Wow it's only 7 more days until New Year's Day! I remember writing my goals for 2011 and now am about to take some time out to reflect on the year passed to plan for the year ahead!
2011 has been a year of growth for me, in the spiritual, physical (definitely!) and mental sense. I have grown to understand myself so much more. I've found that I really needed to look within to find what really satisfies ME.
I've learnt in 2011, that before being able to help others, I needed to help myself first. By filling up my own car can I then go the distance. You can only get so far on an empty unwarranted and unregistered vehicle :)
I've learnt that my daughters' really appreciate the quality time I give them. No matter how little it does get at times, it's being mentally aware that in that particular moment ...they need me...their mum.
I've learnt to be honest with myself and with my husband. No longer am I to play mind games with him especially when it comes to my birthday :P but at the same time allowing him the opportunity to take a chance to please his wife in however way he feels is best. Appreciating those moments is important in our relationship. We can't always get it right that's why the next time will ALWAYS be so much better! :)
I've learnt that only God can really meet ALL my needs. Only God knows what is right for me at any given time. Only God makes things happen in my life.
I've learnt that distancing myself from others really does allow the devils to plant seeds of anger, assumptions, and frustration to enter into my heart and my mind. It says in the bible that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us...same goes for our relationships with our brothers and sisters.
This year has really been a year about ME. Despite my physically temple still not quite reflecting the REAL ME...I am happy that my spiritual and mental person is growing stronger each day.
I look forward to what 2012 brings. The opportunity to start over, to start afresh, to make right the wrongs we have done in 2011 is exciting and yet makes me nervous.
2012 I will definitely FINISH a number of things I've started......
I am truly thankful for all the opportunities I have had this year. I am also most thankful for my readers. Thank you for following me on my journey. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. If there has ever been a time where you have felt that you have not made a difference in this life....please know that YOU have made a DIFFERENCE IN MINE!!!
God bless you and your families....I hope that you continue to join me on my journey in the new year xxxxxx
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Winding down...
It has been a crazy last couple of months for me. Travelling, working ....It has been a blessing to take the time off that I needed and I do feel as though I have grown spiritually, mentally and physically.
I'm looking forward to spending some much needed quality time with my family. Today is a very lazy day with my girls. Lying in bed watching movies. It has been good given I have dosed in and out of sleep due to still feeling jet lagged.
Since my last post, I have been thinking about what it is that I need...not want to blog about. I need to find my motivation again. I have received a lot of comments about the way I look and thought the numbers on the scales haven't budged much I feel better about myself. Giving myself the attention I need for myself and my husband and my girls. How will I be able to teach my girls about self confidence if I don't demonstrate it myself.
So today is a day of rest and then I'll be meeting with my good friend the Stokes Valley stairs!!! My weights have arrived so my husband and I are going to give a bit of cross fit training a go which seems to be the craze...and I'm all about phases and crazes!!! ....don't leave me alone in the middle of the night watching infomercials....you'll find a few packages at my doorstep later in the week!!
So today's post is about the trials that we face in our day-to-day living. In these trials we grow! That is the only way to look at it.
I'm looking forward to spending some much needed quality time with my family. Today is a very lazy day with my girls. Lying in bed watching movies. It has been good given I have dosed in and out of sleep due to still feeling jet lagged.
Since my last post, I have been thinking about what it is that I need...not want to blog about. I need to find my motivation again. I have received a lot of comments about the way I look and thought the numbers on the scales haven't budged much I feel better about myself. Giving myself the attention I need for myself and my husband and my girls. How will I be able to teach my girls about self confidence if I don't demonstrate it myself.
So today is a day of rest and then I'll be meeting with my good friend the Stokes Valley stairs!!! My weights have arrived so my husband and I are going to give a bit of cross fit training a go which seems to be the craze...and I'm all about phases and crazes!!! ....don't leave me alone in the middle of the night watching infomercials....you'll find a few packages at my doorstep later in the week!!
So today's post is about the trials that we face in our day-to-day living. In these trials we grow! That is the only way to look at it.
Trials
'Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials.'James 1:2
James writes: 'Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance...that you may be perfect and complete' (vv2-4). Peter writes: '...don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you' (1 Peter 4:12).Trials are the common thread that unites us. When you get through with one, chances are there's another one coming up the road. That's why James didn't say, 'if,' but 'when you encounter...trials.'
Observe:
(1) Trials come in various categories. They're physical, emotional, financial, and relational; it's not a one-size-fits-all deal. Some are shocking, like the unexpected loss of a loved one; others are more drawn out, like an acrimonious divorce or a prolonged illness. Some play out in public while others take place in your own private hell. Some are due to your own, or other people's mistakes; others have nothing whatsoever to do with human shortcomings.
(2) Trials test our faith. They bring us back to basics and remind us where our priorities should lie. Charles Swindoll says, 'During...intense trials I go back to...what I really believe... elementals such as prayer and dependence...getting quiet and waiting on God. Trials...force us back to the bedrock of faith upon which our foundation rests, and this becomes a refining and necessary process.'
(3) Trials mature us. When we're suffering there's a tendency to try to look for the quick way out.Don't do that. Trials are designed to make us 'complete'. By letting them do their work, you end up stronger.
(1) Trials come in various categories. They're physical, emotional, financial, and relational; it's not a one-size-fits-all deal. Some are shocking, like the unexpected loss of a loved one; others are more drawn out, like an acrimonious divorce or a prolonged illness. Some play out in public while others take place in your own private hell. Some are due to your own, or other people's mistakes; others have nothing whatsoever to do with human shortcomings.
(2) Trials test our faith. They bring us back to basics and remind us where our priorities should lie. Charles Swindoll says, 'During...intense trials I go back to...what I really believe... elementals such as prayer and dependence...getting quiet and waiting on God. Trials...force us back to the bedrock of faith upon which our foundation rests, and this becomes a refining and necessary process.'
(3) Trials mature us. When we're suffering there's a tendency to try to look for the quick way out.Don't do that. Trials are designed to make us 'complete'. By letting them do their work, you end up stronger.
Friday, December 2, 2011
What will you do?
Here is my first sermon. I hope that it motivates you in some way if not provokes some thought or action in the direction that you were called to live out your life. xx
__________________________________
INTRODUCTION
__________________________________
INTRODUCTION
Today is the first day of
December. How quickly has the year gone
by. It’s been such a great year. At the start of the year – Everyone
starts thinking about setting goals …starting fresh…a new beginning…Our goals range from goals about our
health, our school, our work, our family…our spiritual goals. We start our year off on a high…we’re
motivated…we’re pumped…we’re excited….and we start to work…but then days,
weeks and months go by. We’re working to achieve our goals, we’re working to do
what’s right for ourselves, for our families, then other things get in the way,
distractions come about…and it affects us in a way that we don’t follow through
with achieving our goals… We allow these things to get in our
way, and in the end not achieve/reach our goals at all. We begin to feel so bad about ourselves that
we begin to feel pulled into other distractions, we no longer are
aware….Because our hearts are filled with
disappointment, our bodies are tired….our emotions influence our decision
making.
The purpose of today’s encouragement
is to get you motivated again…get you thinking….get you moving…so that when the
year ends…you can feel…yes I’ve given 2011 the best…
BACKGROUND
So in saying that…..Today’s
encouragement comes from the book of Colossians 4: 2 - 6. "2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
At this time, the disciples were sent
to various parts of the world to minister to people about the good news. Paul in particular was sent by Jesus to
Rome. Before he reached Rome he had established
churches in different places. When Paul
arrived in Rome he was arrested but that didn’t stop him from continuing his
service to God. That is an encouragement in itself…At
times we allow our situations to get the better of us that we start to give
up….we start to blame others for putting us through these situations….Paul could’ve
easily done that…but He understood the purpose of his journey….So he began to
minister in writing to those churches…This is an example that when you
understand God’s purpose in your life…God will make a way for you….
THEME:
So my question for you is….with the four weeks we have left in 2011….WHAT
WILL YOU DO?... to fulfil God’s purpose in your life…
-
What will you do to build YOUR LIFE?
-
What will you do to build YOUR
FAMILY?
-
What will you do to IMPACT YOUR
COMMUNITY?
1st point:
What are you doing to BUILD YOUR LIFE?
Think about what you have done…or
haven’t done to build your own life this year? What have you done spiritually?
Mentally? Physically?
I took time off work in
August to take care of myself…because I was sick last year. I took on a lot with school, work, my
family…and I thought after talking it through with my family…I’ll take some
time off to have some rest and focus on one thing… As it turned out things got even busier
when I finished from work. It was like
…now that I don’t have to worry about one thing…work…I now have time to do other
things…it wasn’t until a month of staying at home that I really rested…But after a while…I did a lot of
thinking…and talking to God about my life…I was trying to figure out why I wanted to change my life and it wasn't working..... I realised that….I didn’t love
myself…I didn’t love myself enough to really have a rest and take care of
myself…and by taking care of myself…I was taking care of my family. I didn’t love myself enough to
change…..I worked so hard to serve God and others that I thought that is where
I needed my love to come from…. I couldn’t work it out on my own….so
what I did was…as Paul writes in his letter…verse 2 “Devote yourselves to
prayer…” I knelt down and prayed about it…and
what God revealed to me was that by not loving myself…I was not loving who was
dwelling within me…. When I declare that I’m a Christian
and my love for God and what He has done in my life.…what I am saying to
people is….that what is living in my heart
is God….is His GREATNESS…. Within each and every one of
us….there is God’s Greatness dwelling in your heart…. When the Lord told Ezekiel a priest to
tell his own people what God will do to them for not repenting their sins….it was the Spirit of the Lord going into
Ezekiel…that helped him rise to his feet…that gave him encouragement. Nobody likes to be the one to tell bad news…. I love what it says in Ezekiel
chapter 2 & 3…Ezekiel says ” As the Lord spoke…the Spirit came into me and
raised me to my feet and I heard him speaking to me.” How wonderful that is to feel the
presence of God…so much that it raises you to your feet…you stand tall…you
begin to accept and understand God’s purpose in your life…. Are you allowing His Spirit to raise
you to your feet…so that you can hear what he is trying to tell you? What are you doing to BUILD YOUR LIFE!!!
Paul
writes in his letters to the Colossians…verse 2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and
thankful” I prayed about my situation to
understand myself better. I was then watchful…I became aware of
the way I was feeling, treating myself, thinking, behaving…..and through that
journey…I gave thanks and I still gives thanks to God….Because I am now in a
place where I understand what is dwelling in my heart…..It is the way you
behave…what you say….that will attract people to you…and your love for God…. When you understand the GREATNESS of
GOD that lives within you…people will be drawn to you…they want to have what
you’re having… Do you understand the GREATNESS that lives within you?? Are you showing people the GREATNESS
that lives within you?? Or are you only showing certain
people that there’s GREATNESS within you…. Paul goes
on further to say in his letter….
In verse 5 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of
every opportunity.” We do not have much time this
year…..I do not know what goals you set for yourself…for your family….for your
work…your school….to this church….but like Paul says….Be wise … choose rightly how you react in situations….don’t think
that because you behave a certain way in front of your family that’s okay to behave
differently elsewhere and that your family will protect you…because I tell
you….it will be your family who will have to convince the most of your love for
God …..your family is who you spend most of your time with you lose faith in
people when they are dishonest….when you behave one way in front of them….how
do you think…your children will grow seeing this…how do you think your parents
will learn to trust you….same with your group of friends…. Be wise.
The end of verse 5 says to “Make the
most of every opportunity”. I am forever thankful for the
opportunity God has given me. So what opportunities have you had
this year to BUILD YOUR LIFE? Did you see those opportunities?? When opportunities come along they give you a chance
to grow as a person, to learn new things, to be challenged….and it builds your
life….WHAT WILL
YOU DO TO BUILD YOUR LIFE??
2nd point: What are you doing to BUILD YOUR
FAMILY?
Fathers…how are you BUILDING YOUR
FAMILY??? Mothers …how are you BUILDING YOUR
FAMILY??? Children…how are you BUILDING YOUR
FAMILY???
Paul talks about in verse 3…to “Pray for us”….a simple way to build your family…is to pray for
everyone in your family. He goes on to ask that through our prayers….that God may open a door for our message… What message is
your family sharing with others…when you fellowship with others….what messages
do they get from you??? Is it a message
that you want to hear back from others about you?? Who are you really
opening your door to your heart to??? If the
message you and your family are sending out…is the same one that comes back to
you…and you don’t like it….is it really God opening that door?? Paul was in chains when he asked for this prayer….He was in
chains…he was bound…when we go through life….we feel like we’re in chains….emotional chains…physical
chains…spiritual chains….but Paul simply asked in his letter for others to pray
for him….so that God will make a way….
Paul says in verse 4…Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I
should…. Are you Building your Family in a way that it is clear to
them….is it in a way that you should build your family??? When we make plans for our family for the day, for the month,
for the year…we sometimes don’t communicate in a way that allows the whole
family to think the same way….and when someone doesn’t follow through…we get
upset….”Paul asked that we pray the message is proclaimed clearly…the way he
should…. Is what you are doing to build your family a way that God
wants you to build your family??? With everything that I have said it is not only for your
immediate family…it applies to every relationship you have in your life….
3rd point: What are you doing to IMPACT YOUR
COMMUNITY?
Everything starts with yourself..when
you begin to realise, accept and understand the GREATNESS that lives within
you…everything else will flow…and will be wonderful…
Paul talks about a number of people
from verses 7 onwards. He describes a
number of people in his life that he is serving alongside. With most of them he describes them as being
“one of them”….one of the community… Because we are working to serve God
in our communities we need to fellowship more with those in our
communities….some of us sit back and let others do the fellowship…there will be
a time when those people will not be around and you will need to get out there
and build relationships…
Paul says in verse 6 I think is very
important to how you impact a community. It says 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with
salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Let your
conversations be always…always full of grace. Let your conversations be held in a way that invites
people…the community to k now more about you and your love for God….then they
will want to know more about God… Be wise…and gracious…in what you say…
When Paul says…seasoned with salt...the way it is meant here
is that salt…perseveres food from corruption…from getting spoilt….it’s the same
with your conversation..speak in a way that what you say does not put people
off from following God…that’s basically it… Be very wise in the way that you speak…and how you answer
people when they question….Most of the time…when someone questions you…it’s
because they don’t understand….but most times we take it in as they are trying
to catch us out….
It is said that Word of Mouth is the fastest marketing
strategy there is….the quickest way to let someone know what’s going on…is by
telling them about it….so when you think about impacting a community…it is your
conversations….
What are you doing to IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY?
What have you not done to IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY…
As Jesus sent out the disciples each of them being unique in
their personality, their upbringing so are you…you are uniquely made but made
for a purpose…. We all have different goals, different jobs, different
careers…but each of those areas can be used to serve God and build His kingdom
on earth.
Just as Paul describes from verse 7 to 18…he describes those
dear brothers, those faithful ministers, those fellow servants that are all
working towards achieving one thing….impacting the community by sharing the
good news about our Lord….
CONCLUSION
At
the end of Paul’s letter…he writes….”18I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my
chains. Grace be with you.”
·
He writes this letter with his own hand.
·
Even with his hands in chains…he writes…
·
It’s by his own effort that he writes and ministers to the
churches
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
With the remainder of this year, and even in
your walk with God…
1)
What will you do to
BUILD YOURSELF?
a.
What are you doing to build your spirit for God?
b.
What are you not doing?
c.
Are you loving yourself enough to make a change?
d.
Do you understand that there is a GREATNESS within you?
e.
Be wise in the way you act to others
f.
Be wise in the way you act to your family
g.
Be watchful….Watch the way you do things…
h.
Gives Thanks for everything that he has done
2)
What will you do
BUILD YOUR FAMILY?
a.
Pray for others
b.
Ask God to open your heart….not someone else…
c.
What message is your family sharing with others???
d.
Building your Family in a way that is clear to them….is it in
a way that you should build your family???
3)
What will you do to
IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY?
a.
Will your conversation be always full of grace?
b.
Will it be seasoned with salt?
c.
You will build relationships with people…in your church, in
your family, in your workplace, in your school….or are you someone that breaks
relationships down??
What
will you do…with the rest of 2011? xxxx
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
What is in a Message??
I have been asked to preach for the first time at tomorrow's prayer meeting. It has been some time since I offered myself to become a preacher at my church and I am thankful for the opportunity to share an encouragement to all those in attendance.
I'm sitting here thinking about what to share with others. Asking god what it is he would like for me to encourage his children as the year draws to a close. I have some ideas to meditate on. I am excited about what to share for the first time. Though I have taught the congregation during Sunday School, this will be slightly different :)
What is in a Message? If I were to think about what I would like to hear in a sermon. "Short" comes to mind first :) ....but a message being specific. Straight to the point. Nothing's worse than trying to listen for the point of the speech when the lead up to the point takes 15 mins long :) Oh the journey of ever reaching our destination is an experience in itself :)
I would like for a message to be relevant. Current to my situation. Illustrate how my life can relate to what is being said. Growing up we always have trouble finding any relevance to what our parents have said about their struggles during their upbringing to our modern day ways of life. There is a skill to telling I story I think...and telling it in a way that keeps your audience engaged. I hope that in my experience of sharing my story I am on the way to mastering my own style of story-telling, but in a way that is relevant and engaging :)
Well I've got some writing, thinking and praying to do to prepare for my message tomorrow. I trust in God that He will give me some encouragement to share with others. :)
It will be a GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!
xxx
I'm sitting here thinking about what to share with others. Asking god what it is he would like for me to encourage his children as the year draws to a close. I have some ideas to meditate on. I am excited about what to share for the first time. Though I have taught the congregation during Sunday School, this will be slightly different :)
What is in a Message? If I were to think about what I would like to hear in a sermon. "Short" comes to mind first :) ....but a message being specific. Straight to the point. Nothing's worse than trying to listen for the point of the speech when the lead up to the point takes 15 mins long :) Oh the journey of ever reaching our destination is an experience in itself :)
I would like for a message to be relevant. Current to my situation. Illustrate how my life can relate to what is being said. Growing up we always have trouble finding any relevance to what our parents have said about their struggles during their upbringing to our modern day ways of life. There is a skill to telling I story I think...and telling it in a way that keeps your audience engaged. I hope that in my experience of sharing my story I am on the way to mastering my own style of story-telling, but in a way that is relevant and engaging :)
Well I've got some writing, thinking and praying to do to prepare for my message tomorrow. I trust in God that He will give me some encouragement to share with others. :)
It will be a GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!
xxx
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Blessings....
I had returned yesterday from a 3 day trip to Napier for my first graduation photography session. I really enjoyed myself and am forever thankful for the opportunities that God has put before me. The opportunity has also been to spend some quality time with my girls. I enjoyed meeting inspiration young people but felt like something was missing. I now understand how it is for my husband to attend conferences etc without me. I felt as though Dan needed to be with me and share in the experiences.
The whole weekend went well. I couldn't contain the blessings and the joy I was feeling for He pulled through for me again. I am left with some decisions to make but I am truly thankful and confident in the belief that God has got me and my family. How secure that feels to trust in Him is overwhelming.
The time I spent with my in-laws too was also invaluable. God blesses me with what I need for the concerns I have for the moment. Once I move from forward from those concerns I see the path that He lays before me.
I interpreted the message at the graduation to mean the following:
Accessible - Allowing yourself to be accessible to those that need you in mind, spirit and body. There are times where we can be reached but we mentally zone out and therefore not give or serve as well as we could have.
Available - I think there have been moments where I make myself available only to certain people. We make ourselves exclusive to "like-minded" people whereas Jesus made himself available to everyone. Unconditional love that is.
Adaptable - I often find it difficult to adapt to others plans especially when my heart has been set on my own. But I need to be flexible and remember that there is no "one way" to doing things. There will always be a way, and if it means that others plans need to be fulfilled before mine, then so be it.
Awesome reminder for me to remember that in my service to God I need to worship him before I start and at the end of my service. Always being thankful and giving Him all the glory for everything that I have. It is a humbling experience to understand that everything that I do is not of my skill and experience but that of which He gives me. He absolutely qualifies the CALLED ...and not called the qualified.....We all start from somewhere....
This week I will focus on being more accessible, available and adaptable to my little family.... xxxxx
The whole weekend went well. I couldn't contain the blessings and the joy I was feeling for He pulled through for me again. I am left with some decisions to make but I am truly thankful and confident in the belief that God has got me and my family. How secure that feels to trust in Him is overwhelming.
The time I spent with my in-laws too was also invaluable. God blesses me with what I need for the concerns I have for the moment. Once I move from forward from those concerns I see the path that He lays before me.
I interpreted the message at the graduation to mean the following:
Accessible - Allowing yourself to be accessible to those that need you in mind, spirit and body. There are times where we can be reached but we mentally zone out and therefore not give or serve as well as we could have.
Available - I think there have been moments where I make myself available only to certain people. We make ourselves exclusive to "like-minded" people whereas Jesus made himself available to everyone. Unconditional love that is.
Adaptable - I often find it difficult to adapt to others plans especially when my heart has been set on my own. But I need to be flexible and remember that there is no "one way" to doing things. There will always be a way, and if it means that others plans need to be fulfilled before mine, then so be it.
Awesome reminder for me to remember that in my service to God I need to worship him before I start and at the end of my service. Always being thankful and giving Him all the glory for everything that I have. It is a humbling experience to understand that everything that I do is not of my skill and experience but that of which He gives me. He absolutely qualifies the CALLED ...and not called the qualified.....We all start from somewhere....
This week I will focus on being more accessible, available and adaptable to my little family.... xxxxx
Monday, November 21, 2011
A Bump in the Road...
I received some news today that made my heart drop slightly. I am in a little shock. I'm sitting back from the laptop and exhaling harshly but slowly. Because of my procrastination I may not complete the degree that I wanted and may have to settle for another with picking up an extra paper. :) I was only 3 papers away from finishing. I could kick myself right now. But.......I'm choosing not to. I am slowly accepting the consequences of my actions. I need to be mature about this. No point in crying about it. Crying is not going to get me to finish. Though it is a release, so is talking about it with someone I trust. I will wait until he finishes work.
But this is only a slight bump in the road. My journey in completing my studies has given me a wealth of experience in enduring through times of starting a family and committing myself to God through my service to Him. I am still positive. My life is in a very different space right now. I continue to progress through my new found love for what was a hobby. I praise God in all my situations.
These past couple of weeks has seen my family grow in the difficult situations that we face. My conversations with my husband has been about everything and anything. Not leaving anything out. Being completely honest about ourselves and our situations.
As heart-dropping as life can be at times, I remember the feeling of capturing some precious moments from a gorgeous wedding I was at over the weekend in beautiful Masterton. (See pics here www.photographybyleonegrace.blogspot.com) What a privilege it was to spend time with this gorgeous couple who were clearly in love. I knew in that moment that what I have been doing for the past year...capturing special moments for others...is spiritually and emotionally fulfilling for me.
Yesterday's encouragement was about being a blessing to others. Caring more for others than for oneself. A beautiful follow-on from the weekend I had in Masterton. Having the opportunity to be able to bless others is such a gift. You don't have to have money to bless others. If you're heart is to bless those more than oneself, then you will find other ways to do so. I explained to my kids that giving without a thought of receiving is such a blessing and something so meaningful that it satisfies you on all levels. Okay maybe not in those words exactly ...they are only 7 & 8 :) But they got the idea. It is interesting to hear that from children or even with adults that we put limitations on how we bless others. Where in situations we can give so much more but we choose to give only a little saying that next time we'll give more.
In my heart, I want to give more with what I can give while trusting in God to help me along the way.
The news I received this morning I take on as only a bump in the road...a challenge and an almost pricey reminder that when I set my heart on something to achieve I need to be focussed and that some things really do need to be sacrificed so that I can achieve my heart's desire.
xxx
But this is only a slight bump in the road. My journey in completing my studies has given me a wealth of experience in enduring through times of starting a family and committing myself to God through my service to Him. I am still positive. My life is in a very different space right now. I continue to progress through my new found love for what was a hobby. I praise God in all my situations.
These past couple of weeks has seen my family grow in the difficult situations that we face. My conversations with my husband has been about everything and anything. Not leaving anything out. Being completely honest about ourselves and our situations.
As heart-dropping as life can be at times, I remember the feeling of capturing some precious moments from a gorgeous wedding I was at over the weekend in beautiful Masterton. (See pics here www.photographybyleonegrace.blogspot.com) What a privilege it was to spend time with this gorgeous couple who were clearly in love. I knew in that moment that what I have been doing for the past year...capturing special moments for others...is spiritually and emotionally fulfilling for me.
Yesterday's encouragement was about being a blessing to others. Caring more for others than for oneself. A beautiful follow-on from the weekend I had in Masterton. Having the opportunity to be able to bless others is such a gift. You don't have to have money to bless others. If you're heart is to bless those more than oneself, then you will find other ways to do so. I explained to my kids that giving without a thought of receiving is such a blessing and something so meaningful that it satisfies you on all levels. Okay maybe not in those words exactly ...they are only 7 & 8 :) But they got the idea. It is interesting to hear that from children or even with adults that we put limitations on how we bless others. Where in situations we can give so much more but we choose to give only a little saying that next time we'll give more.
In my heart, I want to give more with what I can give while trusting in God to help me along the way.
The news I received this morning I take on as only a bump in the road...a challenge and an almost pricey reminder that when I set my heart on something to achieve I need to be focussed and that some things really do need to be sacrificed so that I can achieve my heart's desire.
xxx
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Conversations with my Husband...
So tonight's post is about my conversations with my husband. Over the years, our conversations have grown from learning about each other, loving things about each other, hating with a passion some things about each other (like leaving his clothes on the chair that is meant for sitting in), and loving things about each other some more.
Tonight I was feeling a little sad and needed my best friend to talk to. He was quickly demoted to just friend when I tried talking with him and it seemed as though setting up Microsoft Office Outlook on his laptop was more interesting. Goodness was I THAT boring?! So instead of playing mind games with him, I stood up and let him know that I was not going to continue the conversation because he was more interested in what he was doing.
Wanting to stomp all the way to our room and pout, I didn't want my girls to mirror my behaviour, so instead I pretended to pick things up off the floor and walk to our room :). My husband soon followed (good man :P) and explained that he thought our conversation was over. Now had he really been listening he would've known that I was only taking a pause to think...a long pause at that :P. And again instead of playing mind games with him, I put my feelings of annoyance aside and proceeded with our conversation. Or more like our one-way conversation.
Talking through everything with my husband has always been such a God-send. I am so thankful that my husband is a good listener. Despite even in one conversation I would be repeating myself a number of times my husband still listens intently.
We talked through my issue and I realised that what matters most to me is knowing that my husband supports me no matter what. His opinion and that of my children matter most to me...after God that is :) When everything is put back into perspective, the world seems right again.
I have found that in my marriage it is important to continually tell each other what we are supportive of, where we need to improve as husband and wife, and as father and mother in this family. This life is so short, there is no time for mind-games. So much energy is wasted on mind-reading....
So tonight I am thankful for my husband for always doing his best for our family, for always listening to my voicing my internalising really complicated situations :).
Am truly thankful!!! xxx
Tonight I was feeling a little sad and needed my best friend to talk to. He was quickly demoted to just friend when I tried talking with him and it seemed as though setting up Microsoft Office Outlook on his laptop was more interesting. Goodness was I THAT boring?! So instead of playing mind games with him, I stood up and let him know that I was not going to continue the conversation because he was more interested in what he was doing.
Wanting to stomp all the way to our room and pout, I didn't want my girls to mirror my behaviour, so instead I pretended to pick things up off the floor and walk to our room :). My husband soon followed (good man :P) and explained that he thought our conversation was over. Now had he really been listening he would've known that I was only taking a pause to think...a long pause at that :P. And again instead of playing mind games with him, I put my feelings of annoyance aside and proceeded with our conversation. Or more like our one-way conversation.
Talking through everything with my husband has always been such a God-send. I am so thankful that my husband is a good listener. Despite even in one conversation I would be repeating myself a number of times my husband still listens intently.
We talked through my issue and I realised that what matters most to me is knowing that my husband supports me no matter what. His opinion and that of my children matter most to me...after God that is :) When everything is put back into perspective, the world seems right again.
I have found that in my marriage it is important to continually tell each other what we are supportive of, where we need to improve as husband and wife, and as father and mother in this family. This life is so short, there is no time for mind-games. So much energy is wasted on mind-reading....
So tonight I am thankful for my husband for always doing his best for our family, for always listening to my voicing my internalising really complicated situations :).
Am truly thankful!!! xxx
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
FIRST MILESTONE ACHIEVED!!!
I did it!!! I finally hit the 5kg mark! It's taken me to the end of Week 7...but I did it!
All the work I'm doing so far, pounding the local 22 flights of stairs that are very steep...it's definitely worth it.
I can feel a change in my fitness. Walking up the stairs at home and elsewhere is a breeze compared to our local stairs :) I went along to our church biggest loser programme last night...and I actually lasted two laps jogging. I am soooooooooo happy right now. But I know that I shouldn't be complacent. 5kgs down another 55kg to go...or around that :) I am also down to a size 18 - 20...from size 22 - 26. I'm really happy... :)
Things in my life are going really well. I do photography on the side to earn a bit of dosh but it's also to meet people and to have an opportunity to minister about how great God is in my life. I'm telling you....life at the moment is wonderful. My husband is a lot better and has just started back at work. Things with our rental property is now on the go. I'm getting regular income with my photography while on leave.
I have wonderful people in my life who have the courage to let me know that they feel I'm taking on too much (still...)...We should never be afraid that our concerns may burn bridges in our relationships. We should have the courage to be forthright and trust that our relationships are SOLID and can withstand any situation that comes our way. I am truly thankful. I am a big believer in always checking in on oneself. And that would include others checking in on your too.
I am more conscious of the time I spend in my "new office" away from my family. I can get so excited about the projects that I get involved in that I neglect my family's needs. So today I'm going to be organised. Spend a little time in the morning to check emails etc. Then off to do things around the house, then run some errands. I have my day sorted.
Well since I've achieved my first milestone...that means....there is a spa waiting for me!!!! :)
Without God in my life....I absolutely believe that I wouldn't have what I have, I wouldn't experience what I experience.....I wouldn't love myself like I love myself NOW!!!!!!
All the work I'm doing so far, pounding the local 22 flights of stairs that are very steep...it's definitely worth it.
I can feel a change in my fitness. Walking up the stairs at home and elsewhere is a breeze compared to our local stairs :) I went along to our church biggest loser programme last night...and I actually lasted two laps jogging. I am soooooooooo happy right now. But I know that I shouldn't be complacent. 5kgs down another 55kg to go...or around that :) I am also down to a size 18 - 20...from size 22 - 26. I'm really happy... :)
Things in my life are going really well. I do photography on the side to earn a bit of dosh but it's also to meet people and to have an opportunity to minister about how great God is in my life. I'm telling you....life at the moment is wonderful. My husband is a lot better and has just started back at work. Things with our rental property is now on the go. I'm getting regular income with my photography while on leave.
I have wonderful people in my life who have the courage to let me know that they feel I'm taking on too much (still...)...We should never be afraid that our concerns may burn bridges in our relationships. We should have the courage to be forthright and trust that our relationships are SOLID and can withstand any situation that comes our way. I am truly thankful. I am a big believer in always checking in on oneself. And that would include others checking in on your too.
I am more conscious of the time I spend in my "new office" away from my family. I can get so excited about the projects that I get involved in that I neglect my family's needs. So today I'm going to be organised. Spend a little time in the morning to check emails etc. Then off to do things around the house, then run some errands. I have my day sorted.
Well since I've achieved my first milestone...that means....there is a spa waiting for me!!!! :)
Without God in my life....I absolutely believe that I wouldn't have what I have, I wouldn't experience what I experience.....I wouldn't love myself like I love myself NOW!!!!!!
Friday, November 11, 2011
It's all worth it...
Everything I do, I aim to do my best. And when I don't...the Spirit tells me so. How great it is to have an inner voice built in to remind us of many things have set out to do, to improve, to learn from. When I hear that voice clearly I know that my Spirit is connected with His.
Since my last post my family has been challenged with the repercussions of another's actions so much that it leaves my family in a difficult financial position. My poor husband is doing his best to make right of the situation on top of his work and of his condition. I have never seen my husband so stressed and yet I feel at peace because I know that my God has got me and my family. There is no test that me and my family can't get through!
So I've been busy with a number of things this week. Meeting and conversating with people about my love for life has given me new motivation to keep going. I have received comments from people about how I'm looking and it has been uplifting. I know that my fitness is improving. Now that I have an office downstairs I'm running up and down our stairs at least 5 times a day :)
I still lack in organisation....but I will conquer it this week. I will overcome any spirit of laziness!!! Living with purpose is my aim this week.
After such a busy week I am feeling like I am really achieving something. There is still so much more to do and I will carry on with a fighting spirit.
Tomorrow I was asked to walk the stairs again with my best friend. So I will meet her there at 8am....Challenge On! :)
Since my last post my family has been challenged with the repercussions of another's actions so much that it leaves my family in a difficult financial position. My poor husband is doing his best to make right of the situation on top of his work and of his condition. I have never seen my husband so stressed and yet I feel at peace because I know that my God has got me and my family. There is no test that me and my family can't get through!
So I've been busy with a number of things this week. Meeting and conversating with people about my love for life has given me new motivation to keep going. I have received comments from people about how I'm looking and it has been uplifting. I know that my fitness is improving. Now that I have an office downstairs I'm running up and down our stairs at least 5 times a day :)
I still lack in organisation....but I will conquer it this week. I will overcome any spirit of laziness!!! Living with purpose is my aim this week.
After such a busy week I am feeling like I am really achieving something. There is still so much more to do and I will carry on with a fighting spirit.
Tomorrow I was asked to walk the stairs again with my best friend. So I will meet her there at 8am....Challenge On! :)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Taking care of my house....
In every sense of the meaning I am taking care of my house at the moment. My husband has not been well which is pretty rare for him, but I am also continuing taking care of my temple.
I'm sticking to my challenge of someone asking me to participate in some exercise my immediate answer is Yes. So I have walked the Stokes Valley stairs twice. And I am so happy that today I had only stopped twice when normally I'd stop 4 or 5 times. I'm getting there.
Today I participated in our church's Biggest Loser Challenge. Keeping my mindset on staying active and doing the best I can no matter how silly I look performing the exercises. There really is a lot of support there.
I am definitely finding that when I do not write in, I lose accountability. It's easy to lose myself in my day-to-day busyness. My life is getting more exciting now with a new venture I have taken onboard. I suppose I have replaced working part-time in the corporate world for working in a creative AND business space. I am truly blessed for having such a supportive husband that gives me positive and constructive cricitism.
I do need to keep myself accountable and reach my first milestone...it isn't too far away.
I woke up this morning barely could I walk to the bedroom door...the room was spinning so fast. At first I thought I got up from bed too fast. But the room kept spinning. I had to stay in bed for a couple of hours. I feel much more rested now but that was a wake up call (as if my sty recently wasn't enough) to tell me to get into a better sleeping routine!!! I am disappointed that I let it get that bad but I'm not going to dwell on it. I'm just going to do better.
My life has once again gone a little busy but I'm feeling really happy about where I am at the moment. But I know there are still things to improve. I am finding that "neglect" is creeping back into my life (or did it ever leave in the first place). Little things like my girls trying to talk to me but I'm on my phone texting clients or on facebook checking bookings or even that various parts of my house is still needing some tidy up...
Well there I said it....so now I must make a plan to improve on those areas. I'm such a big planner. Sometimes I plan so much that I never get anything done. I love to make lists. And mentally my list is as long as I am tall... :) But I will do it.
I am really loving my life at the moment, and loving where I am mentally, physically and where I can be spiritually. xxx
Time to take care of my house xx
I'm sticking to my challenge of someone asking me to participate in some exercise my immediate answer is Yes. So I have walked the Stokes Valley stairs twice. And I am so happy that today I had only stopped twice when normally I'd stop 4 or 5 times. I'm getting there.
Today I participated in our church's Biggest Loser Challenge. Keeping my mindset on staying active and doing the best I can no matter how silly I look performing the exercises. There really is a lot of support there.
I am definitely finding that when I do not write in, I lose accountability. It's easy to lose myself in my day-to-day busyness. My life is getting more exciting now with a new venture I have taken onboard. I suppose I have replaced working part-time in the corporate world for working in a creative AND business space. I am truly blessed for having such a supportive husband that gives me positive and constructive cricitism.
I do need to keep myself accountable and reach my first milestone...it isn't too far away.
I woke up this morning barely could I walk to the bedroom door...the room was spinning so fast. At first I thought I got up from bed too fast. But the room kept spinning. I had to stay in bed for a couple of hours. I feel much more rested now but that was a wake up call (as if my sty recently wasn't enough) to tell me to get into a better sleeping routine!!! I am disappointed that I let it get that bad but I'm not going to dwell on it. I'm just going to do better.
My life has once again gone a little busy but I'm feeling really happy about where I am at the moment. But I know there are still things to improve. I am finding that "neglect" is creeping back into my life (or did it ever leave in the first place). Little things like my girls trying to talk to me but I'm on my phone texting clients or on facebook checking bookings or even that various parts of my house is still needing some tidy up...
Well there I said it....so now I must make a plan to improve on those areas. I'm such a big planner. Sometimes I plan so much that I never get anything done. I love to make lists. And mentally my list is as long as I am tall... :) But I will do it.
I am really loving my life at the moment, and loving where I am mentally, physically and where I can be spiritually. xxx
Time to take care of my house xx
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Discipline....
So I've literally just sat down after disciplining my youngest daughter for punching her sister in the face for distracting her from finishing her bed time prayers. Something I'm trying to work through with my girls with their expressions of frustration by manhandling each other.
As it is something to learn to discipline my children in a way that won't traumatise them when they get older. It's also a discipline to take care of oneself. There must be control. There must be a clear mind. There must be patience. It can be so easy to lose oneself in one's emotion. It can be so exhausting to have this whirlwind of feelings circling within me when all others can see on the outside is someone calm. Quite the opposite at times.
I am just feeling this right now, but I haven't been this way all day. Today was productive. I got onto doing things for my family. Picked up my very sick husband from work early today. On the way home he asked me whether I was mad with him for being sick and that he notices when he is in this state that I don't care for him as he does for me when I'm under the weather. That is true at times. A woman loves to be cared for by her man...especially when all she does is do the washing, clean the house, take the kids to school, cook the meals, make phone calls to the plumber, get the warrant done for the car, pick up the kids from school .... :) well you know. I can't complain really. My husband has been pulling his weight to. He has grown so much as a father and husband in our almost 10 years together. We married young. As most would say. 23 years old. Was that young? If it were my girls...yes I'd probably say so too. :) But watching him over the years, I am truly thankful that he is a man that is true to his word in taking care of his family the way God wants him to. So when we got home. I gave him medicine. I made him some tea. I cooked his meal. I ask him if he needs anything. And all he does is chuckle. :) Well I know I can make him laugh too ;)
Talking about discipline. I did good today. If you could spend a day in my head, all you would hear is "Love yourself enough to change" when I feel I want to reach for a croissant....or "You don't need that when your money could go towards something else more important"....or "okay do this, then do that. Pick up him. Pick up her. Text them. Book them"....honestly I think I'm going deaf not because of my girls screaming but the constant chatter going on in my head!
Discipline.....it can sound like such a negative word but it is a life-changing one. And one that will take a lifetime to master.
I received an email from my mum who is also trying to improve her health. It was nice to read that she wants to do it together. So that we encourage each other. It is another chapter in our family book of what we do together as mother and daughter. :) Even relationships needs discipline. Discipline to hold you back from saying something that could be hurtful. Discipline to not influence your loved ones into doing something that does not bring any value to their lives. Discipline to understand and discern the right things to do to protect a relationship.
I need to have more discipline when it comes to giving myself a chance to truly LIVE!!! I do feel like I'm being held back....but I know it won't be for long.
p.s. I stuck to what I said in my post last night and I will end my day in saying Thank you to Him for being with me today and for being with me when I wake up. xxx
As it is something to learn to discipline my children in a way that won't traumatise them when they get older. It's also a discipline to take care of oneself. There must be control. There must be a clear mind. There must be patience. It can be so easy to lose oneself in one's emotion. It can be so exhausting to have this whirlwind of feelings circling within me when all others can see on the outside is someone calm. Quite the opposite at times.
I am just feeling this right now, but I haven't been this way all day. Today was productive. I got onto doing things for my family. Picked up my very sick husband from work early today. On the way home he asked me whether I was mad with him for being sick and that he notices when he is in this state that I don't care for him as he does for me when I'm under the weather. That is true at times. A woman loves to be cared for by her man...especially when all she does is do the washing, clean the house, take the kids to school, cook the meals, make phone calls to the plumber, get the warrant done for the car, pick up the kids from school .... :) well you know. I can't complain really. My husband has been pulling his weight to. He has grown so much as a father and husband in our almost 10 years together. We married young. As most would say. 23 years old. Was that young? If it were my girls...yes I'd probably say so too. :) But watching him over the years, I am truly thankful that he is a man that is true to his word in taking care of his family the way God wants him to. So when we got home. I gave him medicine. I made him some tea. I cooked his meal. I ask him if he needs anything. And all he does is chuckle. :) Well I know I can make him laugh too ;)
Talking about discipline. I did good today. If you could spend a day in my head, all you would hear is "Love yourself enough to change" when I feel I want to reach for a croissant....or "You don't need that when your money could go towards something else more important"....or "okay do this, then do that. Pick up him. Pick up her. Text them. Book them"....honestly I think I'm going deaf not because of my girls screaming but the constant chatter going on in my head!
Discipline.....it can sound like such a negative word but it is a life-changing one. And one that will take a lifetime to master.
I received an email from my mum who is also trying to improve her health. It was nice to read that she wants to do it together. So that we encourage each other. It is another chapter in our family book of what we do together as mother and daughter. :) Even relationships needs discipline. Discipline to hold you back from saying something that could be hurtful. Discipline to not influence your loved ones into doing something that does not bring any value to their lives. Discipline to understand and discern the right things to do to protect a relationship.
I need to have more discipline when it comes to giving myself a chance to truly LIVE!!! I do feel like I'm being held back....but I know it won't be for long.
p.s. I stuck to what I said in my post last night and I will end my day in saying Thank you to Him for being with me today and for being with me when I wake up. xxx
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Raw Emotion...
I spent the first half of my day catching up on X-Factor episodes. What an emotional rollercoaster!
I couldn't stop crying. To see such raw emotion stemming from the determination of each contestant. How could you watch and not feel how this journey is affecting them. One of the judges had said to one of my favs Leroy Bell, that they weren't sure if he wanted it bad enough despite having all the goods. I thought about that. I know I've asked myself that question before when I started this new journey in my life. Do I want it bad enough? I thought I did, but I don't really. I'm not wanting it bad enough to make my new habits stick. The old habits are still there. Holding on for dear life. Laughing at the thought of me ever even trying to make better of this life.
And just when I think about my healthy journey I come across one of many photographers that I follow and read their blog about a good friend of theirs going through their fitness journey. Check it out here: http://sweethopephotography.blogspot.com/. Are my goals not clear enough? I know that internally I'm feeling good. Feeling better about myself. I went through the whole decluttering stage. I'm becoming more active than usual which is pretty good I think. I could shoot myself in the foot with the lack of sleep I have and the lack of organisation that I'm not eating proper meals or drinking enough water. I'm told I need to burn more calories than I eat. At the moment I'm eating more than I burn. So that in the end my friend is called a size 26! ...okay I can joke. I have dropped down 1 - 2 sizes. Originally my pants sizes were from 24 - 26, but now 20 - 22. :) I'm happy about that...but it is still far away from revealing the real me.
Thinking about feeling empathetic towards the X-Factor contestants, we feel connected and gain a deeper understanding. But when we put ourselves in their shoes I think at times through experiences and influences in our lives we harden ourselves to feeling anything. I think about my journey and at times, as bad as I feel I want to improve my life I don't feel like I can cry about it.
I know what it is.....
As much as I try to declare it, I am not relying on God to see me through this journey. I don't talk to Him. I don't ask Him to help me. Sometimes I think it's not something that I would want to bother Him with. As if I would only ask Him of things that really mean something. There you go....I really don't want this bad enough. To ask God to help me in this journey, would confirm that this is a really big thing and that I can't do this on my own. there are a few things going on in my life at the moment, that are a slight distraction from this journey. And yet, I still don't ask Him for help. I talked about the encouragement that I received on the weekend. "Seek and You shall find. Ask and You shall receive"...
I'm sitting at my desk in my bedroom and looking around I see a book titled "First Things First".....yes first things first.....I need to pray about my situation.....There is more to life than good deeds, and good deeds can only get you so far. You need, I need God to take me the rest of the way.
Tonight...I know exactly what I need to do.... xxxxx
I couldn't stop crying. To see such raw emotion stemming from the determination of each contestant. How could you watch and not feel how this journey is affecting them. One of the judges had said to one of my favs Leroy Bell, that they weren't sure if he wanted it bad enough despite having all the goods. I thought about that. I know I've asked myself that question before when I started this new journey in my life. Do I want it bad enough? I thought I did, but I don't really. I'm not wanting it bad enough to make my new habits stick. The old habits are still there. Holding on for dear life. Laughing at the thought of me ever even trying to make better of this life.
And just when I think about my healthy journey I come across one of many photographers that I follow and read their blog about a good friend of theirs going through their fitness journey. Check it out here: http://sweethopephotography.blogspot.com/. Are my goals not clear enough? I know that internally I'm feeling good. Feeling better about myself. I went through the whole decluttering stage. I'm becoming more active than usual which is pretty good I think. I could shoot myself in the foot with the lack of sleep I have and the lack of organisation that I'm not eating proper meals or drinking enough water. I'm told I need to burn more calories than I eat. At the moment I'm eating more than I burn. So that in the end my friend is called a size 26! ...okay I can joke. I have dropped down 1 - 2 sizes. Originally my pants sizes were from 24 - 26, but now 20 - 22. :) I'm happy about that...but it is still far away from revealing the real me.
Thinking about feeling empathetic towards the X-Factor contestants, we feel connected and gain a deeper understanding. But when we put ourselves in their shoes I think at times through experiences and influences in our lives we harden ourselves to feeling anything. I think about my journey and at times, as bad as I feel I want to improve my life I don't feel like I can cry about it.
I know what it is.....
As much as I try to declare it, I am not relying on God to see me through this journey. I don't talk to Him. I don't ask Him to help me. Sometimes I think it's not something that I would want to bother Him with. As if I would only ask Him of things that really mean something. There you go....I really don't want this bad enough. To ask God to help me in this journey, would confirm that this is a really big thing and that I can't do this on my own. there are a few things going on in my life at the moment, that are a slight distraction from this journey. And yet, I still don't ask Him for help. I talked about the encouragement that I received on the weekend. "Seek and You shall find. Ask and You shall receive"...
I'm sitting at my desk in my bedroom and looking around I see a book titled "First Things First".....yes first things first.....I need to pray about my situation.....There is more to life than good deeds, and good deeds can only get you so far. You need, I need God to take me the rest of the way.
Tonight...I know exactly what I need to do.... xxxxx
Monday, October 31, 2011
I KEEP DOING IT TO MYSELF....
Yes I'm kicking myself!!! I weighed myself this morning. Ahead of this week's weigh-in and ARGH!!!. I had it coming. At least I haven't gained it all back. I'm trying not to feel discouraged that this is my week 6 and there has been little progress...but there has been some. I should focus on that. Right?
So shortly after weighing myself...what does she doooooo....EATS LEFT OVER BUTTER CHICKEN FOR BREAKFAST!!!!! argh!!!...amazing that the whole time I ate I was thinking..."oh well...love me tomorrow"!!!! argh!!!!
Despite the shortfalls in the eating department...I did as I challenged myself. My girls asked me to go for a walk. Despite saying no twice...I remembered that my challenge and off I went. For a half hour walk with my girls. Then played volleyball. Then did a 10 minute aerobic routine.
But I ended the night sharing a meal with family eating steak and casava! Why is it that when we eat with families or friends we feel obligate to share a meal with them while trying to keep to our healthy lifestyle. I keep thinking that it is my obligations to share meals...that's gotten me to this size!!! I suppose nobody forced the food down my throat!....so no-one is accountable but me!
Tomorrow is another day, and my husband is going to join me on this journey. I CAN DO THIS...and I'm NOT GOING TO KEEP DOING THIS TO MYSELF!
Oh..also...bought some pair of harem pants and am happy to say that I have dropped a size :)....BUT I WILL NOT CONTINUE TO SABOTAGE MY MEAL PLANS!!! xxxxx
I'm loving today's encouragement from "The Word for Today"...teaching me that God will continue to work within me until the day....There is GREATNESS WITHIN ME that I know people can see. I just need to believe that my outside CAN reflect what is inside!
'...[God] wrestled...with him until...' Genesis 32:24 KJV
SoulFood: Deut 18:9-18, Dan 2, Isa 47:5-15, Acts 16:16-34
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2011
So shortly after weighing myself...what does she doooooo....EATS LEFT OVER BUTTER CHICKEN FOR BREAKFAST!!!!! argh!!!...amazing that the whole time I ate I was thinking..."oh well...love me tomorrow"!!!! argh!!!!
Despite the shortfalls in the eating department...I did as I challenged myself. My girls asked me to go for a walk. Despite saying no twice...I remembered that my challenge and off I went. For a half hour walk with my girls. Then played volleyball. Then did a 10 minute aerobic routine.
But I ended the night sharing a meal with family eating steak and casava! Why is it that when we eat with families or friends we feel obligate to share a meal with them while trying to keep to our healthy lifestyle. I keep thinking that it is my obligations to share meals...that's gotten me to this size!!! I suppose nobody forced the food down my throat!....so no-one is accountable but me!
Tomorrow is another day, and my husband is going to join me on this journey. I CAN DO THIS...and I'm NOT GOING TO KEEP DOING THIS TO MYSELF!
Oh..also...bought some pair of harem pants and am happy to say that I have dropped a size :)....BUT I WILL NOT CONTINUE TO SABOTAGE MY MEAL PLANS!!! xxxxx
I'm loving today's encouragement from "The Word for Today"...teaching me that God will continue to work within me until the day....There is GREATNESS WITHIN ME that I know people can see. I just need to believe that my outside CAN reflect what is inside!
'...[God] wrestled...with him until...' Genesis 32:24 KJV
The Bible says, 'Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man [the angel of the Lord]...until the breaking of the day.' When God decides to deal with you He will get you alone. Notice, Jacob was 'left'. When surgery is required, nobody else is allowed in the operating room. Something in you must be dealt with or you won't make it.
Notice also, 'There wrestled a man with him until'. Others may give up on you, but not God. '...He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ' (Philippians 1:6 NKJV). 'Until' Jacob becomes Israel, 'until' the deceiver becomes a prince with God, 'until' you begin to walk, talk and live in such a way that everybody around you knows you've been touched by God. God's not going to let you get by with stuff He used to overlook. When you're running out of time He will wrestle with you and show you that you're wasting your life. He will wrestle with you over your careless attitudes, words and actions. He will wrestle with you over your ingratitude and help you see how blessed you are. He will wrestle with you over your double-mindedness and unwillingness to make a commitment. You've changed jobs, changed relationships and changed churches; when are you going to let God plant you permanently somewhere so that you can bear fruit?
There are two 'untils' in this story. First, God wrestled with Jacob until he said yes. Second, Jacob wrestled with God until He blessed him. At that point Jacob's name changed, his past ended, and the future God had in mind for him began.
SoulFood: Deut 18:9-18, Dan 2, Isa 47:5-15, Acts 16:16-34
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2011
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