Time Alone

The outlook for this week seems to be that it will be a very busy week. I will try to get on and post when I can. This morning my devotion in my "Streams in the Desert" book was very good and I wanted to share it with you all. It speaks of the importance of our time alone with God.

Please be sure and take some time alone with God. Turn off the radio, the tv, lay the phones down and spend sometime alone with God. You might be surprised what He has to say to you, but you will never know unless you have that quiet time alone with Him.

 

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And Jacob was left alone;

 and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day

 (Gen. 32:24).

Left alone! What different sensations those words conjure up to each of us. To some they spell loneliness and desolation, to others rest and quiet. To be left alone without God, would be too awful for words, but to be left alone with Him is a foretaste of Heaven! If His followers spent more time alone with Him, we should have spiritual giants again.

The Master set us an example. Note how often He went to be alone with God; and He had a mighty purpose behind the command, "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray."

The greatest miracles of Elijah and Elisha took place when they were alone with God. It was alone with God that Jacob became a prince; and just there that we, too, may become princes--"men (aye, and women too!) wondered at" (Zech. 3:8). Joshua was alone when the Lord came to him. (Josh. 1:1) Gideon and Jephthah were by themselves when commissioned to save Israel. (Judges 6:11 and 11:29) Moses was by himself at the wilderness bush. (Exodus 3:1-5) Cornelius was praying by himself when the angel came to him. (Acts 10:2) No one was with Peter on the house top, when he was instructed to go to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:9) John the Baptist was alone in the wilderness (Luke 1:90), and John the Beloved alone in Patmos, when nearest God. (Rev. 1:9)

Covet to get alone with God. If we neglect it, we not only rob ourselves, but others too, of blessing, since when we are blessed we are able to pass on blessing to others. It may mean less outside work; it must mean more depth and power, and the consequence, too, will be "they saw no man save Jesus only."

To be alone with God in prayer cannot be over-emphasized.
If chosen men had never been alone,
In deepest silence open-doored to God,
No greatness ever had been dreamed or done.

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Sometimes I get tired.......

I have to be honest - sometimes I really get tired of how much time I have to spend at medical facilities. It seems like every time I turn around I am having to spend long hours at a hospital. My husband's 6 days stay in the hospital really took it out of me. We had not expected that at all. We had thought maybe 2-3 days or so. And each day I hoped that maybe he could come home and he didn't.

This week was a busy week for me. Thursday a family member had a court appearance to make and I was going to go for support. Well I was happy when it got postponed. I was thinking of all the things around my house that I could get done. Things that I had been putting off because of being too busy.

So I was on a walk and had not even walked a mile when my MIL called in and said she was having a hard time breathing. She explained that she had just gotten out of shower and had put meds on her legs and then when she stood up she felt week and was gasping for air. I had thought that she needed to rest for a bit and maybe use her inhaler to help her breath. The plan was for her to call me back in 10 minutes if she wasn't feeling better. Well I decided to go on over to her house - and it was a good thing because just as I saw her house my phone began to ring.

I decided it was best to take her to a small ER nearby. It has been a great one to help her- it's where my oldest son had taken her a couple of years ago when she ended up having heart attack there. We ended up staying there for like 5 hours- before they transferred her to the hospital.

During that 5 hours they ran all sorts of tests. Lots of poking and prodding. It was finally discovered that she had a PE - a blood clot in her lung - a pretty good sized one. She was sent to the hospital where more tests were run. The blood clot was putting a lot of strain on her heart - so they needed to be aggressive with dealing with the clot. Last night they called a team back in to do a procedure in which they stuck a cath down the artery in her neck - to be able to put the clot dissolving meds directly on the clot. The cath was left in there for 12 hours. Oh I forgot to mention - they found a clot in the other lung as well- so 2 clots had made it to the lungs. And they said that the clots had come from her legs. They did not get her to her room in the ICU until after 10:00pm. Which meant it was after 11:00pm when we got home. I was exhausted.

During that long stay at the hospital, I really realized how much I was getting tired of being at hospitals. It seems that I spend more than my fair share at hospitals. And I have about had my fill. There is no telling how much longer she will be there. So there will be more time for me to spend at the hospital. I am depending on God to give me patience to handle it with grace.

I will be sharing a few more thoughts about what this time in the medical facilities have taught me. I have several important things it has taught me. And how it has encouraged me to continue to make good choices in how I take care of me. Just hoping I don't have any late night stays in hospitals - that really takes it out of me. Will be back as soon as I can to share the lessons learned.

BEST WAY...Air

"

BEST WAY

"A"
Air

 

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground,

and breathed into his nostrils,

 the Breath of Life and man became a living soul."

Genesis 2:7

 

 

 

The benefits that are received from having a constant supply of pure, fresh air are:

 

1. Fresh air purifies the blood, imparts to it a bright color, and sends the blood, a life giving current to every part of the body.
2. Air sooths the nerves, stimulates appetite, helps digestion and induces sound, refreshing sleep. 
3. Oxygen electrifies the whole system, causes the body to be strong and healthy, and will refresh the system.
4. Air invigorates the vital organs and aids the system in getting rid of an accumulation of impurities.
5. Pure air brings life to the skin, as for a lack of air the skin nearly dies.
6. But most important, air has a decided influence on the mind, imparting a degree of composure and serenity.
7. Some specific problems that are greatly benefitted by having and abundance of fresh air are: fevers, colds, and lung disease.

 

 



One Legitimate Fear...

"There is only one thing to fear for the Christian- only one legitimate fear. We should fear to trust our own strength. We should fear to withdraw our hand from the hand of Christ or attempt to walk the Christian pathway alone.
But as long as we depend upon Christ, as He depended upon His Father here on this earth, we are secure. We have no need to fear as we trust His perfect love."

This quote from this great book:

How Jesus Treated People ~ By Morris Venden

  photo bummed off the internet

Refreshing to the Soul

Sabbath was a beautiful day here in Texas! Our temps were actually in the lower 80's with the sunshine out! We got to spend the day at campground about 45 minutes from home. My husband spent the week end with our churches youth group. I took one of my sons and his daughter and we spent the day. My son and granddaughter ended up staying the night. We got to hike and explore and enjoy a campfire. We roasted hot dogs on the fire for lunch and then we cooked corn on the cob and baked potatoes for supper. Desert was marshmallows' roasted over the open fire- yummy!!

It was refreshing to the soul. There was a gorgeous sunset - with the prettiest deep pink section in the sky but by the time I got to a great spot to take a photo the deep pink had disappeared. Here are the photos I got though.

This week looks like a very busy week for me.

On Monday my granddaughter is out of school so I will be taking care of her that day and will have to take her back to her Mommy - a 45 minute drive from here.

There is a Dr appointment for my husband, an appointment to get my hair cut, an early more court appointment(please keep this in your prayers- thanks), a seminar meeting on Depression for me to go to and so much more.

 

I have had "clean carpets" on my "to do" list for a month or so now and keep putting it off because I haven't had time. So maybe just maybe I can finally get that done this week.

I also need to put my Block of the Month together in the next week or so. It is a gorgeous one this month - I might take photos through the process and share with you all a little step by step of putting it together.

 

I will post as I can this week. Please bear with me. 

Thanks so much! :O)  

 

Beloved Names of God..series.."Bread of Life"

Bread of Life

"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life, Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.... I am the bread of life."

John 6:35, 48 KJV

 

• Name of God the Son
• Jesus referred to Himself as "the bread of life"  twice
• Bread was an important staple of the Middle Eastern diet, essential for sustaining physical life. By declaring Himself the Bread of Life, Jesus revealed that He was sustenance for a different kind of life.
• After the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus told a crowd that God had sent them a new kind of bread that would sustain them for eternity. Him!

This is a hard teaching, "the disciples said. But it's just as hard to swallow two thousand years later. In a way, the ordinariness and humanness of Jesus is part of the problem. Because people think they know Him, they turn away looking for something more exotic and less familiar.
At this point in His mission, many walked away from Jesus. They were prepared to hear Him talk, maybe they hoped to see some of His famous miracles, but when it came to making the commitment- well. He was just one of them. Not so special after all.

 

The Twelve, however, stayed. When Jesus asked them if they were sure, Peter replies, "Lord, to whom shall we go You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68 KJV). Those wo stayed did so because they really did know Him. And they wanted to partake in the Bread of Life.

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Come back next week when we will look at the beloved name of God~ "Adonai"

Biblical Portrait ....series

Examining our walk in the light of Scripture

The verses on the following pages express God's heart for women. Together they provide a biblical portrait of a godly woman.

 

The questions that follow each verse are designed to help evaluate how well you are applying the Word in your daily walk. the point is not to answer a simple "yes" or "no" to each question, but rather to use the questions as a basis for person meditation, application, and response to the Lord.

 

Some of these verses are directed specifically to married women. Other apply more broadly to all women. Regardless of your marital status, ask God to open your heart and to help you see areas where He wants to mold you and make you a woman after His own heart.

 

To get the most our of this exercise, you may want to focus on one verse each day, asking God to show you how your life measures up to that particular aspect o His design. As you work through this section, highlight three or four verses that reveal specific areas of need in your life, so you can memorize them and engraft them into your heart and life.

 

 

What makes a beautiful woman?

 

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment...

Instead, it should be that of your inner self,

 the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit."

1 Peter 3:3-4



 

Do others see inner an inner radiance and beauty that are the results of a grateful, yielded, trusting spirit?

 

Do I focus more time and effort on cultivating inner spiritual beauty than I do on matters of external beauty?

 

 

"This is the way the holy women of the past

 who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful."

1 Peter 3:5

 

Am I more concerned about being holy than being happy?

 

Am I placing my hope and trust in God rather than in people?

 

 

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeing;

 but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Proverbs 31:30

 

Am I more concerned about cultivating my relationship with the Lord than about being fashionable, stylish, or physically attractive?

 

Do I live in the constant, conscious recognition of the presence of God?

 

Do I desire to please God more than I desire the approval of others?

 

 

"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety"

1 Timothy 2:9

 

Do I dress modestly?

 

Do my clothing styles encourage men to think pure thoughts, rather than stimulating them to have sensual thoughts or desires?

 

Do I dress in such a way as to draw attention to the heart and spirit of Jesus within me, rather than to my physical body?

 

 

"....not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes"

1 Timothy  2:9

 

Do I avoid extreme or excessive fashions(hair, clothing, jewelry, make-up) that could call attention to myself or cause people to be distracted from focusing on the Lord?

 

Do I avoid extravagant jewelry or clothing that could flaunt my wealth or cause others to be envious?

 

Do my wardrobe and outward appearance portray a spirit of moderation, sobriety, purity, and reverence?

 

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Next week we will look at the answers to "How does a woman of God conduct herself?"

 

BEST WAY

 

Water

 

"And, let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

Revelation 22:17

 

Since our bodies are about three-fourths water, it is vitally important to keep giving it a fresh supply. Yes, you can drink other liquids but, there is nothing quite like water to restore the body. Drink some water today. You need at least 8 eight ounce glasses every single day. If you don't drink until you are thirsty, you are already becoming dehydrated.

 

Did you know what water does?

 

1. Carries body chemicals throughout the body system.

2. Aids in the digestion of food(should be taken at least 1/2 hours before or after a meal so it won't interfere with digestion.)

3. Keeps all moving body parts lubricated.

4. Purifies the blood.

5. Invigorates body organs.

6. Regulates the body temperature.

7. Contributes to proper bowel elimination.

8. Aids in resisting diseases.

 

A hot water treatment followed by a cold water application increases the red blood cells from 20-35%. These red blood cells clean and nourish the body. But even more important, the white blood cells, which fight infections, are increased from 200% - 300% after a hot and cold water treatment. What a blessing!

 

The effect of a cold water treatment, temperature of the water below 85% degrees, is an instant contraction of the small arteries. A brief application of cold water produces a momentary contraction followed by relaxation and an increase in the blood supply to the specific area.

 

The effect of a hot water treatment, temperature of the water higher than 98 degrees, will increase the circulation. Hot baths are extremely stimulating to the system.

 

The effects of warm water treatment, temperature of the water between 85 and 92 degrees are mild soothing. The warm bath increases the action of the skin through absorption and perspiration.

 

Because water applied externally has all of these wonderful characteristics, we can identify the following healthful uses of water.

1. Toxins in the system are destroyed and the eliminations of these toxins is increased.
2. Due to an increase in circulation and a stimulating effect on the eliminating organs, overall elimination is greatly increased.
3. Due to an increase in circulation, the body's metabolism and the formation of red and white blood cells is increased.
4. There is relief from pain and irritation.

I have personally used water (hydrotherapy) in my new way of life. Everyday, I take a hot and cold shower. This is especially helpful to me in the wintertime as it helps to reduce my risk of getting the flu.
Another treatment I've used is the hot and cold sitz baths. Before my diagnosis, I had suffered for years with abnormal periods, clotting, fibroids, anemia, anovulatory cycles, and had several surgeries to address uterine polyps. (Joann, my friend, said I was like the woman in the Bible with the issue of blood.) M gynecologist offered the pill to "normalize" the hormone levels, but I refused. After the diagnosis and changing my way of life, all of those problems disappeared. I noticed, however, that whenever I was under stress, some of the old problems resurfaced.
I discovered that the hot and cold sitz baths worked wonders and I could feel immediate results. I bought 2 plastic tubs, big enough to sit in, and placed them in my bathtub. I fill one with cold water and two trays of ice. The other one I filled with hot water. After putting on a bathing suit (the water doesn't shock your skin in the tender areas when covered), I sit in the hot water first or about 3-4 minutes and then the cold water for about 2 minute. As the hot water starts to feel cool I add more hot water. I do this contrast about 5-6 times. After drying myself, I briskly rub my tummy, lower back and thighs with a COLD cloth that has been wet and wrung out. Then, I rest (in bed, or on sofa) for about 30 minutes afterwards. I start the treatment the week after my period ends, doing it 5 times that week, three times the second week and twice the third week. I did this for about three months. and have seen dramatic results within that time period.
My brother, who had neuropathy problems was also benefitted by a similar treatment.
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Be sure to come back next week- we will be talking about "Air".

Keeping a Record of Sorts

My best friend gave me a beautiful copy of "Streams in the Desert" devotional for my birthday in 2012. I began reading it through that year. And I have been reading it ever since.

They have some up dated versions of this book - which are probably pretty good - but I like that my copy of this book is the original. It just seems like it makes it a richer read.

 

One thing that I love about this devotional is the wonderful lines on the outer edges of each page. This give you the opportunity to write in notes if you would like.

 

The first year or two I only wrote a little note here or there in this book. But the year that I was going through chemo - back in 2014, when I began to write my notes I realized how important it would be to add the date when what I was writing was written. 

When I get to a page and I read the devotional - it is neat to see what I have written for it in years past. And it is also neat to see how another part of the devotional stands out to me than the time before, depending on what is going on in my life.

 

When God impresses me with an idea or maybe how I can see my life in the devotional or maybe how God has lead in an area - I like to write it down.

 

"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 34:8

 

"Come and hear, all you who fear God,

And I will declare what He has done for my soul."

Psalm 66:16 

 

 

 

I think that journaling what lessons you learn from the Lord and from your time in the Bible. It helps you remember those special times. I can't tell you how many times I felt like God helped me understand a new concept or I learned an important lesson and did not write it down and ended up forgetting it. Now I try to record these things for future reference.

 

Looking back over past thoughts and memories - I am reminded of God's leading in the past, and it reassures me of his unfailing love and care for me.

50 by 50 update

So last you heard I was going through a plateau. And boy was it a long plateau. It lasted a whole 2 months. Two month to the day in fact.

So a couple of weeks ago I decided that I needed to kick it up a notch. I shared about that. I have tried to get more exercise time in. Adding in doing some hand weights at least 2 times a week. Doing some aerobic exercise along with walking and weights. So doubled what I was doing from before. It took 2 weeks to see the results of all this extra work but I have lost weight again! When I weighed in this last week end I had lost 3 pounds!! So I have lost a total of 30 pounds!! 20 more to go.

With all the exercising a pair of jeans that I had that were a bit tight several weeks ago are not more comfortable to wear- I love it when that happens. It feels good to know that something that didn't fit you a couple of months ago - now fits you! I look forward to seeing what will fit me once I lose the next 20 pounds.

If you have not set a goal of weight lose or to get healthier or what ever God leads you to set a goal for - then you might be missing out. Had I not set a goal to lose 50 pounds - I think that the last two months would have discouraged me. I think I would have just felt like - well I guess this is the weight I am suppose to be at and I would have given up. But by making my goal and feeling like God has led me to setting this goal - I was able to stick with it even when I was not getting results. Setting goals and seeing the progress is really great. It gives to good reasons to resist the temptations when they come along.

I challenge you - pray and ask God if there are goals He would like you to set. If so, for Him to reveal them to you. And I pray that your heart will be open to where He leads. :O)

Peace Unmatched Here on Earth

Just checking in to let you all know that I will be late with my postings this week. It has been a rough last several days- but God has been right there every step of the way.

The peace unmatched here on earth was given to me in a VERY volatile situation and a calm, loving heart in order to convey a message that really needed to be said at the time- because it was probably the last chance to ever get that message said to the person involved- it was a bit of amends on my part. I can have a guilt free conscience now.

God kept my mouth closed - just like he kept the lions mouths closed when Daniel was thrown in the lions den. Things were said to me about my family that to the old me - would have brought out the Mama bear in me. Dirty things were said about me - and I felt no need of defense - God would have my back.

Don't mistake the calmness that God gave me - with the idea that none of this situation hurt me. I (and my family) have been hurt. But thankfully God has been there ever step of the way and has had my(our) back the entire time.

We are not out of the woods. There could be ugly things done and said still- but we are choosing to trust that God is in control and that He will protect us.

Could you keep our family in your prayers as we move forward from this situation. It could be an ongoing thing for a couple of months- we are praying that it can be resolved super quickly - but not holding our breath.

Thank you so very much.

Oh I will also be doing a post about an up date on my 50 by 50 goal so stay tuned.

A Wonderful Resource

This week someone shared with me an awesome resource and I just have to share it with you all. This is something that you can go to on your computer or you can download the app onto your smart phone. It is called Audioverse! First of all, If you click onto the link - it will take you to the English version - but if you will go to Google and just type in Audioverse - and click into the site that way - it will begin with giving you the option of picking another language.

On this site are some wonderful resource to help you along your journey to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. I hope you will check it out. I have downloaded it onto my phone and I look forward to having a chance to listen to a sermon.

You can even listen to the Bible- you can type in where you want to start. There is a way to look up different topics as well. May this resource help you along your walk with Jesus. :O)

Beloved Names of God...series "Breath of the Almighty"

Breath of the Almighty

 

The Spirit of God hath made me,

and the breath of the Almighty have given me life."

Job 33:4 KJV

 

• Name of God the Holy Spirit
• The Holy Spirit is referred to once as the "breath of the Almighty"
• Elihu called Job out on his claim that he was pure and did not deserve punishment. He said the Breath of the Almighty made them both, but the difference was that Elihu made no claim to purity. Job feels he has a case to put before God about his mistreatment. Elihu thinks this is arrogance and Job should simply trust.

We should be surprised that the Breath of the Almighty is different from ours.

The Breath of the Almighty breathed into Adam, gave life to dust. It parted the Red Sea. King David declared God's breath could expose the foundations of the earth. But just as God can be both fearsome and compassionate, so can this awesome force be the companion, comforter, and guide that Jesus sent to bring us safely home.

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Come back next week when we will look at "The Bread of Life"

See you then :O)  



Biblical Portrait....series

Examining our walk in the light of Scripture

The verses on the following pages express God's heart for women. Together they provide a biblical portrait of a godly woman.

 

The questions that follow each verse are designed to help evaluate how well you are applying the Word in your daily walk. the point is not to answer a simple "yes" or "no" to each question, but rather to use the questions as a basis for person meditation, application, and response to the Lord.

 

Some of these verses are directed specifically to married women. Other apply more broadly to all women. Regardless of your marital status, ask God to open your heart and to help you see areas where He wants to mold you and make you a woman after His own heart.

 

To get the most our of this exercise, you may want to focus on one verse each day, asking God to show you how your life measures up to that particular aspect o His design. As you work through this section, highlight three or four verses that reveal specific areas of need in your life, so you can memorize them and engraft them into your heart and life.

Why was I created as a woman?

 

2. "For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man" (1 Corinthians 11:8-9)

 



 

Do I recognize and accept that God created the woman to complete, complement, and help the man?

 

Is my life helping and blessing the men around me in ways that promote holiness and godliness?

 

3. "The Woman is the Glory of man" (1 Corinthians 11:7)

 

In the way I talk to and about men, do I show their God-crated worth and value?

 

Am I a responder(rather than an initiator ) in my relationships with men?

Do I make it easy for men to fulfill their God-given calling to lead in the home, the church, and the society?

Do I respond to men in ways that communicate appropriate respect and affirmation of their manhood?

Do I seek to protect and preserve God-centered distinctions between men and women in the way that I conduct myself, in my dress, and in my carious roles as a woman?

 4.  "And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living" (Genesis 3:20, KJV)

Do I recognize and accept my God-created calling to be a bear and nurturer of life?

Do I consider it a high and holy calling to be a "mother," whether of physical or spiritual children? Am I actively involved in bearing and nurturing life?

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Come back next week - when the question: "What makes a beautiful woman?" will be answered? See you then :O)

 

More Help with Step 6

Step 6

"Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character."

"In step six we learned more about the necessity of willingness as we became entirely ready to let go of our shortcomings. We apply this principle in many ways now, learning through each day's experience the difference between self-will and a simple willingness to cooperate with the guidance of our Higher Power.Our Higher Power- which is God. And through the Holy Spirit He guides us and directs us to reflect the character of God. Only through His strength and power are we able to do so. We have to be willing and we have to surrender our wills.

Working Towards a More Manageable Life....step 6

Step  6

"Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character."

 



 

"Likewise reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts."

Romans 6:11,12

 

vs. 12 " Its lust ~ The bodily desires. We experience Adam's sin through the impure desires that arise in us."

 

17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as other Gentiles walk,

in the vanity of their mind, 18Having the understanding darkened,

 being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,

because of the blindness of their heart: 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto licentiousness,  to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20But you have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22That you put off concerning the former way of life the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:17-23

 

vs. 23-24 put off...put on~ Using the imagery of a change of clothing, Paul exhorts believers to put off (vs.22) the old pattern of life and put on (v. 24) the new, Christ-inspired one."

(If you would like to study more into this concept check out these verses: Romans 6:1-14; 13:12; Col. 3:9-14)

 

13Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15But as he who has called you is holy, so be holy in all manner of conduct; 16Because it is written, You will be holy;

 for I am holy.

1 Peter 1:13-16

 

18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has to do with punishment.  He that fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18

 

19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will eat with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:19-20

 

28My soul melts for heaviness: strengthen me according unto your word.

29Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me your law graciously.

30I have chosen the way of truth: your judgments have I laid before me.

31I have clung unto your testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.

32I will run the way of your commandments, when you shall enlarge my heart.

33Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

34Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35Make me to go in the path of your commandments; for therein do I delight.

36Incline my heart unto your testimonies, and not to covetousness.

37Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity; and revive me in your way.

38Establish your word unto your servant, who is devoted to your fear.

39Turn away my reproach which I fear: for your judgments are good.

40Behold, I have longed after your precepts: revive me in your righteousness.

Psalm 119:28-40

 

Actually all of Psalm 119 is great. Click HERE to check it all out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kicking It Up A Notch

 I have been on a plateau for about 6 plus weeks. I have gotten discouraged at times. It seems like my whole life - losing weight has been such a struggle. That is one reason why I want to hold myself accountable and not allow myself to gain the weight back again. That is what has happened to me in the past and it is discouraging to fail like that. I would much rather stay paying attention to my weight- not in an obsessive kind of way but in monitoring it and keeping it steady. Obviously(the past 6 plus weeks) I can do that quite well now. So now I am beyond ready to start losing weight again.

I have kicked it up a notch on exercising. I am walking and also working out with my Rise Up program at least several times a week. And I am trying to do at least 2-3 workouts using hand weights- sometimes I am lucky and can catch the Rise Up program when she uses weights- many times it is on Tuesday and Thursdays. I got to do a good workout with weights today. I also walked!

I had gotten back into the habit of weighing myself every single day. And as you can imagine it has gotten discouraging to do so- when it is the same basic weight each and every day- it kind of fluctuates a couple of pounds. But this morning when I when I was working out with Jennifer Webster - she was sharing how many times when a person starts a workout plan - they don't lose- but gain a little weight. She also explained how that is alright- because your body is not getting fatter but you are getting more muscles and muscles weight more than fat does. So I have decided to go back to only weighing a couple of times a week, instead of every day. I know that what I am doing is heading me in the right direction and I need to just give my body time to make the changes and for the benefits to show up.

 

As I write this at about 4:30pm- I have already walked over 10,000 steps...and there are still hours of the day to go. I have been working on trying to mark things off of my to do list that have been on it too long. And it feels good to get those things done finally.

 

 

 

I am doing what I know I need to do to get healthier and I am putting my trust in God.
He is able to do abundantly MORE that we can imagine!! I am trusting Him!


 

BEST WAY....series "T"

BEST WAY

"T"

Temperance

 



 

Many times we over-commit ourselves to good things and feel it through stress, insomnia, short tempers, panic attacks, indigestions, headaches, etc. We then complicate matters by eating and drinking things that we know do absolutely nothing positive for bui8lding our body temples. Know when to say NO and when to say WHEN. Even too much of a good thing can sometimes be harmful. Chose to set limits, and stick to them. (I have learned how to say no and enjoy it!) It will help to keep your life in better balance and your STRESS level down.

Look at the following chart. Take stock of the "Things" you are doing. List what you are currently doing/responsible for doing? How much of what you are doing is really enhancing your life?

 

IS there balance in your life? Is there something that needs changing? What will you do to make the changes? When will you begin to make the needed changes?  

The Chart's title is "This is My Life"
 Under the title are these categories:

Diet
Home
Job
Family
Church
Civic
Self
God

A Healthy Sprinkle Recipe

Flax-Nut Sprinkle Recipe

 

1/4 C. Walnuts, ground

1/4 C. Flax meal

1 T. Date sugar or Brown Sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

 

Mix and serve over toast, cereal, etc.

 

~ Note If you use the whole flax seed, use only 1/4 cup (2 T) and grind it in a coffee grinder to give you 1/4 cup of flax meal.

Store in an air tight container, refrigerate and use as needed.

Recipe from this book:

 

Beloved Names of God...series "Carpenter"

Carpenter

"Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph and Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him."

Mark 6:3 NIV

 

• Name of God the Son
• Jesus is referred to as "the carpenter" once and as "the carpenter's son" once.
• Jesus' earthly father, Joseph, was a tekton, which means "carpenter, itinerant craftsman, builder, or skilled artisan" in Greek. By any interpretation, he was a man who worked with his hands, and his son Jesus probably learned the same trade.
•  In this verse Jesus had been teaching in the synagogue. The people listening had a hard time reconciling the miracle working teacher with the man whose family they all knew. 

God came to live among us! Not as a prince, but as a carpenter!

He came to be with the "salt of the earth," the common people. God would, forever after, be in the day's toil, the frustrations of neighbors, the joys of family, the fears of the vulnerable, and the desperation of the poor, because Jesus lived with these people.

Jesus knew them (and through them, knew us) as only their loved ones could.

 

 



Biblical Portrait...series

I will be adding this first few paragraphs with each posting - just in case someone comes in the middle of series. Each question has several verse - each with its own list of questions. I will be dividing this up into one verse and the questions that go along with that verse. So please check back each week for the next verse and question. I hope that this series will help you in your walk to be the woman that God has created you to be! Examining our walk in the light of Scripture The verses on the following pages express God's heart for women. Together they provide a biblical portrait of a godly woman.   The questions that follow each verse are designed to help evaluate how well you are applying the Word in your daily walk. the point is not to answer a simple "yes" or "no" to each question, but rather to use the questions as a basis for person meditation, application, and response to the Lord.   Some of these verses are directed specifically to married women. Other apply more broadly to all women. Regardless of your marital status, ask God to open your heart and to help you see areas where He wants to mold you and make you a woman after His own heart.   To get the most our of this exercise, you may want to focus on one verse each day, asking God to show you how your life measures up to that particular aspect o His design. As you work through this section, highlight three or four verses that reveal specific areas of need in your life, so you can memorize them and engraft them into your heart and life.   Why was I created as a woman?     "The LORD God said, 'it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him'" (Genesis 2:18) (This is only the first of 4 verses to answer this question- next week we will do verse number two)   Have I embraced my God-created design to be a helper to the man? Am I willing to sacrifice my own ambitions and aspirations in order to fulfill my primary role and calling as a helper to my husband? Am I providing companionship for my husband? Am I completing and complementing my husband, rather than competing with him? How could I better help my husband fulfill God's purpose for his life? What kinds of words, actions, and attitudes on my part will help Christian men around me become all God wants the to be? Am I promoting healthy, godly marriages in the ways I relate and respond to other women's husbands? Am I maintain the kinds of boundaries in my relationship with men that promote biblical standards of purity?     

Important Nutrients to Combat Depression

There are specific essential nutrients that help our bodies and our brains. This list of nutrients will help us combat depression. Be sure and check out the source for each nutrient.

 

Tryptophan

Tofu

roasted pumpkin seeds
gluten flour
sesame seeds
Almonds
black walnuts
Blackeyed peas
whole milk

B12

Dry cereal

Steak 1/4 ' lean
Egg whole
soy milk (soy dream)
soy milk (EdenSoy Extra)
Milk skim
Milk whole
chicken breast
Egg White
Spinach organic
Soybean organic

*many times a person needs a b12 supplement - I think he said best one was - "methyl cobal amin" Natures Bounty

Omega-3

Flaxseed/Linseed oil

Walnuts, English
Canola oil
Walnuts, black
Wheat Germ oil
Soybean oil Crisco/Wesson)
Green Soybeans/with salt
Spinach(canned)
California Avocado
Almond
Safflower oil
Turnips
Banana
Sweet Potato
Apple
Roasted Potato
Cucumber ( slices with peel
Whole Wheat Bread

Folate

chickpeas

Black eyed peas
lentils
red kidney beans
Okra pods
navy beans
spinach
mustard greens
spanish peanuts
fresh orange juice
sirloin steak, broiled

Assignment for the week:

1. Look at the list of foods under Tryptophan. Pick more than 2.

2. Look at the list of B12 foods. Choose 3 good choices of B12 that you will begin to incorporate into your diet this week. 

3. Look at the list of Omega-3 foods - and write down four to ten foods you will eat more of starting this week.

4. Look at the list of Folic Acid or Folate and choose four to eight of these foods you will begin consuming more of beginning today.

More Help with Step 5

Step 5

 

"Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs."

"What are some of the principles inherent in each step that we are encouraged to practice in all our affairs?"

"In steps four and five we learned courage and integrity as we faced the truth about our defects of character. Applying these principles in all our affairs means that we are no longer ruled by a fear of admitting our mistakes. We have the integrity to show the world our true selves. No longer needing to appear to the world as perfect people, we can live more fully, having the courage to face up to our mistakes and test our strength in the challenges of life."

Working Towards a More Manageable Life...step 5

"Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs."

 

 

17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you,

19And am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of your hired servants.

20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Luke 15:17-20

 

vs 17 "Came to himself~ Admitted the truth about himself"  

vs 18 "An example of the repentance God desires

see verses ~

 7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, who need no repentance.

10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.

 

vs 20 ~ "ran~ Authority figures in that culture did not run. Here, the father abandoned his dignity to show his deep love and forgiveness, even before his son can speak."

 

 



Many also of them that had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.

Acts 19:18

 

3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

 

vs. 3 "war~ against evil."

according....flesh~ 1 As ordinary humans. 2. without the Spirit.

vs. 4. "weapons~ 1. meekness and gentleness(see verse 1 of 2 Corinthians 10); 2. gospel."

Strongholds~ Every God-resistant factor."  



 

12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

      14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:12-16

vs.12 Living and powerful~ The word of God enables those who hear it to do what it commands (Hebrews 11:3; 1 Peter 1:23)

Sharper than any two-edges sword~ The word of God - especially our response to it - reveals what is in the deepest parts of our heart.

(for more on the purpose of the Bible see 2 Timothy 3:15-17)

 

 

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16

 

confess~ In this context, he trespasses are possibly ones that caused the sickness, but they may also be faults that involved relations with others. In general, confession of sins or faults to persons affected by such indiscretions, or in a small group of people, can bring about healing and restoration; but indiscriminate public confessions of private sins can prove unhelpful.  

 

8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:8-9

 

vs. 8 have no sin~ If we are no longer sinning.

vs. 9 confess~ Admit the truth.

faithful and just - No matter how unfaithful we maybe, God is always faithful to his promises to forgive.



 

13He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
         But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.

14How blessed is the man who fears always,
         But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

Proverbs 28:13-14

 

 vs 13 not prosper~  Not succeed. This is an understatement.

 

 

 

(All notes about verses are from my Andrews Study Bible)