SSMT Verse #9

I need this word!  This is my memory verse #9.  May 1-15, SSMT 2013

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 NIV

 

 PRAYER: 

Lord, help me in these areas...
in Jesus Name, AMEN.

Soul Cancer~

Cancer is a serious health issue; it has touched my life through family members who have battled it- breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and leukemia.  Cancer affects the health and drains energy from the body of those enduring with it; it can kill when left untreated.

Although I have personally not fought the battle of a physical cancer of the body, I do know what it’s like to battle a cancer of the soul.

My Story

On the outside, it appeared I was living the good life.  I was a stay home mom married to a pilot in the military.  We lived in a nice house in an upscale neighborhood, drove new vehicles, enjoyed many luxuries, and had what appeared to be a happy family.  But the reality was my marriage had been falling apart over time, and emotionally, I was at a point of complete brokenness.  Most days I put on a happy face so no one would suspect my reality of brokenness.  I was getting real good at the “fake it ‘til I make it” way of living.

My lowest point was when I experienced an emptiness that no amount of faking through it would help. I tried superficial stimulation like shopping and pampering myself, and that didn’t help.   I sought out inspiration through reading self help books and giving myself positive pep talks.  That didn’t help.  I began seeking new age spirituality, trying to find answers to the meaning of life just so I could feel better about myself and my circumstances.  I became intrigued with mediums and spirit guides and the supernatural, knowing I wanted to feel connection with a higher power.  But all these didn’t help and fell short of improving my condition.

Like a cancerous tumor in the body that grows and can multiply into something big and deadly, cancer of the soul does the same.  For me, it started out with disappointment of unmet expectations in certain areas of life.  Then add to that, self pity and hurt from being offended by people.  I worried over rejection, feeling unloved and unappreciated, and suffered from insecurity.  These all grew into anger, resentment, and bitterness.  I occasionally entertained thoughts of revenge toward my offenders.  Before I knew it, these emotions were like tumors that rapidly grew and multiplied invading every aspect of my life.  I had a full blown case of soul cancer.

Toward the end of 2001, I was in a place of complete emotional darkness.  It was then when I received a phone call from a lady from down the street in my neighborhood.  She called to invite me to a women’s small group “Bible Study” she was organizing in her home.  She was also a stay home mom and military wife; our children occasionally played together, but we had never got to know one another on a personal level.  When she phoned me with the invitation for Bible study, I almost said no, but something inside me blurted out “sure” and I accepted.  Up to this point in life (I was 37 years old), I had never read the Bible or even knew how to look up verses.

My husband, Kirk, and I both grew up in the Catholic religion as children and young adults.  After our school years we fell away from the religion and did not attend Sunday church services on a regular basis (only 2-4 times a year). Several times in my adult life, I looked inside the gold edged pages of the Bible we owned, but the words never made sense and there were too many ye, lest, thy and thou to keep my interest to keep exploring it’s message. 

I arrived at the first Bible study meeting with the only Bible I owned, a 2” thick oversized Catholic King James Bible my husband and I had received as a wedding gift; it was awkwardly large.  I noticed the other ladies with more compact sized Bibles that actually had wording that made sense when read out loud.  I immediately went to the local Christian book store and bought a new NIV (New International Version) Bible like the ones these other ladies had.  The NIV was a translation I could understand and relate to (no more ye, lest, thy and thou).

As I sat in this small group Bible study for the weeks to come, I learned how to lookup Scripture, I studied a Campus Crusade for Christ Curriculum on what it means to truly follow Jesus, and learned to pray from my heart rather than saying a bunch of words I’d learned as a child.  I could tell something was beginning to happen to my mental well being over this time; the emotions that had kept me in a dark prison of emptiness were slowly dissolving and I was experiencing life with new meaning.  

I remember on a rainy afternoon as Easter was approaching, I was sitting in the carpool lane of my kids’ school, and it was here that I accepted Jesus in my heart as my Lord and Savior. I was listening to a preacher give a sermon on the radio and at the end of the program he led a prayer of salvation that I said out loud with him with tears rolling down my face (tears of joy).  I learned what it meant to be “born again”.   For the first time in my life, I truly felt free and alive. I was a new creation in Christ, the old was gone the new was here.  Kirk and I began attending “Family Bible Church”, a non-denominational church, with my lady friend and her family and Kirk too began his journey with the Lord. 

As I reflect back over the years, I realize God had used a variety of people and circumstances to plant seeds of faith in my life.  In His perfect timing, when I finally got to the end of myself in complete brokenness, God used this Jesus loving lady down the street to invite me to her home for Bible study.  Because of her act of love and obedience to God, He was able to grab hold of my heart and show Himself in a mighty way.  Up to this point I had shunned anyone who wanted to talk to me about Jesus.  I used to secretly mock those people I called “Jesus freaks”.  When I’d stumble on a Christian radio station, the music/lyrics would make my skin crawl, and I’d quickly change the station to something Top 40 Pop.  But not now… things were different.  I couldn’t stop thinking about Jesus, learning more about Him, and was excited to listen to “Jesus music” on the radio. Through the most supernatural chain of events I’ve ever experienced, my empty darkness was turned to overflowing light through the power of Jesus.  I am honored to now be among those I called Jesus freaks.
  
Soul Cancer is Rooted in Unforgiveness

Easter season 2002, Jesus showed me that my many tumors- disappointment, self pity, anger, resentment, insecurity, bitterness, etc.- were emotions rooted in the sin of UNFORGIVENESS.  As I spent more time getting to know Jesus through Scripture, I felt His conviction to FORGIVE everyone who had offended and hurt me.

Complete forgiveness of everything and everyone that had hurt me was a hard thing to wrap my mind around.  I believed what people did was wrong and I thought if I forgave them I was sending the message to them that what they did to me was ok.  I thought if I held on to my feelings of anger toward them and their actions, I was punishing them in some way. Thinking this way is such a lie. The truth of the matter is forgiveness doesn’t mean I approved of the offenders’ actions and am letting them off the hook, forgiveness means I am eliminating the emotional poison from my life so that I could be free of the soul cancer and move on in a healthy way.  Unforgiveness does not punish the offender, it punishes the one holding onto the offence. Forgiveness is from the character of Christ and leads to health, peace and supernatural healing, while unforgiveness poisons the body and is cancer to the soul leading to death.

Here and Now

As we approach Easter this year, I celebrate the season when I met Jesus on a personal level, asked Him into my heart, was saved and He cured from soul cancer. I celebrate this week that over 2000 years ago, Christ Jesus died in my place for the forgiveness of my sins because He loves me so much.  And just as important as His death on the cross, He rose again three days later from the dead and lives!  During Easter season in 2002, Jesus saved me and healed me from a place of darkness and gave me a new life… through His resurrection, He raised me from the dead life I was living.  He restored and rebuilt my marriage to a place of strength and honor better than it’s ever been.  My children have been overflowed with blessing and favor as a result of Jesus entering my family’s life and curing my soul cancer.  As the Lord forgives me, I too shall forgive others… I never want soul cancer again!

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:12-13, NIV)   SSMT verse #7

Do you hold onto any unforgiveness?

 Do you want a cancer free soul?

Start today by leaving judgment, resentment, anger, and revenge in God’s hands.  

PRAYER~ 

Jesus, Please come into my life and heal me. I believe you died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose again three days later. I want to live in a way so that I can forgive others as you forgave me. Do what you need to do to to change my heart and cure me of unforgiveness toward ___________(name of person). I was hurt when he/she   ________________ (name of offense). It made me feel ______________ (unloved, unworthy, dirty, betrayed, misused, etc.). Through your mighty power Christ Jesus, I forgive ________ (name of person). I surrender my heart to you, Lord from this day forward.  Thank you for loving me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Admit, Commit, and Drop~ SSMT verse #4

I have recently been struggling with a couple specific areas in my life that have truly hindered my well being and left me feeling frustrated and defeated.  I tell myself "I'll be o.k... I can expose myself to these areas as long as I practice moderation and resist the temptation to fall into the trap of over indulgence".  Sadly, I have not done this. 

God word tells me to confess your [my] sins to each other and pray for each other so that you [I] may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)  I am confessing my areas and asking any prayer warriors reading this post to pray for me to break the pattern of over indulgence in these two specific areas and to repent from the sin that results~

First, I spend too much time reading FaceBook which initiates mixed feeling thoughts of a small group of people's actions/behavior; most of the people my "mixed feeling" thoughts are toward I don't even really know except through FaceBook. I spend about 60-90 minutes a day (accumulative) on this social network site, but then I fall into the trap of filling my mind through the day (many hours worth) of things people posted.  We live in a society of people who are narcissistic, self centered, and have a desperate need for attention and approval of others and this is the area that I am frustrated about; FaceBook is a breeding ground for this behavior. It causes me sadness to see constant posts from people who fit this catagory; I take it as an opportunity to pray for these people.  I wonder, am I also posting things that are narcisstic, self centered, or a need for attention and approval of others?  Yet, even though I know the time I spend on this website could be used for more productive things, I continue, thinking I see a lot of good things on FaceBook that encourages me.  Why does the bad stuff consume my thoughts and lead me astray in my thought life? I enjoy FaceBook for the purpose of keeping in touch with friends and family, many of who are long distance from where I live. I like seeing their family photos and keeping in touch with what's going on in their lives. For this reason, FaceBook is good and I will miss the connection I get in this way. 

Second, I struggle with over eating chocolate candy which results in unhealthy, high empty calorie consumption.  I've  always loved chocolate candy since my youth and have had many binges in this area!  I suppose a person like myself who comes from addictive behavior genetics, chocolate isn't a bad thing to be addicted to when you consider some of the alternatives.  But no matter the temporary comfort I receive from eating chocolate candy, it's false, not healthy and leaves me with the feeling of shame and remorse. I try to exercise portion control, but I fool myself and one piece results in a spiral of an all or noting attitude; 1 piece of candy ends up being 20+ pieces of candy; one candy bar ends up being 6 candy bars. This is not good for my physical body or a way to honor God spiritually. I recognize, to some extent, chocolate candy has turned into a false god.  May sound silly, but for me is true.

I have selected my memory verse for Siesta Scripture Memory Team (SSMT) Verse #4 from Hebrews.  This verse is God's loving encouragement to me to put these things out of my life... these things that keep me from what I should be doing (NLV) or like the Voice translation states, I am to drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to me and slackens my pace, the run that God has set before me. Thinking about it, why would I want these things in my way to slow me down... to weight me down in my long race called life?

As someone who has recently started running for exercise, this verse speaks to me on so many levels!

All these many people who have had faith in God are around us like a cloud. Let us put every thing out of our lives that keeps us from doing what we should. Let us keep running in the race that God has planned for us. 

Hebrews 12:1  New Life Version (NLV)  

SSMT Verse #4

...let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace,and let us run with endurance the long race set before us. (The Voice Translation)



PRAYER:
Lord, help me live out this verse! Going forward today, I want to let go of these things that hold me back, so that I can focus on doing what I should... focus on You!  I pray this in your holy name, Jesus, Amen.

Follow the Leader~ Memory Verses 21 and 22

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you..."

My husband is in Afghanistan for a short time on a job flying (as a civilian contract worker) with the US Army. During his first 24 hours on Afghan soil he heard two separate siren alerts followed by mortar explosions in the distance. The reality of "where he was" hit him hard. Because of modern day technology, I was able to talk with him (skype) during this time and heard first hand about this new location he'll be staying in. As we talked, I not only heard the unrest in his voice, but also saw the emotions in his face. He looked alone and afraid; I felt helpless.

As we talked I remembered Psalm 91 and emailed it to my hubby for encouragement and comfort. His email back to me was filled with gratitude for God's plan and protection. My hubby shared a verse God led him to from Deuteronomy 31:6. He thanked me for sending Psalm 91 and said God's truth gives him everything he needs to keep going each day with confidence despite the fear of the danger around him. Here's Deuteronomy 31:6~

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV ~ SSMT #21 ~ Memory Verse for Nov. 1-14)

My hubby and I trust our Lord in all things and know that when God brings us to a situation in life, He will also bring us through it if we let Him. I love how the Lord "goes before us" and is always "with us" as states in my memory verse for this next two weeks, November 15-30, Deuteronomy 31:8~

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV ~ SSMT #22)

I know my husband is where God needs him to be to grow us both in our faith and to fulfill His Mighty purposes. I'm encouraged to know we don't have to be afraid during this time because we are following the Maker of Heaven and Earth who promises to "never leave us, nor forsake us". We can trust Him as we follow and obey Him; His Word and Promises are always true.

PRAYER: Lord, protect every person who is in Afghanistan and any foreign country for that matter putting their lives in danger for the well being of others. I think of everyone from the soldiers to missionaries sharing the Gospel. Lord, show them Your power through Your presence in their every day. I pray You give them hope in full doses showing them mercy and grace. Thank You, Lord for your Word and your Promises! Lifted in Jesus Name~ AMEN.

Pray for Japan...

and ALL who are effected by the recent earthquake, tsunami & and continuing tragedies~

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the LORD has done,

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46 (NIV)

Tis the season~

Being a mom and wife...
Children at different age levels (6,9,15,17)...
Christmas Season...
Calendar of activities...
Home renovation in progress...

Do you ever feel like a Stretch Armstrong? I sure do!!!

Praise God He gives strength; when I am stretched like this, God reveals himself in mighty ways. My prayer is for any and all who feel the way I do right now~ that we tap into God's supernatural strength and find a nice balance in our situations. May none of us lose the meaning of our mission in life (wife, mom, mentor, teacher, etc) or lose sight of Jesus as we celebrate His birthday this month.

I pray Jesus stay at the center of our stretched lives!

...“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV)

"Summer" is Over... Today is the First Day of School

When you have young children or are a teacher or employee of a school district, summer often seems to be defined by the time from the end of one school year to the beginning of the next. The time in between the two school years is your "summer".

Where my kids go to school, we have a very short "summer" of only 7 weeks. The kids attend a "year around school" where they go 6 weeks and have a week off; go 6 weeks, have a week off, etc. They get 3-4 weeks off for Christmas break, and at the end of the school year, they are given 7 weeks for "summer"- this is our school year. It seems like just yesterday (May 26) the kids were getting out, all excited for what fun was ahead... and, with a blink, our summer has slipped away, and we're beginning the "first day of school". Although I'm sad to see the kids' "summer" gone, I'm so excited for them as they begin a new adventure this 2010-2011 school year!

Andrew (Freshman) and Kelsie (Senior). They drove to school together so Kelsie could show Andrew around his new high school. We're so blessed they have each other and get along like best friends.

Jessie (3rd grade) and Joe (1st grade)

Joe is not too happy to be back at school. He kept saying "I have a stomach ache, I want to go home!" Kirk and I suggested he give it a try and that we are proud how brave he is.

Prayer~ Lord, keep these kids and all who attend their schools safe this school year. Help them stay focused on eternal things and guide them to make good choices through the year. Lord, I pray you give each child a spirit of excitement to learn, to grow their knowledge, and encourage them to be the best they possibly can be. Help us parents to be filled with the fruit of your spirit, loving, patient, kind, self controlled... when we deal the challenges that always seem to surface. Lord, give the teachers of our students discernment for each child's needs and bless them as they are such an important part of helping shape the lives of these young ones. Thank you Lord that you hear this prayer and will give our children your favor and blessing as we seek You this year. In Jesus' Mighty name I pray, Amen.

The thing I'm most afraid of...

SNAKES! ...terrify me!

So you can imagine my overwhelming fear when, on Sunday afternoon, I open our front door and happen to glance to my side and I see a rattle snake (about 18" long) on the ground slowly slithering along the dirt next the the front porch. It wasn't rattling, just quietly slithering. I hollered into the house, "Rattle Snake"! Kirk thought I was joking. I was not. I would never joke about seeing a rattle snake!

Kirk ran to the garage and grabbed a shovel, I grabbed the camera and stayed a safe distance away. Kirk trapped it, then ended up decapitating it. Now we're thinking about how we can keep other rattle snakes away. Several people told us to get some cats to keep as outside pets since the cats eat mice, and the snakes are around looking for mice to eat. The only problem is, the area coyotes will possibly eat the cats. ...circle of life?

We suspect the snake came out from under the house (a pier and beam foundation), where is was cool. It was probably looking for a sunny location since our afternoon temperatures this past Sunday were in the high 80's (F).

I'm FREAK'IN OUT about this snake and have emphasized with the kids what they need to do to be safe and to always be alert. One thing I KNOW I can do is claim Jesus' words in Luke 10:19 (NIV) over our house and property (we have scorpions, too)...

" I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."

Nothing will harm us!; Lord, keep us and all who visit our home protected from these critters and any other kind of danger! In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray. AMEN

TODAY~

TODAY is my day to log in my "Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans" weight loss... but TODAY I have so much more on my heart and in my thoughts than weight loss.

TODAY~ I think about life... how precious it is, and how each day we have to take a breath is such a gift...

TODAY~ I think about the ones in our lives we love, those who God has put there for His purpose...

TODAY~ I think about hugging my children, saying, "I love you!" to those who I love and not waiting for tomorrow or the next day to do random acts of kindness towards others....

TODAY~ I do not celebrate my weight loss...

TODAY~ I grieve the loss of my sweet 17 year old niece, Brittney, who left this earth on Sunday through a tragic car accident to be with Jesus...

TODAY~ I celebrate Brittney's memory at the same time am heartbroken she is no longer here with us...

TODAY~ I am inspired that her last words to her mom (my sister) were, "I love you, mom", as she went out the door to "chill" with her friends...

TODAY~ I am thankful Brittney found true peace and joy these past couple months that overflowed onto those people closest to her; she was beaming with joy last time I saw her...

TODAY~ I pray for my sister (Traci) and her husband (Ryan) who lost their only child so suddenly and tragically and are going through the biggest heartache of their lives.

TODAY~ I pray for her boyfriend, Sean, who loved Britt with all his heart.

TODAY~ I ask anyone reading this post to please say a special prayer for Traci, Ryan, Sean, and ALL those people Brittney left behind who are trying to understand and absorb what happened... pray that God will heal their hearts during this sad time...

TODAY~ I encourage YOU to not put off anything for tomorrow you should and could do TODAY...

say "I love you"...

give a hug...

forgive someone...

ask for forgiveness...

take steps to overcome an addiction...

make good choices...

give the gift of your time to those in your life...

extend random acts of kindness when the opportunity arises...

I encourage you to do it TODAY~
you might not have a tomorrow.

In loving memory of my sweet angel niece,

Brittney Rogene Jennings

December 17, 1991 - November 8, 2009

PRAYER: Lord, thank you that You have Brittney in your arms and she is in your holy presence. I lift to Your loving care Traci, Ryan, Sean and all those people who are brokenhearted by Brittney's passing. I ask you give those grieving Brittney comfort that only You can give and Your peace which surpasses all understanding. Lord help us ALL appreciate the people in our lives, to not take each day for granted, and to honor the loved ones in our lives TODAY and EVERYDAY through words and deeds. God rest Brittney's sweet soul. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

MEMORY VERSE Proverbs 12:18

To continue on the same theme from the past couple weeks, the Lord has laid Proverbs 12:18 on my heart to learn and live. I've recently been put in situations of conflict where my mouth is tempted to sin (I pray Psalm 17:3b)... and times I actually have to clinch my teeth or bite my tongue not to say something I shouldn't (I've prayed Psalm 141:3). When I do speak, whether it's a situation of conflict or not, I need to be aware of my words I choose. I need to be sensitive about what I say, how I say it, and the timing of what is being said. This week's memory verse is one I choose to learn and live.

Reckless words pierce like a sword,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

Prayer: Lord help me do everything, whether in word or deed, as a reflection of Your character all for your glory. Help me bring words of encouragement to the discouraged, hope to the hopeless, and words of love to the lonely as you cross people in my path. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You! You are my Everything! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Independence Day!

It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us FREE... (Gal 5:1)

I thank God for our founding fathers who built this nation "one nation under God", for each person in the past who has fought to establish our freedom as a country, and for each person who is currently defending that freedom serving our country in different capacities.

Prayer~ Lord protect and comfort all who are currently serving in the military especially those who are unable to be with their families at this time; also, comfort and strengthen the families of our service members who have to endure the hardship of their loved one being separated from them as they serve. May God continue to bless America. In your Son's precious name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.

MEMORY VERSES Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

12) Therefore, as God's chosen people,

holy and dearly loved,

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,

humility, gentleness and patience.

13) Bear with each other and forgive

whatever grievances you may

have against one another.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

14) And over all these virtues put on love,

which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for Scripture and showing me how to live through your Word. Help me to clothe myself with You, reflecting your character, and help me be the person you have called me to be. Help me put love for you and others above all else. Thank you Lord for everything and for being my Everything! It's in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Colossians 3:12-14 are for my *20*09* personal challenge

(Walk with the Lord #7) weeks 23, 24, & 25 and

LPM challenge verse 12

Memorial Day

Prayer:
Father, help me to not take our freedom for granted. Thank you for all those who have risked their lives for my freedom. Please be with those who have sacrificed so much to protect our country and our liberty. Intercede on behalf of those who are currently serving in the military, protect those who are in harm’s way, give comfort to each military member's family as their loved one is serving and bring peace to our world so that everyone can live in harmony to worship openly and freely. It's in Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

My husband, Kirk Wymore,
United States Navy (17 years service)
Thank you for your service!
I love youand am honored tobe married to you!!!

Music Monday! Hold Fast

This music video is dedicated to all those individuals who might feel helpless, hopeless, desperate, and broken hearted. If you're feeling empty, alone or confused, be encouraged today that there is One who knows your feelings, He loves you, and He can help you. The Lord hears your cries. His promises to you are faithful. His timing may be different than yours and His method may not look like you thought it should, but He is still the God who hears and answers prayer. Above all remember, “He is for you.” I've been in the deep valley of brokenness and can tell you, don't give up, you are not alone. HOLD FAST...

Hold Fast by Mercy Me

Do you want to know more about how you can
have a relationship with the One who can help?

Click Here for more information...

or call 1-888-NEED-HIM

Prayer: Lord, in these desperate times we're in right now, I pray for each person reading this post~ that what ever trial or challenge they are going through, that your love, comfort and peace is revealed in their life and that they will have renewed hope and strength. Lord, help us all not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we each present our requests to you, and that as we do that, Your peace which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus. I know that each person reading this post is here by your divine intervention; there is no such thing as coincidences. My prayer is that you to do a work in our hearts to draw us closer to you; help us each seek you everyday, putting our faith and trust in You alone. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen

Too Much of a Good Thing...

We've all heard the saying, "Too Much of a Good Thing, Isn't a Good Thing".

Yesterday I was reminded of this truth when I took my kids outside to fly some kites in our back yard for the "fun of it". Well, if you can believe this, it was too windy to fly the kites! Each attempt, each childs' kite would get a certain distance in the sky, then the wind would drive the kite straight into the ground. Attempt after attempt we continued to be defeated as we tried to stay out of the way as not to get hit by the each kite spearing down into the ground. The kids were frustrated, and Kirk and I were frustrated (as we untangled string out of palm trees and off fences). Perhaps the problem was we didn't know what we were doing; but I truly believe the problem was excessive wind. A "little" wind would have been much better than "a lot" of wind.

I began to think about the things in my life that are good things when I experience them in "little" amounts, but are not so good when there's "a lot".

Here's my personal list of

"Too Much of a Good Thing,

Isn't a Good Thing":

2 cups of morning coffee to start my day, "a good thing"...
...4-5 cups of morning coffee, "isn't a good thing"

(makes me jittery and nauseous)

On a regular day, I watch minimal TV, "a good thing"...
...the days I watch hours and hours of TV, "isn't a good thing"

(I feel lazy, defeated and discontent)

One glass of wine with a pasta dinner, "a good thing"...
...drinking the whole bottle of wine, ~could be a good thing~ but for me, "isn't a good thing"

I enjoy time on the Internet (Blogspot, Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, etc), "a good thing"...
...when I spend too much time on the Internet, "isn't a good thing" (I am robbed of precious time; none of my regular jobs get done like giving attention to children and husband, working on laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, etc.)

Buying scrapbook supplies, fabric and craft supplies for upcoming projects, "a good thing"...

...buying excessive fabric, stock piling scrapbook and craft supplies because it's a good deal and/or I justify I might be able to use it in the future, "isn't necessarily a good thing" (I have so many unopened scrapbook and craft items as well as piles of fabric I am storing for a "future project", that I get overwhelmed with where to start. I run out of space in my home to store these items as well. Not to mention the projects that burden me I have started that remain unfinished because I keep adding more project supplies to my stash)

Eating portion controlled meals with a couple small low calorie snacks each day, "a good thing"...
...loading my plate up and going back for seconds, mindless snacking through the day to fill my sugar & carb cravings, and eating a large bowl of ice cream every night for dessert right before bed, "isn't a good thing"!!! (I am currently trying to lose 15-20 lbs I gained over the past 8 months because of my mindless over eating. This extra weight- on my small boned body frame- has robbed me of energy and has messed with my self esteem... it's a drag, literally!)

I'm sure I could keep going on, but these are a few that I deal with at this current time in my life. The weight issue was one of those realities that recently crept up on me and caught me off guard. Last year I felt high energy and fed my body with healthy foods. I was faithful in monitoring my calorie and water intake and portion control (through a food journal); I also was very active with balanced exercise. Right around September, I stopped journaling and paying attention to my food consumption. Not a big deal, because I was actually still pretty disciplined~ until the holidays (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb)... too much of a good thing (HIGH CALORIE FOOD)!... I also had stopped exercising (around Sept). I have gone from 128 lbs in July to 148 lbs as of last week. I hadn't weighed myself regularly over the past 8 months, but did realize I was gaining weight as my clothes were fitting snug. I didn't think much of it because I am comfortable in my skin and who I am. It wasn't until I went to a cheer leading banquet for my daughter Kelsie that I realized how I had let myself go. A photo was taken of the two of us, and when I saw the photo, I about died! I looked "thick"... my face was rounder than normal! As I began to think it through, some vanity set in, but mostly it was about the "Awe-Ha moment" of connecting my lack of energy to this weight gain. DAH! (was I in denial that I was actuall putting it on???)

July 2008... 128lbs (had high energy)

March 2009 ... 148 lbs (have low energy)

The realization - with seeing the above photo- is what I needed to kick myself back on track to a healthier eating and exercise life style. Since then, I have gone back to monitoring portion control and food journaling. I also plan to begin a consistent exercise plan with the hopes to get my energy back to normal. The past number of months I don't have energy because I haven't been exercising (gaining extra weight), and I haven't been exercising because I don't have the energy... I vicious cycle it is! I really need to focus on limiting my mindless eating as I enjoy eating high calorie food. REMEMBERING~

"Too Much of a Good Thing, Isn't a Good Thing"!

Prayer: Lord help me honor you as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you. As I commit my healthier eating and exercise to you, please help me to be successful in my efforts through your strength and power. Please help to resist the temptations of over indulging in high calorie foods and in my various poor eating choices as well as the temptation to not be consistent in an exercise plan. I thank you in advance for the victory you will give me in this area of my life. I also lift anyone else up in prayer who is reading this blog post and is wanting to live a healthier lifestyle; you know their needs as they read this post- I ask you, Lord, interceed on their behalf and give them everything they need to experience victory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

This week's MEMORY VERSE

Last week my verses were Ephesians 6:10-11; this week I'll continue with the VERY important continuation of 10 & 11, and memorize Ephesians 6:12...

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the authorities,

against the powers of this dark world

and against the spiritual forces of evil

in the heavenly realms.

(Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

Prayer: Thank you Lord that you have given us your armor of strength and protection in our daily struggles... as well as given us victory when we put our trust in You. Help me seek you in all things, Lord, staying strong in your mighty power, remembering to always keep you in the center of my life. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.

This week's MEMORY VERSE

I've been memorizing Scripture for the past five years with some getting planted in my heart word-for-word and others I've honestly not remembered all too well. This week, I ran across my little "Memory Verse" booklets (little 3"X 5" spiral memo pads) from the past several years and had a fun time refreshing my "memory" on God's Word and what I committed to my memory at those particular times in my life. The neat thing that God spoke to me through finding these booklets, is that even though some of my "memory verses" I couldn't recall word-for-word, the power of these verses have left an imprint on my heart and impacted how I live my life. God's WORD never comes back void! I actually surprised myself that I remembered more than I thought- they'd been "written on my heart"! God wants us to hide His words on our hearts so we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). I thank God daily for giving us His Word in the BIBLE (Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth), the ultimate "how to do life right" guide. I thank God also for Jesus- The Only One who bridges the gap for us to be in God's presence... the Way, the Truth, and the Life... our Perfect example of how to live life right. With that said, here's my memory verse for this week:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)

Prayer: Lord help me continue to hide your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you. Help me to have enough brain cells to actually remember what I learn from Your word this year and live it in my everyday. As I refresh my memory on past memory verses, help me remember them as well, that the ones I've forgotten, will get hidden in my heart. I can't do this on my own, Lord, I need you. I know I can do all things through You and You alone give me everything... Thank YOU that you are my EVERYTHING! May all the glory be Yours! In Your Name I pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Heart Doing Cartwheels!

Just a quick post to share how awesome God is! Like we didn't already know! : ) My heart is doing cartwheels and I'm feeling so giddy over the sovereignty of our God and thankful for answered prayers.

I got a call from my sister yesterday in WA state (over 2,000 miles away) and can't stop thinking about her joy, peace, and new found courage she is finally experiencing (so long over due). She has had a very rough year; has gone through trials I wouldn't wish on any one. Through all the real bad stuff that broke her down emotionally and physically, she has found a relationship with God; THIS IS THE REASON for my heart doing cartwheels! She's traded her "religion" we grew up with in for a real "relationship" with Jesus our Lord and SAVIOR. She's always known who God was, but never KNEW GOD. I'm so excited for her! WAIT - while I actually stand up and do a "happy dance" in celebration over my sister... the angels in heaven are also rejoicing!

Isn't it cool how God will allow us to get to the end of ourselves... we lose almost everything and then we can finally see how much we need Him. Once we put away are self sufficiency, He then can show himself in mighty ways as only He can. Yeah GOD! My sister is living in the middle of a miracle through her new faith in Christ, by His loving grace. I am thrilled for her and the journey she will continue on as she grows to know Him.

He has brought godly women to surround and encourage her and has led her to a wonderful church to shepherd her. She has plugged into a Bible study (Beth Moore- Breaking Free) and is soaking in God's Word. Thank you God for answered prayer for my sister I so dearly love! She's still got along way to go with her horrible year behind her and the circumstances still following her, but with you, Lord, nothing is impossible! I can't wait to hear all about the abundant blessings on my sister as she continues to surrender to the Lord and follow in his ways.

My sister and I

(photo taken April 2008 when she visited Texas from Washington State)

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for your love and for your perfect timing. Thank you that you never give up on us, even though much of the time we give up on you through unbelief, worry and pride.. You NEVER leave us nor forsake us no matter what! You love us beyond what our brains can comprehend! I pray for continued blessing over my sister, over her employment and financial situation, over the injustice in her life. You Lord, are ultimate judge, you provide all our needs, you truly are our EVERYTHING. Thank you that you will provide for my sister and her family double portion of all that has been lost in her life. I also pray for my other family members that don't know you; that I can be salt and light in their lives (long distance) and that you cross people in their paths that will reflect your goodness and love to help them come to know you, just like you did for my sister. You are awesome God, I lift up my banners in the name of the Lord in celebration of all your goodness. It's in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Aspirations, Dreams, and "To-Do" Lists

I have shared it before, and I'll share it again...
I'M A HUGE "LIST PERSON"!

I seem to stay on track with my goals when I write them down. I'm really a scatter brain with out my list and spiral notebooks have become a prized possession around my house! On any given day I have anywhere from 2-4 different lists going...

For example- today, I have my grocery list so I can do my shopping tomorrow; my daily "to do list" - so I remember what needs to be done "today"; I have my monthly calendar hanging on the wall, to I can see at a glance the list of activities penciled in for the whole family; I have my daily list of every food item I put in my mouth so I can journal my food intake and be sure not to go over 1600 calories for the day (need to lose the weight I gained from the holidays!); I have my "Bucket List"; and I have my newest list for 2009... of my yearly aspirations and dreams.

These lists may seem a bit obsessive compulsive, but without them I would live my life stagnant, not moving forward to the best of my ability, or worse, I'd end up going backwards... wasting my time away.

When I write down my needs, passions, dreams, and desires, several things happen for me:

• first- with a list, my natural forgetfulness is spurred with a "reminder" of what I need to do or want to to. I'm able to reflect on my written goals and dreams visualizing what I need to do to accomplish them and visualizing the victory of success throughout the process up to the point of experiencing the actual victory of accomplishment.
  
• second- my list helps me be accountable to myself and help others hold me accountable.


• third- my list allows me to experience visual victory as I'm able to accomplish those things listed by marking them off, celebrating the accomplishment, and moving on.

As I mentioned, my newest list is my 2009 Aspirations and Dreams list! I'm very excited about this list focused around 20 items in 09 different categories regarding ways I plan to INVEST myself for the year. I am a "FAMILY INVESTOR" after all! My 2009 aspirations seems like a big list, but I am determined to stretch myself to make things happen this upcoming year!

I didn't write out my dreams and goals for the year in 2008. Instead, I just kept them in my head thinking about them now and again. As I now reflect back on the year I feel a bit disappointed in myself. Although I did feel some victory with some accomplishments, I know I didn't live to my potential for the year and I wasted a lot of time being distracted (because I didn't have a list to follow!). This year I do have a list- posted publicly-to help me stay "on track".

“Some people make things happen, some watch things happen, while others wonder what has happened”
(Gaelic Proverb...author unknown)

IN 2009, I don't want to "watch things happen", or "wonder what has happened"... I want to be the person that will "make things happen"!

Prayer: Lord I thank you that you have given me the gift of administration and that I can use it in simple ways for your glory in my everyday existence. Thank you that you are my biggest encourager and partner in all my endeavors (even as mundane as victory through my grocery list). I pray you help me experience complete freedom in following my lists and experience victory as items are accomplished on a daily basis, monthly basis, and for 2009. Thank you Lord that you plant passions in my soul, desires in my heart, and you direct my path. I will commit my plans to you that I may have success in all I do as I seek you each day! (Proverbs 16:3) Amen

Celebrate Jesus

This week I'm running crazy with "busyness"... Christmas activities grouped with regular life in general. My schedule and "to do" list is full of "this, that, and other stuff" keeping me on the go.

I love the Christmas season, but do get tired each year of how easy it is to get distracted by worldly Christmas traditions and distracted from why we celebrate Christmas to begin with. The enemy can't pull me away from my Savior, but he does what he can to distract me from Him.

I am constantly being reminded by my BFF, Jesus, that it's His Birthday we're celebrating, and as long as I keep Him at the center of my activities, that's all that matters. I like to do all the fun Christmas stuff (decorating, shopping, baking, sending Christmas greeting cards... etc), but as soon as it becomes overwhelming, stressful and a burden, I know I'm getting off track. When that happens, I hear Jesus whispering to my heart... "don’t get caught up in celebrating the celebration." and the Holy Spirit reminds me of the story of Martha and Mary (one of my many favorites Bible stories!). Martha was distracted by preparing for the celebration, while Mary was focused on who the celebration was for.

Isn't that what a lot of us end up doing?... being like Martha, getting caught up in preparing for the celebration? Christ wants us to slow down and give Him time... listen to His voice... experience His presence... celebrating Him.

I fall into the "Martha" trap when I don't stay focused! It's like planning a huge extravagant Birthday party for a friend and forgetting to invite them. Or worse, Inviting them, and then completely ignoring them, making the celebration all about the decorations, the food, how well it was planned, etc. It’s o.k. to have fun in decorating, planning the party, all that, but it's not o.k. to lose focus on who it's for or why the celebration is being done.

As I am riding on my whirlwind of a week, I will focus on being "focused" on Jesus and NOT allowing myself to get distracted (Hebrews 12:2). There's a lot of great things about Christmas, but I will remember:

The GREATEST part of Christmas is the first 6 letters- C_H_R_I_S_T

Prayer: Lord, Thank you that YOU are the best gift of Christmas... It isn't about the decorations or the "presents" , but about celebrating you and being in your "presence". Help me to Love and Give to my friends, family and strangers, the way you have loved and given to all. Help me stay focused on the "reason for the season"; keep me protected against the enemy's schemes to distract me from you. Fill me completely with the fruit of your Spirit, and empty me of all things that are not pleasing to you. I also pray this for any one reading this post, for my friends in Christ and my family! In YOUR precious name, Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

For God so loved the world
he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.

(John 3:16 NIV)