I have embarked on a new journey. I will only be drinking raw fruits and veggies that I juice. Sound crazy? Watch Fat, Sick and nearly dead and you'll see why. My dr. put me on this diet. It is really hard. Today is day 4 and so far the worst day by far. I am constantly having to qoute Bible verses and tell myself I can do this.
Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Free
I read a post today at passionate homemaking that really resonated with my soul.
It was all about feeling guilty in our mothering and how we never measure up and we condemn ourselves. I'm there... everyday. I'm beginning to see a light.. something different than these thoughts and rules I can never measure up to. Something called Grace.
Here is an excerpt from it:
"My outbursts of anger were nailed to the cross before I even walked this earth. My fear of failure is a waste of my energy. He paid the greatest price for them. In order to experience true freedom from guilt, I must stop focusing on all that I need to do in order to become a better mother. I must first turn my gaze upon what He has already done for me.
The only way to become a better mom is to preach the gospel to myself every day. It’s not by behaving that makes me a better mom, it’s by believing- believing more deeply in what He has accomplished.
God doesn’t call me to be perfect. He calls me to embrace my standing before him, and to run in that freedom he has already granted to me! I am adored by Christ! I am redeemed! I am accepted!"
Go here to read the whole story
Grace is whispering to my diseased soul new thoughts. Thoughts that free me. Thoughts that affirm who I am in Christ. Thoughts of courage and not fear. Come grace come!
“Because Jesus was strong for me, I am free to be weak;
because Jesus won for me, I am free to lose;
because Jesus was someone, I am free to be no one;
because Jesus was extraordinary, I am free to be ordinary;
because Jesus succeeded for me, I am free to fail.” -Tullian Tchividjiant.
It was all about feeling guilty in our mothering and how we never measure up and we condemn ourselves. I'm there... everyday. I'm beginning to see a light.. something different than these thoughts and rules I can never measure up to. Something called Grace.
Here is an excerpt from it:
"My outbursts of anger were nailed to the cross before I even walked this earth. My fear of failure is a waste of my energy. He paid the greatest price for them. In order to experience true freedom from guilt, I must stop focusing on all that I need to do in order to become a better mother. I must first turn my gaze upon what He has already done for me.
The only way to become a better mom is to preach the gospel to myself every day. It’s not by behaving that makes me a better mom, it’s by believing- believing more deeply in what He has accomplished.
God doesn’t call me to be perfect. He calls me to embrace my standing before him, and to run in that freedom he has already granted to me! I am adored by Christ! I am redeemed! I am accepted!"
Go here to read the whole story
Grace is whispering to my diseased soul new thoughts. Thoughts that free me. Thoughts that affirm who I am in Christ. Thoughts of courage and not fear. Come grace come!
“Because Jesus was strong for me, I am free to be weak;
because Jesus won for me, I am free to lose;
because Jesus was someone, I am free to be no one;
because Jesus was extraordinary, I am free to be ordinary;
because Jesus succeeded for me, I am free to fail.” -Tullian Tchividjiant.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Awed
It really struck me tonight that God would allow just normal, average people like us
To be entrusted with so much
What a privelage and such a high calling.
To be entrusted with so much
What a privelage and such a high calling.
"Train up a child in the way he should go :And when he is old, he will not depart from it."Proverbs 22:6
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward."
Psalm 127:3
Psalm 127:3
follow-up
Lastnight after writing the Secret Post listen to what I read;
"God made each of us with a vulnerable place inside our souls--a desire to be wanted, loved, and chosen above all others. I think that is what ultimately drives people on both sides of an arena-filled stage. The person on stage is looking to have this vulnerable place filled by the screaming crowd. The screaming crowd somehow thinks this famous person has it all figured out; if only they can just get close, some of that fulfillment will surely rub off on them.
All the while Jesus stands off to the side and wonders if anyone realizes He's the One our souls long for...not the fame...nor the attention of the famous...and not the millions of other things we'll spend our lives thinking we must have.
The answer to our deepest desires is not the seemingly perfect (emphasis mine) life...not the most romantic husband...not the smartest and most well-behaved kids...not the bigger house...not the better job...not the awards and recognition of people...not in trying to feel our way to God.
It's making the choice to recognize God is close....God is there. Loving. Assuring. Teaching. Calling. Choosing to spend time with us. ----- Lysa Terkeurst in her Becoming more than a good bible study girl book.
Wow.. If that wasn't God speaking directly to me. Sometimes he just knocks my socks off like that!
"God made each of us with a vulnerable place inside our souls--a desire to be wanted, loved, and chosen above all others. I think that is what ultimately drives people on both sides of an arena-filled stage. The person on stage is looking to have this vulnerable place filled by the screaming crowd. The screaming crowd somehow thinks this famous person has it all figured out; if only they can just get close, some of that fulfillment will surely rub off on them.
All the while Jesus stands off to the side and wonders if anyone realizes He's the One our souls long for...not the fame...nor the attention of the famous...and not the millions of other things we'll spend our lives thinking we must have.
The answer to our deepest desires is not the seemingly perfect (emphasis mine) life...not the most romantic husband...not the smartest and most well-behaved kids...not the bigger house...not the better job...not the awards and recognition of people...not in trying to feel our way to God.
It's making the choice to recognize God is close....God is there. Loving. Assuring. Teaching. Calling. Choosing to spend time with us. ----- Lysa Terkeurst in her Becoming more than a good bible study girl book.
Wow.. If that wasn't God speaking directly to me. Sometimes he just knocks my socks off like that!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Secret
I've been struggling for quite sometime with the secret to contentment. I've always known it is something I must possess in order to be fulfilled and living how God wants me to be. Yet, it has always been a fleeting thought for me.
I find I am always wondering what so and so's life is like or wondering how they could be blessed so huge while we are trying so hard and it seems like we struggle greatly. Ugly thoughts I know but it has been the truth for me for too long. I've come to realize that it is really just jealousy. Ok, I know what you are thinking.. how can someone who claims to know Christ, and has been given way more than she deserves, be jealous. I don't know why or how and I hate these feelings and yet I have them. Whew... It's out.
Lately through some wise words and through retraining myself I think I am finding how to be content with what I have...with who I am... with MY life.
You see, no one has the perfect life. Even those who may act like they do and make you long for what they have. There is no perfection this side of heaven.. only the illusion of it. I think those deep longings we feel in our hearts are just going to be there forever until Heaven when God satisfies us and we are in His presence.
Our job now is to kick out the if only I had that thoughts... or life would be easier if..etc... Instead replace them with thoughts of praise and gratitude for what has been done for us. Sure we may have to work harder than others but thank-you God that we are not handicapped and we are able to work. We may have to sacrifice more (or so it seems), but Thank-you God that you have met all our needs that we are able to give. We may feel like we aren't loved, or significant to the world but, Thank you Father that you would have died even if it was just for me.
What more could I possibly need or want. God is enough and that is reason to be content.
For further reading I strongly encourage you to pick up Lysa Terkeurst's book Becoming more than a good bible study girl. It is phenomenal and will challenge you in many areas of your life. (Unless you're perfect! ;-) )
I find I am always wondering what so and so's life is like or wondering how they could be blessed so huge while we are trying so hard and it seems like we struggle greatly. Ugly thoughts I know but it has been the truth for me for too long. I've come to realize that it is really just jealousy. Ok, I know what you are thinking.. how can someone who claims to know Christ, and has been given way more than she deserves, be jealous. I don't know why or how and I hate these feelings and yet I have them. Whew... It's out.
Lately through some wise words and through retraining myself I think I am finding how to be content with what I have...with who I am... with MY life.
You see, no one has the perfect life. Even those who may act like they do and make you long for what they have. There is no perfection this side of heaven.. only the illusion of it. I think those deep longings we feel in our hearts are just going to be there forever until Heaven when God satisfies us and we are in His presence.
Our job now is to kick out the if only I had that thoughts... or life would be easier if..etc... Instead replace them with thoughts of praise and gratitude for what has been done for us. Sure we may have to work harder than others but thank-you God that we are not handicapped and we are able to work. We may have to sacrifice more (or so it seems), but Thank-you God that you have met all our needs that we are able to give. We may feel like we aren't loved, or significant to the world but, Thank you Father that you would have died even if it was just for me.
What more could I possibly need or want. God is enough and that is reason to be content.
For further reading I strongly encourage you to pick up Lysa Terkeurst's book Becoming more than a good bible study girl. It is phenomenal and will challenge you in many areas of your life. (Unless you're perfect! ;-) )
I have been tagged in a get to know you post from my cousin Veronica. So here it goes:
1. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? I love music and use it as my crutch to get through my day. There are so many amazing songs and artists that encourage my walk with the Lord. I'd have to cheat and make a mixed album and have some Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns (who I get to see live next month), Kari Jobe, Barlow Girl, Steven Curtis Chapman among many more.
2. If you were a teacher, what subject would you teach? I am a teacher to my first grader currently, and next year I'll be adding in a kindergartner. My favorite subject to teach is history. It is so rich and I always learn new things.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse or quote? Lately I have been falling in love with so many verses as I learn to take captive my thoughts and align them truths from scripture. One of my favorites right now is, "For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar. My name is the Lord Almighty. I have put my words in y0ur mouth and hidden you safely within my hand. I set all the stars in space and established the earth. I am the one who says to you, "You are mine!" Isaiah 51:15-16
4. Why did you start your blog? I started my blog as a way to keep my sister who lives overseas current in our lives.
5. What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible, because that's a given)? Again with the only one... there are too many to choose just one. I love Lysa Turkest she writes with such passion for God. Susie Larson is another great author, Angie Smith, Priscilla Shirer, Gary Chapman, the list goes on and on... I am a reader and constantly have 2-3 books going at the same time so I could give lists of what to read. I can't give just one though.
6. Favorite drink to get at Starbucks? Honestly don't know if I've ever been there. I like coffee drinks that are sweet. Just a hint of coffee and tons of sugar!
7. Would you rather it snow or rain? Rain. There is something so peaceful about rain dripping down the windows. Sometimes I just need a rainy day.
8. Advice that your mom gave you that you never forgot? After I had Abby and she was such a hard baby and I was having some post-partum stuff my mom told me to just enjoy. It is just a stage and it will go fast. If there is a stage you don't like just know it will be gone soon. If it is one you like, enjoy it because it too will be gone soon. I found that to be so true and comforting.
9. Most read website or blog (besides mine, of course . . . *wink, wink*)? A holy Experience
10. One thing you would tell your 13 year old self? It is the same thing I am still telling my 28 year old self... grow up.. life isn't about me. It's about Him.
11. What do you hope people will say about you after you die? I hope that they will say I tried my best to live my life for God and even in my shortcomings they could see him in the way I re-acted. I hope to be remembered as a great mom who encouraged her kids to go for their dreams and a supportive wife who stood behind her man at all times. I just hope to show Christ to a dying world and as I write this I realize how much I fall short of it.
Now it is your turn. Sara@ Just another Day, Leah@ In the Hands of the Master Poet, Kara@ Delicious Ambiguity, Beth@ The Stamper Story, Heidi at The Kruchowskis, and Lindsay at Our lives in a Nutshell
1. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? I love music and use it as my crutch to get through my day. There are so many amazing songs and artists that encourage my walk with the Lord. I'd have to cheat and make a mixed album and have some Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns (who I get to see live next month), Kari Jobe, Barlow Girl, Steven Curtis Chapman among many more.
2. If you were a teacher, what subject would you teach? I am a teacher to my first grader currently, and next year I'll be adding in a kindergartner. My favorite subject to teach is history. It is so rich and I always learn new things.
3. What is your favorite Bible verse or quote? Lately I have been falling in love with so many verses as I learn to take captive my thoughts and align them truths from scripture. One of my favorites right now is, "For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar. My name is the Lord Almighty. I have put my words in y0ur mouth and hidden you safely within my hand. I set all the stars in space and established the earth. I am the one who says to you, "You are mine!" Isaiah 51:15-16
4. Why did you start your blog? I started my blog as a way to keep my sister who lives overseas current in our lives.
5. What is one book you think everyone should read (besides the Bible, because that's a given)? Again with the only one... there are too many to choose just one. I love Lysa Turkest she writes with such passion for God. Susie Larson is another great author, Angie Smith, Priscilla Shirer, Gary Chapman, the list goes on and on... I am a reader and constantly have 2-3 books going at the same time so I could give lists of what to read. I can't give just one though.
6. Favorite drink to get at Starbucks? Honestly don't know if I've ever been there. I like coffee drinks that are sweet. Just a hint of coffee and tons of sugar!
7. Would you rather it snow or rain? Rain. There is something so peaceful about rain dripping down the windows. Sometimes I just need a rainy day.
8. Advice that your mom gave you that you never forgot? After I had Abby and she was such a hard baby and I was having some post-partum stuff my mom told me to just enjoy. It is just a stage and it will go fast. If there is a stage you don't like just know it will be gone soon. If it is one you like, enjoy it because it too will be gone soon. I found that to be so true and comforting.
9. Most read website or blog (besides mine, of course . . . *wink, wink*)? A holy Experience
10. One thing you would tell your 13 year old self? It is the same thing I am still telling my 28 year old self... grow up.. life isn't about me. It's about Him.
11. What do you hope people will say about you after you die? I hope that they will say I tried my best to live my life for God and even in my shortcomings they could see him in the way I re-acted. I hope to be remembered as a great mom who encouraged her kids to go for their dreams and a supportive wife who stood behind her man at all times. I just hope to show Christ to a dying world and as I write this I realize how much I fall short of it.
Now it is your turn. Sara@ Just another Day, Leah@ In the Hands of the Master Poet, Kara@ Delicious Ambiguity, Beth@ The Stamper Story, Heidi at The Kruchowskis, and Lindsay at Our lives in a Nutshell
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