for its soothing properties....meaning, calming nerves...anxiety, nervousness, depression, tension headaches, joint pain, balance and energy, reported by other users to relive snoring.   I can personally attest that it has helped with my severe jaw pain I have had this past week.

  As I try more oils, I will share my experiences.  I love my oils!!!

 

    I read this on a Facebook friend's (and sister in Christ) page.  It felt like I could have been having this conversation with God myself.  I take His mercies for granted so often.  I felt the emotions as I was reading the reply back to the question.  

 Though I have gotten better about my reactions I still see this as a good reminder that I still fail to consistently thank the Lord for the thorns in my day.  

  

 An interesting conversation with God.

Me: God, can I ask you a question?
God: Sure.
Me: Promise you won't get mad?
God: I promise.

Me: Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do you mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late.
God: Yes.
Me: My car took forever to start.
God: Okay.
Me: At lunch they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait.
God: Hmmm.
Me: On the way home my phone went dead just as I picked up a call.
God: Okay.
Me: And on top of all that, when I got home I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
**********************************************************************God Answers:
God: Well, let me see. The Death Angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.
Me: (humbled): OH...
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The person who made your first sandwich today was sick and I didn't want you to catch what he has. I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me: (embarrassed): Ok...
God: Your phone went dead because the person who was calling was going to give false witness about what you said during that call. I didn't even let you talk to them so that you would be covered.
Me: (softly) I see, God.
God: Oh, and that foot massager had a short that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry God.
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me in all things, the good and the bad.
Me: I will trust you.
God: And don't doubt that MY plan for your day is always better than your plan.
Me: I won't, God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today.
God: You're welcome, child. It was just another day being your God, and I love looking after my children.
Keep this going if you believe in HIM.
You never know who needs to receive this message.

 

  Thank you God for new mercies every morning. Thank you for being my God for allowing such a sinner to become a part of your family.  Claiming the blood of Jesus, Amen.  

Happy November 1st

Happy November 1st~

  Wow~ I thought the hectic life was going to take a pause in the month of October, I was wrong.  I am way behind in everything from continued education for my credential to laundry.  But I am not too concerned about that because in a hundred years from now.....neither will matter.  I am just content to get a shower every other day.

  The past couple of weeks I have been struggling with " legalism": what it is, how to prevent myself from falling into it and how to keep myself from taking worldly things to lightly....

 With last night being Halloween, this conflict comes up more times than I would like it too.  Before accepting Christ's gift of salvation, this was my second most favorite holiday.  I love to decorate for it, the dressing up, and most of all the candy.  It wasn't until then, I question or even thought about the "evilness" of the night.  

 My memories of Trick or Treating was more along the lines of getting to dress up in costumes, driving to the closest neighborhood to where we live (country kids ) and getting to walk the streets  with our friends as our parents passed out candy and visited with their town friends in their homes.   That was the one time of the year that really scarey movies came on; which brought the challenge of ...can I watch it past the next scarey part or have to turn it.    Going thru the candy with our parents teasing us about them taking the good stuff.   These were happy family memories.

 I love that my church offers an alternative to the door to door begging and it being safer since we don't know most of our neighbors anymore.   And for a year, I told my family that we don't do the Halloween stuff, but that didn't set right with me.  I felt like a hypocrite, because  wanted to be out there making memories with my daughter, but also, I want to be set apart from the world.    I had prayed on it, and I still wasn't sure what God would have us do.  There is no verse in the Bible that I have found that says Trick or Treating is a sin.  But, I believe it really all is in the perception.  The Bible does tell us, if we are going to do anything, do it all for the glory of God.   

 So... I pondered on that idea....how can I let my daughter dress up and still be able to enjoy this event while glorifying God.   The first two years,she dressed up as her "Glorified Body", crown included, and we had found some book markers that had Thanksgiving themed verses on it.  So, as she was getting candy from the generous community, she was also giving back to them a book marker.  The reaction was mostly surprise, that a child was giving them something.  Everyone took the time to read it as soon as she gave it to them.  Even if they threw it away...God's message of love and life was passed on.   This year we found some that had Halloween themed pictures and specifically said " Jesus loves you".  It made my heart smile when some of the adults told her that they love Jesus too.   Her costume was Queen Esther, representing that in the midst of evil, she was able to show God's love and save her people.  

 I love that God has blessed me with a daughter that isn't afraid to show her faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross for us.  I love that the Lord has shown me way to take  His message into our community.  I have to confess though, this is a predominately Christian professing community, though I am not sure how many are truly saved.  His work will be done as it is written, whether He uses us or find someone else.  I am just so blessed that He has chosen my daughter to be such an active part.

 While I was pondering these thoughts yesterday and was sitting down to write my post, another member of our church posted on their family blog about Halloween.  I received permission to post a link to their site to share with some of their insight on the subject.  http://ourfamilyhisglory.org/how-do-you-christians-approach-halloween/. 

Morgan as Queen Esther

 PS for those who have been following my weight loss...October was a very slow month in that category.  I think I totaled out with a mere 8 lbs for the month.  I hit that plateau and it hung around...my last weight in was yesterday with a 2lb drop....Praise God~ There hasn't been an increase!!

Following thru but, not for the right reasons

   An Update for week 4

  Wow what a couple weeks I have had.   My eyes were opened up to A LOT of my short comings and I was devastated.   But first, I want to share the good news that lead me up to the bad news.

 I went to visit my son in Richmond, Virgina a couple of weeks ago, and that was the last time I checked in for the the Peak 313 challenge.  The time I got to spend with my son was nothing short of feeling God's love. I quickly realized that He planned this and put it all together for me.  

 My son didn't get to play (and that was the main reason I had to go, was to watch him play).   Just watching him come out on the field was enough for me.  As I was buying my ticket and walking in to the stadium, an aunt, that I love dearly and can talk to for hours, called.  I was so over come with emotion that my throat closed up and I literally couldn't talk.  I had to hang up and text her my explanation, while fighting tears of pride, excitement and love that only a parent can explain. I was getting to see MY SON! play football on Friday night for the first time.  

 Here is some back ground on the different states:  At the age of 12 he decided to go move to Virgina with his dad to establish a relationship with him.   My son and I have a very close relationship and he wanted that with his dad also....so now I only get to see him a couple weeks in the summer and when ever school schedules work out for a random Christmas visit.  

  The game itself was wonderful, but God even threw a bonus in there for me.   My son is also dating my best friend's, from my military days, daughter.  They came to watch him play also.  So, it was a wonderful reunion.  His team even came back from trailing the entire game to win in the last minute of play and the defense was able to hold the opponent at the goal line to win by 3. I was defiantly was quoting lines from "Facing Giants"  like Brick Wall! Brick Wall.....One more down!! ( my daughter turned to me and said I have watched that moving too much)

 The next day our two families met at the State Fair and enjoyed some wonderful time together.  Sunday morning, in my quiet time with God, I realized then that He set this all up just for me.  I felt His love wrapped around me all weekend and was just soaking in it, watching my kids sleep in our hotel room

  I was able to stick to the Metabolic Research Center's meal plans I have been on since my last visit up there, even taking the kids to eat pizza and my favorite food group...fair food....I lost 1.5 pounds while on this trip.  I was able to keep up with the exercises for the week also.

 Here comes to the bad:

  While wanting to share my happiness with my family and tagging my group in our pictures and location on Facebook...I accidentally  tagged someone that wasn't there.  This caused a ripple with my husbands family and an early morning phone call to my husband.   So, when I got the phone call while on the road and about 12 hours from my home, I was trying to figure out what was going on...so there went on my happiness from the previous two days.  I sorta went on an internet fast, except for my work.  

 During this period, I try to focus on how I could have prevented this, and handle the situation better.   Trust me!  I handled this so badly, that, this is the exact behavior the enemy loves and uses, especially with non-believers...who claim to be Christians and refuse to go to church because of hypocrites. My words were twisted and apology was never heard in the retelling of the incident.  

 I realized that I was more concerned at what my father-in -law thought of me, than I was of what my Heavenly Father thought of me at that moment.   I was/am crushed.   I could blame it on sleep deprivation, shock, hurt, or any number of things...but what it boiled down to was, I failed in my test to show how I am any different from the secular world.   

 I also realized that my dedication  in the exercise challenge was the competitive nature in me....So, as I was praying, it came to me that I need to forfeit by not checking in.  This was very difficult for me. But, for me to follow thru with the actions and requirements of this challenge and not take credit of  "how good I am doing" and just do it for the right reasons.  

  I am not going to imply that God told me not to check in, but putting aside the "how good I am"  "Yay Me!" mentality was a lesson I needed to put in check.   Now! I am doing if for His glory alone; as He is rebuilding my temple.   

 I thank Clare at Peak313.com for showing me some fun exercises that I have been able to enjoy these past 4 weeks and I am still going to finish strong on week 6,7, and 8. I have learned more scripture than I have in the past as the Bible has it written, not in my words.   My exercising, these past few weeks just have taken a different role than what the challenge was about.   I am exercising more the "sitting still and knowing He is God" muscle and leaning on Him and not myself.  Without this challenge, it may have take a lot longer for me to learn this.

 Oct 6, 2012  with my daughter

June 25, 2012 with my son

 Weight loss update!  I have lost 25.5 pounds as of today  ( half way to my goal)  

    Dear Father,  I thank you for your promise that You will use what was meant for evil for Your Glory,  Thank you Father for Jesus,  for when  I fail you, He had already paid the price and I am found faultless in Your eyes.  Thank you Father, for allowing the sanctification process, where we grow in our short comings as we listen to You, our Teacher, as you show us where we fail.  In Jesus' name, I love You

Goals...

 My goals not met

  Today is the day that I was trying to be another pant size down and it didn't happen....even with the extra effort of exercising.  At first I was a little down because, even with the hard work and staying consistent on my diet plan and exercising...my hard work should have paid off.

 I was gently reminded that I need to hold my head up...maybe God had another goal in His plan set for me than my size reduction....maybe it was a size increase.  The increase was the size of my faith in God.   I had given Him this project of reconstructing His temple in me.  I am elated with His progress in me.

  I first was feeling the pang of discouragement by hitting a plateau in my weight loss; which is lasting way too long for me. I kept seeing that I have 30 more pounds I would like to lose.  What I didn't see was all the positives going in this process.  I didn't gain any weight back and I realized that I wasn't failing at weight loss...I was winning the battle of not throwing in the towel.  I really do not like to exercise, but the videos I have moving along with at Peak313.com has really been fun...and  I have been able to stick with it for 4 weeks so far (1 more week to go for the challenge.)   That is another win!  I feel so much better physically and mentally,  that is the bonus prize in my book.  

 God is doing a magnificent work in me, and I was only focused on what hasn't been happening.  This is a serious WOW GOD! moment for me.  I am my own worst enemy.  

  I try to always remember that it is in God's time and not mine....but I struggle with this when I want something too much.  I am so blessed that I have God living within me.  I get these loving reminders if I be still and listen.  He has put some wonderful cheerleaders in my path, some that were so unexpected but very much cherished.  

 I got on the scale this morning and I am so happy to report that the scale has shown me 4 pounds down since last Friday....God is so good!  I have an official weight in this afternoon.   Hopefully, after I get back from my trip I will have a couple of before (July 17) and after ( 8 weeks) pictures to post to show His wonderful physical rebuilding.  I can't wait to see the finished product.

 The hardest thing, so far, has been the scripture memorization.  Last weeks verse " For everything in the world- the cravings of a sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does- comes not from the Father but the world. 1 John 2:16; still is giving me problems.  I can memorize it, recite it...but it doesn't want to stay....I do believe I should make this my verse of the year....to make it be part of me.  I am so convicted by this verse.   

  

  Father, thank You for you loving reminders.  Thank you for revealing Your answer to my prayers.  You have Your reasons for my struggle as I learn from these challenges.  I know you care about my physical condition, buy it is my heart condition You seem to be focusing on now.   I love knowing that Your plan is perfect. I pray that I adopt Your plan and my plan and continue to honor you with all I do.   Please bless all those that read this, as they are struggling too. 



  UPDATE FROM TODAY'S WEIGHT IN:  I have lost at total of 24 pounds and 33.1/2 inches since July 17th, 2012.   One more pound and I will be half way to my goal.

Update for week 3 Peak 313 challenge

Update for week 3~

  Wow, it it really the end of week 3 and beginning of week 4 already!  This is the longest I have committed to an exercise of any sort since I was in my 20s.  Week 3 was another crazy week for us,so...we continued on with the multitasking exercising.  

  I had so many irons in the fire this week, but yet...I am really much more sore now than I was the first week of exercising.  The new move I added was doing round house karate kicks as I moved thru the house...

 I struggled with the verse this week...I think it was more because of the Word was more convicting of me this week and my sinful nature didn't want me to make it mine.   I still have it on my desk to make sure it stays in my heart and not just memorized. It took me until Sunday night to say it without having to look.   

 Saturday I got to have a lot of fun with my niece, Sister ( n-law) and my daughter...we went to our local corn maze...do I get extra credit for 4 hours of exercise....between the jumping pillow and all the walking....I could barely walk Sunday.

 For my diet, I was put on a special menu to try to bump me out to this plateau I am in.  I have only lost about 1 pound this week, but still retaining water.....however...I have gone from a size 18 to a size 10 (sorta...I can zip them with out having to lay down..but not too comfortable to wear...) since I started at Metabolic Research Center's weight loss clinic in July and my BMI has gone down.  I have to really focus on  who is doing this remodeling of my body...this is where this verse really hits home.  I really can not do anything with out God being in control and totally giving Him my burden.  I will not take credit for this loss, and I felt a little too much pride welling up. ( plus..I have 30 more pounds to go)

This week...I am going to be traveling from Alabama to Virginia to go watch my son play football.   So, my diet and exercises are going to have to be a little more creative this weekend~  I am sure I can find many things to do in Richmond.  

 I have had so much fun with Clare's J.Lo exercise;  I have caught myself walking like I have resistance bands on my feet.  I love to do those Monday thru Friday while I am working at my desk along with a cardiac blast to re-energize myself; instead of reaching for a snack or caffeine. I work both arms and legs while working and do the cardio on the elliptical 3 nights  a week.   I was trying to work my triceps with one of her U Tube exercises, but my band was too short..and back to the sporting goods store....Now I am ready.  My sister in law and I have been encouraging each other with the exercises via the phone and texting...I am really blessed to have her to encourage me.   I am averaging about 40 minutes of exercise a day 3 days a week and 30 minutes on the off days...WOW!  something big time has changed in me...or more like....something GOD sized has moved in me...because honestly...it had to take an act of God to make me exercise in the first place.....

 

  http://www.corndodgersfarm.com/

            This is our local corn maze web address if anyone is from the Headland, Al area.    Best non-exercise feeling exercise I have done in a long time.

Yes, this is me jumping on the air pillow with my daughter....the bonus of being overweight....you can jump really high and knock the scoffers down....  We had a great time together.