Are you telling everyone that your jeans shrunk two sizes in the dryer last night?
Are you wearing anything with elastic around the waist?
Are you tucking more than just your shirt into your pants?
Is Santa not the only one in the neighborhood with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, then welcome to the day after Christmas in America. Where the average person puts on a whopping five to eleven pounds over the holidays. FIVE to ELEVEN pounds? This is one time I don't want to be above average! How about you?
In all seriousness, we as believers, must pick ourselves up and live as the citizens of Heaven that we are. So get ready for transformation!
Philipians 3:18-21 "For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
Don't you just love it! Our Lord, Jesus Christ, intends on transforming "our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body". I don't know about you, but this one "lowly" body is ready. I pray that you will consider joining me. Let's surrender to HIM. Let's stand up and be proud citizens of HEAVEN. Citizens who are recognized quickly by just one glance. No sense in putting it off. Let's get started.
New beginnings! That is why He came!
Praise HIM!
P.S. If you are looking for a way to get rid of excess weight, live well, and grow in your walk with the Lord, look for a First Place meeting in your area. Live in Columbia, South Carolina? New First Place sessions will begin in January and February at Spring Valley Baptist Church.
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Making Time
I once heard Governor Huckabee interviewed about his weight loss. The interviewer asked " Governor, with your busy schedule, how did you ever find time to exercise?" The Governor responded and I paraphrase, " I don't find time. I make time. If I waited until I found the time to exercise I would never get it done". How true is that! If we wait until we find the time to do anything with our busy schedules, especially during this harried week, we would never get it done.
I am reminded of that when I lay down my Bible until later. Or when I pass by my running shoes on the way to put another load of laundry in. Or when I grab the snacks that are easily available instead of sitting down to a healthy meal.
This time of year is busy. Making our lists and checking them twice. Digging out from under heaps of wrapping paper. Scurrying to deliver the last gift. Places to go. People to see. But we (I) must make the time for those things that honor our Lord. I think He would prefer His temple in good repair. Don't you?
So, pardon me while I head out for my run! See you later!
1st Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Praise HIM!
I am reminded of that when I lay down my Bible until later. Or when I pass by my running shoes on the way to put another load of laundry in. Or when I grab the snacks that are easily available instead of sitting down to a healthy meal.
This time of year is busy. Making our lists and checking them twice. Digging out from under heaps of wrapping paper. Scurrying to deliver the last gift. Places to go. People to see. But we (I) must make the time for those things that honor our Lord. I think He would prefer His temple in good repair. Don't you?
So, pardon me while I head out for my run! See you later!
1st Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Praise HIM!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Not on my own
I spent an entire day this past weekend with 60 students at a rally with over 25,000 people, collecting canned goods to give to our local emergency food bank. This was a student-led project, but they needed their sponsor there as well. Don't get me wrong, although it was hectic, and at times a bit chaotic, it was a joy to work alongside them. These high school kids eagerly gathered well over 4000 cans in eight hours of labor-intensive work to help feed the hungry. (Kids are really so much more caring than we often give them credit for.) But I must tell you, this middle-aged body came home exhausted. Bone-tired. Worn out enough to weep. And weep I did when I walked through my doorway.
I left my kitchen before 7am that morning, and I left in a hurry. Walking out on counters cluttered with dirty dishes, dirty laundry, and emptied boxes that needed to head back to the attic. It was all I could do to pack up the items I needed for that day. I expected to return to the same dirty dishes and cluttered counters that I left before sunlight. But joy of joys, I walked into a spotless kitchen. Laundry...cleaned, dried, and folded. The empty boxes from the Christmas ornaments... packed away. The things I KNOW that I could not have done on my own were done for me. Sweet husband!
We have a God like that too. One who reminds me often that I don't have to do it all on my own. One who has done the hardest work for me. I don't have to face a "cluttered with sin" past. It is as "far as the east is from the west" from me. (Ps.103:12) Could not have done that on my own. I don't have to face my own "dirty laundry". He has washed me "whiter than snow". (Ps. 51:7) Again, done by Him. And He continues to "pack away" the pride, selfishness, and other assorted character issues. All the things I KNOW that I could not have done on my own. Done for me. Sweet Heavenly Father!
Father thank you for your work on the cross, for your work in me. I thank you for reminding me that YOU alone have saved me. I praise You for the peace You offer as you guard our hearts and minds in You. For doing all that none of us could ever do on our own. Praise YOU!
Praise HIM!
I left my kitchen before 7am that morning, and I left in a hurry. Walking out on counters cluttered with dirty dishes, dirty laundry, and emptied boxes that needed to head back to the attic. It was all I could do to pack up the items I needed for that day. I expected to return to the same dirty dishes and cluttered counters that I left before sunlight. But joy of joys, I walked into a spotless kitchen. Laundry...cleaned, dried, and folded. The empty boxes from the Christmas ornaments... packed away. The things I KNOW that I could not have done on my own were done for me. Sweet husband!
We have a God like that too. One who reminds me often that I don't have to do it all on my own. One who has done the hardest work for me. I don't have to face a "cluttered with sin" past. It is as "far as the east is from the west" from me. (Ps.103:12) Could not have done that on my own. I don't have to face my own "dirty laundry". He has washed me "whiter than snow". (Ps. 51:7) Again, done by Him. And He continues to "pack away" the pride, selfishness, and other assorted character issues. All the things I KNOW that I could not have done on my own. Done for me. Sweet Heavenly Father!
Father thank you for your work on the cross, for your work in me. I thank you for reminding me that YOU alone have saved me. I praise You for the peace You offer as you guard our hearts and minds in You. For doing all that none of us could ever do on our own. Praise YOU!
Praise HIM!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Partner
This past weekend I did something I didn't think I could do again. My dear friend and fellow FPer, Pam, and I ran a 5K together. I won't tell you we won. We didn't. I won't even tell you we ran a great time. We didn't. But we did run the race that both of us were, or at least I was, more than a little apprehensive about completing.
The weather could not have been more delightful. It was cool, but not too cold. The warm sun elevated the temperature enough to thaw our toes and nose. It was an absolutely marvelous December morning! The sidelines were full of cheering crowds. Clapping. Arms waving. Cheers of "Go, Go, Go". (It is possible that the crowds were just in a hurry for us to pass so the Annual Christmas Parade could begin, but the encouragement was welcome just the same.) But the very best part of the race was having a running partner!
Pam's continual encouragement is what made the race doable for me. We talked a bit. We laughed a bit. We slowed down for each other...OK, she slowed down for me. We kept each other going.
Down the first hill. Confidence. Back up another. Urging. Marking our distance. Reassurance. Simultaneously grabbing our cups at the water station. Refreshment. And finishing. What a great feeling to finish something you aren't even sure you can begin! All along being lifted up and encouraged by a fellow runner, a fellow sojourner. All the way to the finish line.
So it should be no surprise that this encouraging business is of HIS design! And it is not just for running a 5K race. It is for losing the weight. It is for being disciplined to study the Word. It is for tackling the job hunt. It is for facing a dire illness. It is for waiting for the right time or the right thing or the right person. Encouragement. It is for living the life.
Give it. Receive it. All the way to the finish line.
Romans 1:11-12 "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."
1 Thessalonians 5:11"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Praise Him!
P.S. By the way, Pam and I did outrun one of the younger ladies.(so Pam, do I tell them she was six?)
The weather could not have been more delightful. It was cool, but not too cold. The warm sun elevated the temperature enough to thaw our toes and nose. It was an absolutely marvelous December morning! The sidelines were full of cheering crowds. Clapping. Arms waving. Cheers of "Go, Go, Go". (It is possible that the crowds were just in a hurry for us to pass so the Annual Christmas Parade could begin, but the encouragement was welcome just the same.) But the very best part of the race was having a running partner!
Pam's continual encouragement is what made the race doable for me. We talked a bit. We laughed a bit. We slowed down for each other...OK, she slowed down for me. We kept each other going.
Down the first hill. Confidence. Back up another. Urging. Marking our distance. Reassurance. Simultaneously grabbing our cups at the water station. Refreshment. And finishing. What a great feeling to finish something you aren't even sure you can begin! All along being lifted up and encouraged by a fellow runner, a fellow sojourner. All the way to the finish line.
So it should be no surprise that this encouraging business is of HIS design! And it is not just for running a 5K race. It is for losing the weight. It is for being disciplined to study the Word. It is for tackling the job hunt. It is for facing a dire illness. It is for waiting for the right time or the right thing or the right person. Encouragement. It is for living the life.
Give it. Receive it. All the way to the finish line.
Romans 1:11-12 "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."
1 Thessalonians 5:11"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Praise Him!
P.S. By the way, Pam and I did outrun one of the younger ladies.(so Pam, do I tell them she was six?)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Escape Routes
Have you ever taken a cruise? We did and oh, what a vacation! We flew to Vancouver and set sail on a chilly Saturday afternoon. I can't adequately describe the scenery, to say the least it was all spectacular. We saw seals and salmon. We spotted grizzly bears and cubs. Hundreds of bald eagles, many clasping dinner in their talons, soared over our heads. We hiked up trails that were once the highways of gold miners. We rafted down beautiful mountain rivers once canoed by natives. We walked out on glaciers, watching the "white thunder" fall to the sea. The complete range of weather kept us guessing as to what to dress ourselves in each morning. But the absolute artistry by our God more than offset any fashion shortcomings. It was a marvelous week!
But do you know how every cruise begins? If you have been on one, you already know what I was soon to discover. The first hour that you are on the boat the near-deafening blaring of the ship's horn booms over the loudspeaker and the PA system announces that every passenger must proceed to your assigned area for a mandatory drill. No getting out of it. Each room is checked by the stewards as passengers are hurried to the largest dining hall. We hurried too. If you know me, you know I was paying attention! Ready to quiz my hubby and children afterwards.The captain and other staff have you practice putting on a life jacket. They explain how the life boats work and how cold the water is(in Alaska that equals VERY COLD). They finish by pointing out all the emergency escape routes. I'm happy to say that our biggest emergency on the entire trip was discovering our camera battery was not fully charged for another full day of picture snapping!
This memory of the drill does remind me of something God says in His word. He promises in 1st Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
Sometimes God makes the "way out" very obvious for us to see as my captain did on the ship. Sometimes we must search for the "way out" that He provides. Either way, we know that we can take comfort that He is "faithful". Not some of the time. Not most of the time. He is "faithful" all of the time. Always.
As we approach this holiday, and a grand feast at the dining room table, we need to remember that. We can push away from the table with our pants still buttoned. We can pass up a second or third helping of our favorite food. We can take an extra jog around the block. We don't have to be over-full. We can just be thankful!
Thank you Lord that you already see the temptations that await me this week. Thank you that they are not uncommon. Thank you for reminding me that they are not too much to bear. And thank you that when they are, when my power and might are too weak, that You by YOUR SPIRIT, will provide that emergency escape route so I can stand up under it!
Praise Him!
But do you know how every cruise begins? If you have been on one, you already know what I was soon to discover. The first hour that you are on the boat the near-deafening blaring of the ship's horn booms over the loudspeaker and the PA system announces that every passenger must proceed to your assigned area for a mandatory drill. No getting out of it. Each room is checked by the stewards as passengers are hurried to the largest dining hall. We hurried too. If you know me, you know I was paying attention! Ready to quiz my hubby and children afterwards.The captain and other staff have you practice putting on a life jacket. They explain how the life boats work and how cold the water is(in Alaska that equals VERY COLD). They finish by pointing out all the emergency escape routes. I'm happy to say that our biggest emergency on the entire trip was discovering our camera battery was not fully charged for another full day of picture snapping!
This memory of the drill does remind me of something God says in His word. He promises in 1st Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
Sometimes God makes the "way out" very obvious for us to see as my captain did on the ship. Sometimes we must search for the "way out" that He provides. Either way, we know that we can take comfort that He is "faithful". Not some of the time. Not most of the time. He is "faithful" all of the time. Always.
As we approach this holiday, and a grand feast at the dining room table, we need to remember that. We can push away from the table with our pants still buttoned. We can pass up a second or third helping of our favorite food. We can take an extra jog around the block. We don't have to be over-full. We can just be thankful!
Thank you Lord that you already see the temptations that await me this week. Thank you that they are not uncommon. Thank you for reminding me that they are not too much to bear. And thank you that when they are, when my power and might are too weak, that You by YOUR SPIRIT, will provide that emergency escape route so I can stand up under it!
Praise Him!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Finish Line
I read the following quote tonight at the Boston Marathon Website :"This is one of the major differences between elite runners' marathon training and others training for the event. Most runners or joggers are simply trying to finish the event in halfway decent condition. Elite runners are essentially "racing" the event." http://www.bostonmarathon.org/
I have this nagging thought that I can not let go of tonight. I must begin training like an elite athlete for this journey the Lord has me on. I think much like those casual(if there is such a person who runs ANY marathon) runners, I have often run my own race as one who just wants to "finish the event in halfway decent condition." This week's Bible study has been a great awakening for me.
How many times have I read 1st Corinthians and yet never realized that God wants me to run like I want to WIN this race!
1st Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
WIN? Middle of the heap is always where I've been quite content thank you. You know, not first place, not last, but somewhere in between was more than fine with me. But that is not apparently what my Lord wants for me. He wants me to win this race. Not someone else's race mind you, but the race He has set out for me.
Hebrews 12: 1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Because I enjoy running, actually it is more like a slow jog, I really love the analogy that God uses in His Word on how we are to prepare. He tells us not to run "aimlessly".
1st Corinthians 9: 26"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air."
So what is aimless? I am a terrible map reader. If you put me in charge of the map and told me where to go, it would take a VERY long time to get there. But there is this new device, the GPS and I'm telling you, for those of us that are map-challenged, it is a real life changer. It tells you where to turn, how far you are from your destination, and even includes markings of where the next restrooms are(now that's an answer to prayer). But you know what you have to do first? You have to tell the system exactly where you are going.
In the same way, we must know where we are headed. For both the physical race to health and the long term race to standing before my Lord,I must know that I will approach those finish lines a winner! And you dear friend, you too will have your own "crowning"moment. He did that for us! And at the end, I can just hear Him saying "I knew you could do it child! I told you so! "
I hear Him cheering me on now!
Praise Him!
I have this nagging thought that I can not let go of tonight. I must begin training like an elite athlete for this journey the Lord has me on. I think much like those casual(if there is such a person who runs ANY marathon) runners, I have often run my own race as one who just wants to "finish the event in halfway decent condition." This week's Bible study has been a great awakening for me.
How many times have I read 1st Corinthians and yet never realized that God wants me to run like I want to WIN this race!
1st Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
WIN? Middle of the heap is always where I've been quite content thank you. You know, not first place, not last, but somewhere in between was more than fine with me. But that is not apparently what my Lord wants for me. He wants me to win this race. Not someone else's race mind you, but the race He has set out for me.
Hebrews 12: 1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Because I enjoy running, actually it is more like a slow jog, I really love the analogy that God uses in His Word on how we are to prepare. He tells us not to run "aimlessly".
1st Corinthians 9: 26"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air."
So what is aimless? I am a terrible map reader. If you put me in charge of the map and told me where to go, it would take a VERY long time to get there. But there is this new device, the GPS and I'm telling you, for those of us that are map-challenged, it is a real life changer. It tells you where to turn, how far you are from your destination, and even includes markings of where the next restrooms are(now that's an answer to prayer). But you know what you have to do first? You have to tell the system exactly where you are going.
In the same way, we must know where we are headed. For both the physical race to health and the long term race to standing before my Lord,I must know that I will approach those finish lines a winner! And you dear friend, you too will have your own "crowning"moment. He did that for us! And at the end, I can just hear Him saying "I knew you could do it child! I told you so! "
I hear Him cheering me on now!
Praise Him!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Hitting the Brick Wall
I remember my initiation into the sport of down-hill skiing. I must have been about 12 years old. The mountains of North Carolina were close to home and seemed to challenge us to a run on their snowy slopes. You should know that at 12 years old I seemed to fear anything out of the ordinary.I feared airplanes, natural disasters, and most especially the disease of the month thoroughly described in my mother's ladies magazine. (I believe my mother actually discontinued the subscription after the umpteenth time that I finished an article and began exhibiting every sign and symptom of the latest disease.) Sadly, my fears also extended into recreational activities, in particular those activities involving speed and loss of control!
While my family and I climbed into our new ski apparel, I imagined poking my eye out with the ski pole, or going off the side of the mountain, or losing toes to frost-bite(another article I read). The ski instructors reassured all of us and even pointed out the hay stacks at the bottom of the slope "just in case" you can't stop. That seemed to assuage my fears long enough to get me out to the bunny slope. Snow-plow down, go back up, snow-plow down, go back up. You get the picture, definitely not Winter Olympic material. But my mom, she was brave. She promptly took off for the first hill. She made her way to the top and began zipping along right down the slope. I looked over and said to myself "I don't think she is going to stop! Good thing there is that hay down there!" She used the man-made wall to complete her run. And then she got up...bloody nose and all. That seemingly soft wall of hay was actually a solid block , no actually a solid wall of ice! It stopped her alright. But good humored mom that she was, she just wiped her nose and giggled her way to the lodge. At least it gave me a good excuse to get my, now sure to be semi-frozen, toes out of the boots and in front of the blazing fire. Mom was ok and I liked it much better inside.
Ever hit a brick wall? (or a frozen block of hay?) I seem to be running into that wall lately. If truth be told, it seems to be a wall I may have erected myself. Beginning my walk to good health was a breeze and I too was "zipping along" at full speed. Then after a good run, I hit the brick wall. I seem to have lost the same three pounds several times now.It isn't that I have given up, I just seem to have lost more steam than pounds. So how do you stay motivated to continue a life-time plan for living well?
Here are some of the things the Lord has shown me as I have been searching the Word on how to stay motivated:
-Quit relying on my own strength.
1 Chronicles 16:11 "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always."
-Stop making this all about me.
Acts 20:24 "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
-Remain steadfast
Psalm 57:7:My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
I looked up steadfast and here is what it says:
1.fixed in direction; steadily directed: a steadfast gaze.
2.firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person: a steadfast friend.
3.unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 06 Nov. 2007.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/steadfast>.
What power in the word steadfast! Fixed, firm, and unwavering! Sounds a lot like a Savior I know.
Lord, keep my eyes fixed on you, "the author and perfecter of my faith"(Hebrews 12:2). It is through your strength that I can break and even avoid brick walls. Remind me when I focus too much on my own body, that it is not my own, but was "bought at a price"(1 Cor.6:19-20). And Lord, help me follow your example, remaining steadfast! Thank you Lord!
Praise Him!
Tell me how you stay motivated!
While my family and I climbed into our new ski apparel, I imagined poking my eye out with the ski pole, or going off the side of the mountain, or losing toes to frost-bite(another article I read). The ski instructors reassured all of us and even pointed out the hay stacks at the bottom of the slope "just in case" you can't stop. That seemed to assuage my fears long enough to get me out to the bunny slope. Snow-plow down, go back up, snow-plow down, go back up. You get the picture, definitely not Winter Olympic material. But my mom, she was brave. She promptly took off for the first hill. She made her way to the top and began zipping along right down the slope. I looked over and said to myself "I don't think she is going to stop! Good thing there is that hay down there!" She used the man-made wall to complete her run. And then she got up...bloody nose and all. That seemingly soft wall of hay was actually a solid block , no actually a solid wall of ice! It stopped her alright. But good humored mom that she was, she just wiped her nose and giggled her way to the lodge. At least it gave me a good excuse to get my, now sure to be semi-frozen, toes out of the boots and in front of the blazing fire. Mom was ok and I liked it much better inside.
Ever hit a brick wall? (or a frozen block of hay?) I seem to be running into that wall lately. If truth be told, it seems to be a wall I may have erected myself. Beginning my walk to good health was a breeze and I too was "zipping along" at full speed. Then after a good run, I hit the brick wall. I seem to have lost the same three pounds several times now.It isn't that I have given up, I just seem to have lost more steam than pounds. So how do you stay motivated to continue a life-time plan for living well?
Here are some of the things the Lord has shown me as I have been searching the Word on how to stay motivated:
-Quit relying on my own strength.
1 Chronicles 16:11 "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always."
-Stop making this all about me.
Acts 20:24 "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
-Remain steadfast
Psalm 57:7:My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
I looked up steadfast and here is what it says:
1.fixed in direction; steadily directed: a steadfast gaze.
2.firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person: a steadfast friend.
3.unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 06 Nov. 2007.
What power in the word steadfast! Fixed, firm, and unwavering! Sounds a lot like a Savior I know.
Lord, keep my eyes fixed on you, "the author and perfecter of my faith"(Hebrews 12:2). It is through your strength that I can break and even avoid brick walls. Remind me when I focus too much on my own body, that it is not my own, but was "bought at a price"(1 Cor.6:19-20). And Lord, help me follow your example, remaining steadfast! Thank you Lord!
Praise Him!
Tell me how you stay motivated!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Demolition Crew
I love home improvement television. Weekend Warriors, Room by Room, Curb Appeal, you name it, I love it. There is one particular show on Sunday evenings that I especially enjoy. It introduces us, the viewers, to a deserving family chosen to receive a total extreme home makeover. The family is usually surprised to a loud "HELLO ......FAMILY" and then whisked off to a dream vacation while the construction of a new home takes place. There is always a point in their vacation that the family gathers around a small computer screen to watch as the host zooms his camera in on the demolition of their old home. The scene is characterized by the crushing swing of a wrecking ball, tumbling walls, dust clouds hovering in the air, and a host scurrying from the debris. The response of the family varies but often includes a gasp and even a little weeping as they watch their old home crumble to the ground. I sometimes think "seriously, you are about to get the home of your dreams and you are crying as you watch that dilapidated old thing fall?"
But then I remember. I remember having similar responses to my own personal stronghold demolition. Not all strongholds but, though it may sound strange, some strongholds are often like an old rickety home for us. Why would we want to hold onto anything that keeps us from freedom, keeps us from the full life that God has planned for us? It may be a battered, broken-down, decaying half-life. Yet sometimes, it is all we know, and we grieve its loss. And so it goes, our own clinging to the stronghold allows it to stay another day. And again I think to myself "seriously? ".
But here is the good news, this very demolition, if we will allow it to take place, leads to the rebuilding of something so much better! And the weapons used to demolish the strongholds? They are no ordinary "weapons of the world". These weapons have "divine power"!
So when I am bemoaning the annihilation of some old familiar stronghold, I will remember. I will remember that Christ "loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). I will remember to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles," so that I can "run with perseverance the race marked out for"me (Hebrews 12:1). I will remember that"the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Rom 8:21). And I will remember that glorious freedom begins when I stop clinging. I will remember to let the demolition begin!
Praise Him!
But then I remember. I remember having similar responses to my own personal stronghold demolition. Not all strongholds but, though it may sound strange, some strongholds are often like an old rickety home for us. Why would we want to hold onto anything that keeps us from freedom, keeps us from the full life that God has planned for us? It may be a battered, broken-down, decaying half-life. Yet sometimes, it is all we know, and we grieve its loss. And so it goes, our own clinging to the stronghold allows it to stay another day. And again I think to myself "seriously? ".
But here is the good news, this very demolition, if we will allow it to take place, leads to the rebuilding of something so much better! And the weapons used to demolish the strongholds? They are no ordinary "weapons of the world". These weapons have "divine power"!
So when I am bemoaning the annihilation of some old familiar stronghold, I will remember. I will remember that Christ "loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). I will remember to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles," so that I can "run with perseverance the race marked out for"me (Hebrews 12:1). I will remember that"the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Rom 8:21). And I will remember that glorious freedom begins when I stop clinging. I will remember to let the demolition begin!
Praise Him!
Monday, October 15, 2007
I've got a lot to learn!
So, I am about two weeks into this blogging thing, still begging my friends(yes, you) and family(and you too) to join in by posting comments. I have learned a lot...mostly that there is a lot to learn. I have learned that in creating a blog site, using a template is the simplest way to get things arranged. I have learned how to add pictures to the posting, but haven't quite figured out how to put them on the sidebar. I have learned how to add a poll to the blog, but not how to make it last longer than six days. I have learned to re-arrange my template, but not how to stretch the header(title) across the entire top of the site. I have even received a "warning triangle" when I try to add something that the program won't accept. Yup, I still have a lot to learn.
It reminds me of our walk to health with the Lord. So, this week maybe you learned how to write down all your food choices, but not how to count that pesky casserole. You have learned that exercise is important, but not quite how to add it into everyday life. You have learned that having a quiet time with the Lord each day is precious, but not quite how to get the "quiet" part in with little ones at your feet. Maybe you have even gotten your own little "warning triangle" in the form of a scripture to remind you not to add(eat)something that you don't need. Yup, we all have learned quite a bit in the last few weeks, and you know what? We still have a lot to learn.
I am so thankful for a Master, Teacher who allows us to continue learning each day. I am thankful for His patience and gentleness even as he may teach us time after time before we finally "get it". I thank Him for allowing us to sit at His feet, to relish in His Word, to allow us to go on... with a lot to learn. Praise Him!
2nd Timothy 14-17: 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
It reminds me of our walk to health with the Lord. So, this week maybe you learned how to write down all your food choices, but not how to count that pesky casserole. You have learned that exercise is important, but not quite how to add it into everyday life. You have learned that having a quiet time with the Lord each day is precious, but not quite how to get the "quiet" part in with little ones at your feet. Maybe you have even gotten your own little "warning triangle" in the form of a scripture to remind you not to add(eat)something that you don't need. Yup, we all have learned quite a bit in the last few weeks, and you know what? We still have a lot to learn.
I am so thankful for a Master, Teacher who allows us to continue learning each day. I am thankful for His patience and gentleness even as he may teach us time after time before we finally "get it". I thank Him for allowing us to sit at His feet, to relish in His Word, to allow us to go on... with a lot to learn. Praise Him!
2nd Timothy 14-17: 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Keep on , keep on, keep on
Remember the Brady Bunch song? That song has been swirling through my head all day. It could be that it was a tougher weekend than normal as far as keeping my commitments, or maybe I'm still hoping to turn out looking like Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. OK, so I am a closet Nick at Night fan!
On days when every corner seems to offer me the chance to ditch any or all of the commitments, I need to remember 2 Corinthians 10:5: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Have you heard some arguments against this journey toward health and total wellness? I have. I have argued with myself throughout the weekend . The mountain just looked too big. As I rode in the car to pick up my son from an afternoon movie with Sunday school friends, I just whispered to the Lord "I don't have the strength to fight the arguments today Lord". He reminded me that His word says that I can not only fight but I can "demolish" those arguments. We demolish them with His word..our sword. But today even that reminder fell short in strengthening me completely. The sword just looked too heavy to even lift, much less wield. It was as if my spirit heard Him say, "just ask, I'll lift it for you". You better believe I asked, and asked immediately! You know what? He did. He did lift the sword! I pray for all of us that when we are too tired to fight anymore, that we allow the strength and mighty power of our Father to fight for us! He is not only the giver of the sword, but often is the Knight who can strike with it. Praise HIM!
I am so encouraged to read your posts and email. They help me "keep on, keep on, keep on". How about you? What encourages you?
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