38 Bits of Information About Me

OK here goes, someone sent this to me in an email and rather than forwarding a bunch of people you all get to suffer instead.
1. Do you like blue cheese? I don't know
2. Have you ever smoked? Yes
3. Do you own a gun? No
4. What flavor Kool-Aid was your favorite? I don't like Kool-Aid
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Sometimes
6. What do you think of hot dogs? They are awful unless they are grilled over an open flame.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? The Christmas Card
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee
9. Can you do push-ups ? Not now and not ever
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Don't have one
11. Favorite hobby? Reading
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I am judgmental
14. Middle name? Ann
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
a. I hope BSF isn't cancelled tomorrow
b. I haven't accomplished enough today
c. I hate being broke
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? coffee, water, tea
17. Current worry? That I am too selfish
18. Current hate right now? My attitude
19. Favorite place to be? Colorado
20.How did you bring in the New Year? Quietly at home
21. Where would you like to go? Heaven
22. Name three people who will complete this. not a clue
23. Do you own slippers? yes
24 What shirt are you wearing? Blue-green long sleeved mens shirt
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets ? I don't know
26. Can you whistle? Yes but not real loud
27. Favorite color? blue, cystine blue
28. Would you be a pirate? no
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Praise to God
30. Favorite Girl's Name? Verona
31. Favorite boy's name? Jonathan
32. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing, not even lint; how'd that happen?
33. Last thing that made you laugh? My cat
34. What's your favorite food? of foods I can eat, low GI brownies, of food I can't eat Cheesecake
5. Worst injury you've ever had? There have been so many!
36. Do you love where you live? pretty much
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3
38. Who is your loudest friend? Linda

OK so now it's your turn if you care to do it. copy and paste and put in your own answers and send them in a comment to me or send to me via email.

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
I pray your day is filled with family and friends, and that your hearts are filled with awe and wonder for all you have to be thankful for.

I have so very much to be thankful for this year.
Our church has a Thanksgiving eve service which is informal and allows us to worship in music then just express our thanks as each is moved and desires to. This year was, as years passed past a blessing. It was different in that I did not say anything. It is not that I am not thankful, and I have been puzzling over why it is that I kept quiet. I think it is because God is teaching me that I am not a grateful person and it would have inappropriate for me to say something right now in light of all that is going on in my heart and spirit right now. I am not sure if that makes sense or not; I am thankful but I am not humble in my thankfulness and I pray that by next year at this time God will have molded me into someone like many of those who spoke, or were spoken of, this evening.
That said I have much to be thankful for and here goes the list ( not in any particular order):
First and foremost I thank God for His relationship with me; for what He sacrificed in order for that to be possible and the enormous help, comfort, provision and more He is to me. Thank You Jesus, for Your love. Next, for my children, I am so very blessed to have two adult children that I get to see on a daily or almost daily basis. I see so many folks with kids so far away, and though I know I may have a season like that someday I do so thank God for now, this time with me precious children. They really seem to genuinely appreciate dear ole mom, and my daughter even lets me live with her! Words cannot express how blessed I feel about my children. They are so much more than I ever could have imagined they would be, I am so very proud to have been allowed to be their mother.
Additionally, I am so thankful for my adoption, not only by God as mentioned, but by my mom. Not many people get two moms, and thought she is not a replacement for my mother, Della has been the best mom anyone could hope for and then some. She embodies love, she would lay down her life for her children, and she makes no distinciton in her mind or her heart that I am one of hers.
I am thankful for a church that teaches the Bible, unapologetically and humbling proclaiming the Truth.
I am thankful for my dogs, who give me companionship, entertainment, and purpose and expect so little in return, for a more that adequate home filled with not only necessities but many, many luxuries, one of which is being used to make this entry. I am thankful for heat in the cold and air conditioning in the heat, my doctor putting me on the road to a healthy life and the means to make it happen. I'm thankful for a big back yard for my dogs and the ability to take care of it fairly well. I am thankful I don't have use a nebulizer every day anymore, and for medication that enables me to function. I am thankful for BSF and Beth Moore Bible studies, for my Daily Bible and the ability God has given me to be faithful to it. I am thankful for the car God gave us. I am thankful for successful surgeries and the grace to deal with what was not successful. I am grateful for my friends, for books, for music. I am thankful for my life, my country, my state my neighborhood. I am thankful for all this and so much more. God is SO good to me! May I not spend one more minute thinking of what I do not have; for I have all I need and SO MUCH MORE!
Praise God from Whom all blessing flows!

How will they know

This thought has been rattling around in my head today; of those who know or think I am a Christian, how do they know? Do they know because I told them? Do they believe I am because they see me headed out the door with a Bible on Sunday morning?Does anyone know I am Christian because of my actions? Do the Scripture magnet on my car and the Christian radio station sticker match up with my attitude when I am driving and when I get of out the car? I am sad to say; I don't think so. I don't know a lot of people. I don't get out a lot but I have neighbors. Do I make any effort to get to know them, let them know I care? What do they hear coming from my home? Do they hear blessings to others and praises to my God? How often do they hear me raise my voice in anger and frustration?
Oh Lord, my God I hang my head in disgrace at the way I my life speaks of Your grace. Create in me, my God a clean and open heart that shines forth Your love, and renew Your Spirit of compassion within me. Fill me with Your love, that my life and mouth may speak only of Your truth and grace.

Love is...

This has been the title of our sermon in church for the last month. We are in I Corinthians, chapter 13 of course. I don't think I will ever look at the love chapter the same again. I have always seen it like a pretty song and though it is that it has become much more. Every Sunday I have sat in my seat and been pummeled by God's Word and this last Sunday was a knock out match. It literally brought me to my knees; those who know me know this is not something that happens if I have any choice I do not get on my knees because it is like kneeling on glass shards. Yet there I was, pouring out repentance and begging for God to fill me with this love that I have realized I do not have. I am nothing, I am like clashing cymbals. What I call love is not even worthy to be called a shadow the real thing.
Please pray for me as I learn afresh what love is and that it will pour forth from my life , at least a fraction of the measure of the grace God pours out me minute by minute.

Not A Religion But A Relationship

I have been mulling this one over for a month or so.

One hears the phrase "It is a relationship not a religion" when talking to others about their salvation. It is said so much that like most of Christianese it can start to sound trite. What does it mean, really? What is the difference between religion and relationship? Why do Christians want there to be a distinction? These are some of the questions I would like to address and hopefully they will help someone answer this question in the future and I would love to hear if anyone sees it differently.

Religion is by definition is

1.
a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

while the definition for relationship is this

1The condition or fact of being related; connection or association.
2. Connection by blood or marriage; kinship.
3. A particular type of connection existing between people related to or having dealings with each other: has a close relationship with his siblings.
4. A romantic or sexual involvement.

So let us look at religion and which definition is connoted when one says she is religious. Of course one may think of 1a but most likely not, since many people who claim not to be religious say they believe in a higher power. So next we look at 1b, 2, 3 and 4 and get a little closer to the mark. One can see how these can fit many Christians who attend regular church activities, but also many other religions as well such as Islam, or Buddhism. The practices are based on the teachings of a spiritual leader, have regular activities, or requirements to adhere to, and often is connected with some sort of institutionalized system such as a church or a mosque.

So one can say she is religious and not be saying she is a Christian, and one can say she is a Christian and not attend church regularly and say she is not religious; is that not so? However one easily sees the confusion that arises on one who is neither religious nor Christian when we say we are not in a religion. Are we delusional or just nit picky? If we are devout in our walk with Christ, we appear on all counts to be religious, so why can't we just admit it and be done with it?

Perhaps looking at the definition of realtionship will help us, look at it again

1The condition or fact of being related; connection or association.
2. Connection by blood or marriage; kinship.
3. A particular type of connection existing between people related to or having dealings with each other: has a close relationship with his siblings.
4. A romantic or sexual involvement.

Are we all relatives in our church? Well according to the Bible we are, by adoption we are all God's children. Next, connection by blood, again, yes the blood of Christ is what made our adoption possible. Three is pretty much the same as number one we have dealings with one another as a local church and sometimes as part of the Church, that is the Body, by serving in missions, attending events in other churches and the like. Lastly there is number 4, a romantic involvement yes some people are definitely, completely desperately, in love with Jesus Christ. If we are not, we ought to want to be.The Church is referred to as the Bride of Christ; oh yes definitely a romantic connection.

Now, there we have it. If one calls me, as Christian, religious I need not take offense or correct them harshly but point out that none of the definitions of religion have to define a Christian. However, that said we need to consider the fact that while it is good to remember religion cannot save one, that being religious in our Christian walk is beneficial nay necessary, for the health and growth of ones relationship. One can be none of those things yet have a relationship with his Savior. The relationship may not be all it could be but it can still exist.
So the next time this comes up I hope this little "lesson" helps you explain a little better why we prefer not be referred to simply as religious. As for me I would say with my head high: "why yes I am religious about maintaining a healthy, vibrant relationship with the love of my life, Jesus Christ.

Did you vote? I did!

I have chosen to exercise my right as as citizen of the United States of America to vote my conscience. I am praying that every one else does the same.
There is a lot of smack talk going on out there and sadly much of it is coming from Christians. The message at our church this week was a continuation of I Corinthians chapter 13, explaining what love is. It was not and has never been a message on voting, candidates in the elections, issues, or anything else related to politics; as I believe is best for all churches. Your pastor has no business using the pulpit to proclaim anything other than God's Word. Does this mean I think Christians need to stay out of politics? It most certainly does not; it does mean I think we need to first understand that politics is a world issue, not an issue of the Kingdom of Heaven of which we are first and foremost citizens of. We have a kind of dual citizenship, and our citizenship in Heaven takes precedence over our citizenship in the world.
If you live in the United States you have the right to vote and with that right you have an obligation to use it. But you also have a power above any political figure to answer to, to ask for help and to count on in all times, hard, good or otherwise. I like the way John Piper puts it in the latter part of this video. He says some sort of controversial things in the beginning, but for the most part he is spot on.
. God is sovereign, and I'm sorry if you are one those people who would say this means God elected Hitler. God doesn't elect people, but His Word tells us in Romans 13 that He appoints the authorities that exist. Do I claim to understand why someone like Hitler was allowed to gain power and murder countless innocent people? No I do not understand, but I can find nothing in God's Word that tells me I must understand. I am only told to know He is God, and believe.
So vote, relax and trust that God is in control no matter who wins the election and lets refrain from rude comments and accusations to those whom we find didn't vote the same way we did, for as it was pointed out to me recently love is not rude.

And the winner is

The only person who left a comment wins Churched. Congratulations angelleslament.

Churched Book Review

Matthew Paul Turner is a blogger, speaker and author of The Coffeehouse Gospel, Provocative Faith, Beatitude: Relearning Jesus, the What You Didn’t Learn from Your Parents About… series, and several other popular books. He has written for Relevant, HomeLife, Christian Single magazines and was the former editor of CCM magazine. Matthew and his wife, Jessica, live in Nashville, Tennessee.


Matthew Paul Turner's Churched was what I expected it to be and so much more. Matthew Paul Turner's memories struck an almost painfully familiar chord, yet treated the matter with a grace I am only beginning to find for my own memories.

I too was thrust into the midst of fundamentalism in childhood, though my journey began much later, when I was 12. I recognized myself in so much of this book, along with many of the people I knew in those days. From the larger than life, brimstone breathing pastor Nolan, to the milder Mr Shenmeister, I saw the people from my teen years paraded before me.

One of my favorite parts of the book was early in the book when he is looking for God in the new church and not finding Him anywhere. When he told the Sunday School teacher and she told him she saw God in faces of the children, I almost dropped the book laughing at 4-5 year old Matthew's assesment, after scanning the room and seeing the faces of this classmates with stained lips and crumbs around thier mouths that "if God was there, He was up to no" good. Yet, this was only the tip of the iceberg. There are manifold funny and touching stories within the pages of this little book.


Matthew's journey from toddler to teen in a fundamentalist church gave me a emotional ride that left me with a warmed heart and a smile on my face. I think I will read this book again and again.

When one reads Churched he will laugh, and at some points want to cry. One may either be shocked by Matthew's memories or comforted by their familiarity, but she will not be unmoved.

I highly recommend Churched for your reading lists. For those who have been there as a balm and for those who have not, an education.
Thank you, Matthew Paul Turner for blessing us with this memoir. Thank You God that Matthew was able to hang on to You through it all.
You can purchase the book here or here .
Happy reading and remember, comments on this post and the previous post about talking about the blog tour will be numbered. At the end of October the numbering will cease and I will use a random number generator to choose one who will receive his or her very own copy of Churched. So lets see some comments folks, short and sweet, long and neat; just post something! :)

New Presidential Candidate...

Subject:
New Presidential Candidate... It's someone we know!

Hi,

There's an effort to elect an unknown random person as President... and it's someone we know! Watch this online video about the surprising new nominee:

http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=52383&altf=Nbsjb&altl=Dbsexfmm

Jot back a note to let me know what you think!

Good News and Bad News

Or maybe that is bad news, good news, good news, bad news and bad news.
I haven't posted in a while cause my mind is kind of fogged with pain the last week. Last Sunday evening I fell, and when one is weighs what I weigh, and has Fibromyalgia falling is a big thing, no pun intended. The good news is I didn't break anything and I didn't hit my head. I really should have hit my head, but the coffee table was not where it was supposed to be, so I didn't; Thank You GOD! I went to the doctor a few days after, I held out until Wed cause I already had an appointment for followup from my brochettes and sinusitis. Save the eye rolling, I've already got it from several people, and my doc was not to pleased with me either. Doc sent me for x-rays but no call back so unless things don't get better, that will be that. I have bruises all over, most serious were my right knee and left shoulder and foot. I am a little better, but doc says it will be weeks before I am healed up.
So there that is, now for the other good news, I no longer have to do all the breathing junk on a daily basis, YEA!
I don't know how to segue into the other bad news from there so I won't even try. I am sad to report the economy had claimed another victim, one very near and dear to me has had job hours cut almost in half. This represents a serious problem since ends were barely meeting before. I am sad and frustrated beyond words.
The next bad news is I have only had one comment related to my giveaway. I sure hope things turn around soon on that score!
Sorry for the lack of eloquence here folks, stay tuned.

I Am A Kept Woman

Someone sent this to me and rather than do the whole forwarding thing I decided to share it this way. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.




I Am a 'Kept' Woman.


You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, but GOD kept me sane Isaiah 26

There were times when I thought I could go no longer, but the LORD kept me moving. Gen:28:15

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, but the LORD kept my mouth shut.Ps.13

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, but GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., Matt 6 25-34:

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up. When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! I Peter 5:7 and Matt 11:28-30
I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me! I'm blessed to be 'kept.'

Are you...or do you know a 'kept' woman?
If so pass it on to her to let her know she is 'Kept'

Giveaway! I Am SO Excited About This!

I am going to have my very first giveaway! I have been given the honor of reviewing the new Matthew Paul Turner book Churched. I will be posting my review around the middle of October and in the mean time I want you readers to think of a brief summary of what you think of the book based on the reviews you have read thus far, publicity or perhaps from reading the book yourself. Leave your comments on my blog and I will use a random number generator to choose who will receive their very own copy of Churched. The deadline for leaving your comment will be the 17th of October.
I'm so excited!

Thought I Was Done With All This!

I have asthma; which for the last 6-8 months has been well controlled. I was able to stop taking Adavir, and put away the horrible noisy, hard to remember all the doses, nebulizer. I relegated it to the top of my closet in hopes of never laying eyes on it again. Well that was a silly thing to hope for but hope I did. This morning my hopes were dashed, shattered like so much fragile china, demolished and ground under heavy feet. I have been coughing and stuffy headed for over a week truth be told over 2 weeks I posted about it so I can't squirm out from under that one, But my mucus was clear so I figured no infection, so I didn't go to MD. Well Sunday it turned; boy did it turn. I, excuse the indelicacy of my words; hocked up the ugliest gunk I have seen in a months maybe a year or more. So, I called my MD and was told to come on in. When the MD saw me and listened to my lungs, out came the prescription pad. He started talking about all the medicine he was going to give me for my lungs so I said, oh, are my sinuses OK then? The only was I can describe his tone is to say I could have just as easily asked if the world is flat. He then asked me how long this had been going on again and when I told him at least a week, he scowled. When I tried to explain my reasoning, he rolled his eyes. Well! Excuse me for trying to save my insurance some money and not take up the time of already over worked health care professionals; oh who am I kidding. I know I should have gone as soon I started coughing. I would say I will do better next time but I think I have lied enough for one day.

No More Dead Puppies, Please

You will have to look at the comments section to understand the title. No worries, no real animals were hurt or killed for the non-posting on this blog.
OK, dear one, you have my attention, though you may wish you had not accomplished thus very soon.
My mind has turned to jelly lately, heck my spirit seems to have turned to jelly these past few weeks. I don't know if anyone can identify with what I am getting at here. Of course my depressive self says" of course you couldn't possibly" but reality and the Holy Spirit, are saying " you are not alone in anything". I just feel like I have been drifting like so much flotsam. I feel disconnected and isolated, so I have disconnected and isolated myself; makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
What is wrong with me?! Why can't I push past all these things that are bugging me? I know no one is perfect, I know no group is perfect, so why can't I "get over it" to quote Sari Dolence. But then, if I am honest; which I must be becasue I demand it of others, do I want to get over it? Therein, is the rub you see. I am not sure I want to. I want someone to admit they are wrong. OK, I want someone to tell me I am right, and have been all along and now we will do it my way. Crap! Honesty is so bloomin" hard!
So I think I have spewed enough of my guts for now. The upside is God has snapped me out of it in a big way. Just pray I keep up the momentum, OK?
I'll catch up with you later, hopefully not too much later.

Too Good,? Will Find True Love? Hah!

This is good for a laugh or two. I found this via my daughter via FaceBook.

Which Disney Princess Are You?
	You are part Belle. You are strong, deep, and you are not a slave to petty superficial things. You are independent and allow yourself to see inner beauty without sacrificing your values. You are almost too good of a person.
	You are part Cinderella. You are hard-working and never complain, however, your trust is sometimes misplaced and people sometimes take advantage of you. Still, you are beautiful inside and out, and one day you will realize it and find true love.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

We Should Never Forget

Today is a very sad anniversary. You should know it is the 7th anniversary of the worst act of terror on US soil. Including the 19 hijackers, 2,993 people died in the attacks. Another 24 are missing and presumed dead; bringing the probable total to 3017. Dead in a matter of minutes if not seconds, for no other reason than they showed up to work or do business.
My heart is heavy with the fear, turmoil, sorrow and anger that this day brought and is still bringing to our Nation. I hope I never become indifferent to the great loss that came with this day, and pray for softened hearts for those who may have done so.
I am praying for the families of these victims of terror, for our Nations leaders and our Soldiers. Won't you please do the same; whether you support the war or the President is not of import. What is important is that there are people who are still deep in grief, those are deeply angered and frustrated, those who are willing to sacrifice their very lives to insure our safety and those who struggling to make good decisions in a season of great turmoil.

Not Dead Yet

Sorry for the delay in updating. I have been mulling over some things, stressing over some things and of late not feeling well. I seem to be reacting to something in the air these days and have a sore throat, coughing, and congestion. But so far no fever. I am a bit concerned about the color of what I am coughing up; but not to the point of asking total strangers about it ( Big Bang Theory reference. If you have never seen the show you should check it out sometime; way funny even if the theme song is wrong). All this by way of an excuse for staying away. But really it is more than that I just am not ready to talk about that here, at least not right now.

I was blessed beyond descripton this weekend at our church's Women''s Retreat. The guest speaker was a woman whose family were former members. God moved them away and I have really missed them. She is so real and so in love with Jesus it is contagious, and she is even more so now than the last time I saw her. She taught on prayer as the purpose of our daily lives, and it was challenging and comforting, and just plain WOW. I will write more later about it.

Today, I was blessed by reading this . Mostly because it fits my life so well right now. It never ceases to amaze me how God can use a dally reading plan set years ago, to speak to me in whatever circumstance I am in. No matter how my life may change, He never does and His Word is always relevant.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord. For now and ever more AMEN

4 months and counting

Finally, the update I promised.
I have been on the GI Diet for 4 months now. When I started I recorded my measurements, done myself so accuracy may not be perfect they will be listed first then the ones now.

Waist=59 inches - then
Hips 57 inches
Thigh (left)=36 inches


Waist 47 inches - now
Hips 57 inches
Thigh 26 1/2 inches

As you can see I still have a looonnggg way to go, but I am going in the right direction!
Ok here's the video.

Overdue

I am late in getting to many things of late, not the least of which is replying to my daughter's last few posts.
They are so deeply moving I feel inadequate to comment in my simple convoluted writing style. To say I am amazed is redundant yet true, to say I am moved to tears to see the incredible growth I have seen take place in her over these last months would be a gross understatement of the facts. She stepped out of her comfort zone, which was more difficult than one could imagine; made herself vulnerable in a way she didn't think she was capable of doing and God has been, as always, faithful beyond comprehension. I cannot voice the emotions swirling around in my heart over this. To watch her take these brave steps was so hard, yet it was I who held her hand while she did, just as I did when she began to stand and wobble as baby. I did not want to see her fall, yet I called to her from the across the room when she stood on the cusp of taking her first steps and said " come to me, I know you can do it". To say I am proud of her seems off somehow but I cannot come up with another was of putting it. I don't take any credit for the way she is, in fact I feel she is who she is in spite of me, I also don't credit her completely; though she is amazingly mature and intelligent. I know she would not be the woman she is without Christ tempering her pride and calling her out of herself.
I have made so many mistakes in parenting my children, and I just thank God He has had mercy on them and me, that those mistakes have not cost them as dearly as they could have.
I hope this will serve a sufficient comment my dear one.
I am also late in posting here, both in general and specifically. I mentioned I would be posting about my diet progress soon and as yet have not. I will do so in my next post; no later than tomorrow, I promise.
Neglect seems to sum up my life of late.
I have not been going to church much at all the last couple of months. I have been having a lot of trouble with my back and sitting in church is agonizing, as is standing. I feel like I am disappointing my daughter every time I don't make it, and I am disappointed in myself as well. If I were to be totally honest with myself I would have to say that if I didn't feel neglected by certain people I would try harder to push through the pain and go anyway. Whew, that was hard!
OK, as I said my back hurts so I am going to have to get out of this computer chair and get more comfortable so I need to make this the end of this post.

Bumping

and bumping, one says to herself, " you had to ask".

My children have been great at nudging me, maybe a little too good. No sitting on ones laurels now!
So I have been bumped, now what to write?



I have discovered Facebook, and should have known when the first person warned me not to get addicted, but I'm slow. By the time the second person warned me I was well on my way down addiction highway. Of course I can stop anytime I want to. Oh hang on it's been half an hour since I checked---um ya well---but---Facebook really is interesting, I think over half the attraction is figuring out how everything works. I am so nosey, I see something on someone's profile and I need to know how they did that, or where they found that. Some people think I am smart because I figure out how to use functions on cell phones et al but really it's just that I am just curious.
That's it for now. Thanks for the bumps J & D :P
Update on GI Diet progress coming soon!

Too Tired To Write

and in too much pain to think so enjoy some video of thunderstorms :) The first two are mine the other is from YouTube shot from an airplane during a thunderstorm.

Can You Tell I LIke This?

The Flip is so much fun!
You probably also don't realize I really like my pets, I mean I never post anything with them in it :P

Not To Beat A Dead Horse

but reading Job has brought up some things I am still struggling to move past. A few months ago I wrote some things that were critical of a group of people. I admit it was not the wisest thing I have ever done. I did not think about how it could be taken by some. I deleted the posts soon after and then just went ahead and deleted the whole blog. What niggles at my brain is how a someone I considered my best friend reacted to it, and her actions surrounding it. I had posted a lot of good things proir to that, lots of poetry and the like and not once did she comment on any of it. No, encourgement, praise, critquie, nothing. Then all of sudden wham. I guess I am still reeling from it somewhat.
Now I am reading Job ( the only thing I can usually say it great about August,;my Daily Bible put me in Job about midway through and I feel almost like I have come home again). I get to around Chapter 4 where Job's friends begin to talk. Eliphaz says Job has sinned and that he is being chastened by God; and while I am reading Jobs response to this it hits me. This is how I felt at that time and still do. I read Job's words in, Chapter 6:14-21 that really express what I feel as well as these later on - " you undermine your friend" and, " but you are forgers of lies, you are worthless physicians. Oh that you would be silent, and it would be your wisdom" or " Miserable comforters are you"
You see what Job's friends were saying was not all wrong; most of it was dead on right theologically. But they lacked compassion for Job and judged his position with God by his circumstances. I feel this is what my friend did to me. Had she been keeping up with my blog she should have known that I was not, as she accused, depending on others to lift my burdens from me rather than looking to God. She would have realized were it not for God's strength things would have been more than I could bear and I would be either dead or in the hospital's psych ward. But instead she assumed since I was pointing out that I had been abandoned by this group of people, that I was in need of admonishment for assuming someone owed me something or that I was being ungrateful for prior help.
Sigh, I know I need to move past this, I know I need to forgive and that part of that is letting it go, in spite of the fact that one never apologized for the attack. I need Jesus to show me how far the east is from the west; and show me how to fling these feelings that far.
Like Job, God spoke to me about my attitude and showed me that I could have leaned on Him more and accepted things for what they were without lashing becasue He was and is in control; but unlkie Job, God didn't put my friend in her place for me. Is this what I expect, or want? I mean imagine how those friends of Job must have felt after God spoke to them like that, small enough to " crawl under the floor", I would think. I don't want anyone to experience that on my behalf; I am not worthy of that by a long shot. Job afterall was blameless and upright, so not me.
But I do wonder sometimes what became of Job's relationship with his friends after this. Did their friendship continue, did it change?
Sigh, oh well I guess I will lay my stick down now, poor horse has surely had enough.

Rebuttals upon rebuttals

I feel like I stirred a hornets nest by what I said in my earlier post . Just to be clear I must say I do not disagree at all with what my daughter said. I understand where she is coming from and agree with her. What this guy said, though erroneous, was none the less what she needed to hear to make her see she had chosen the better thing. ( remember the talking donkey?)
It is so easy to get caught up in doing Christian activities, to be drawn into events with fellow believers and forget what is important; our relationship with Christ and showing that relationship to the lost. We can't very well reach the lost if we are always hanging out with believers. Community within the church is becoming, it seems, more important than reaching out to our community in general. If you ask the average Christian to come to lets say a Creative Memories Party (which, by the say I am having Monday in case I missed getting an invitation to you) 90% will tell you they are too busy. Too busy doing what? Bible Studies, Small Group meetings, preparation for SG Meetings, helping out in the Nursery, cleaning the church building and grounds, planning a baby shower, organizing a retreat, and of course family obligations. All good things every last one. I am just using the party as an example but it could be lots of things. Maybe someone calls to ask one to go out to lunch but doesn't want to say on the phone how heavy her heart is and what she really needs is someone to talk with and pray with? You see how it is? What is being neglected while so many are so very busy? Who is being neglected? This is part of what my daughter struggles against, sees the danger in and wants to avoid. We also tend to neglect our own prayer life and study of the Word when we are so caught up in all those good things we are doing.
I am reminded as I write of the parable of the Wedding Feast; veres 5 especially. They went their own ways, perhaps with important things begging their attention?
Hope this quiets the hornets, blowing smoke works on bees anyway. :)

More Fun With The Flip and Movie Making

Here is my Maria playing with our neighbor and his dog.

False Teaching

I am spurred to thought by my daughter's blog post.
Let me say first of all that I am not arguing with what she wrote; only pointing out some things to come to my mind upon hearing what she said this person was saying.
To spurn all teaching to ensure avoiding false teaching may be an effective way of doing so, but it is also an effective way of missing out on teaching anointed by the Holy Spirit.
First of all we need to look at some of the verses about false teaching. Check this out here. As you check cross references etc you will see that there are signs to look for in a false teacher. Now I ask you, why would we need to look for signs if we were to avoid all who claim to teach? The admonition itself implies that there are genuine teachers that we need to heed. I understand that in those times people did not have the whole of the Word of God. But I also understand that in this day and age there are so many versions of the Bible in existence and so many religions that claim the Bible as their foundation that we are in even greater need of sound Biblical teaching and exposition. Is this to say I agree with the whole of the way churches are run, no. Is this to say I think you are safe to pick up any Bible study you find in a store, online or wherever? Absolutely not! We must be very careful in how we choose what aids to use in Bible Study. Pray, inquire of more mature believers, and try to find out about the teacher; does his life bear witness to what he teaches?
As for attending Bible Studies and other services, I point you to Hebrews 10:25 says We need to meet in some fashion to lift one another up. Part of lifting one another is being taught from the Word of God.
I do agree with the idea that we need to stop depending on someone else to read the Bible for us; we need to be constantly in the Word in order to discern false teaching and also if we expect to hear from God, because this is the main way God speaks to us. However, relationships are imperative to our lives, relationships are God's pattern for us to understand how He wants to interact with us. In our imperfections His perfection is illuminated.
I am cautious of anyone who comes off dogmatic; I grew up with that and have seen the destructive nature of it. God's Word does not tell us to reject all teaching; in fact I find it contradicts that mandate. However, had I not read the Word I would not know this for myself. What I am saying is though this person's heart may be, I have no reason to doubt it is, pure, I can't agree with what I heard he said, and I think in some ways the things he said are a bit dangerous because they lend to thinking of one being an island or of cloistered living and that is not Biblical at all.

On a personal note, please pray for my sister, Lillie and she is undergoing hernia surgery at around 1 ( central time ) this afternoon. The hernia is quite severe and she has a shunt in her back making her a little higher risk as well as having Hepatitis. Thank you for praying.

Arachnophobes Beware

It was suggested I post about the spider we found on our porch last night. I decided to include both of the recent spider finds on our porch. The greenish one has us stumped. Does anyone out there know what in the world this thing is? It seems to have molted out of the thing at the top of it; very odd. I did some research and found something that sounds like it but the pictures don't match up. I hope it is not what I found because that was highly venomous and a bit aggressive. It seemed to us it was on the verge of dying but maybe it was fooling; who knows?
The real big oval one we found is a very docile and non venomous spider but has since died. We have not seen evidence of any of it's offspring though. We were hoping to have it around to catch pests.




So what do you think, are spiders bad, scary, gross, fascinating, terrifying ? I happen to think they are pretty amazing as long as they aren't' crawling on me.

Some things stay the same

I went back to my neurologist today and it was less than encouraging. I told him I was still experiencing quite a bit of pain and numbness in the left hand and arm and an odd tightness around my wrist. First of all he said the damage to the carpal tunnel was probably so severe before surgery that it just can't be fixed. Then of the tightness he said my obesity makes it likely that I would experience tightness because it causes more pulling of the tissues. Of course, my warped mind heard well it's no wonder you feel tightness the wonder is you don't feel on both sides since you're so fat!
Sigh, I know that is not what he said, I keep telling myself this over and over again.
He gave me a prescription for physical therapy saying it may help, and said to come back to him when I am done with it.
The good news here is I didn't come home and cry my eyes out and wallow in misery the rest of the day. Praise God; He has brought me at least that far!
I go to my family MD tomorrow so perhaps that will be more encouraging since he will be happy about my weight.

Oh yes, by the way, I forgot in my last post to thank someone for the nudge; thanks and sorry it took longer than I said it would!

Showing my age?

I was looking at a box of tissues on the coffee table this morning and it has a picture of herbs and says Parsley Sage Rosemary. I said where's Thyme? My daughter got that look of her face. You know the one; it says" now what are you rambling about?"
I said, you know (singing) " Parsley sage rosemary and thyme." This elicited another look such as one would give someone who just dropped down out of the sky at their feet.
Sigh, is it really so amazing that my 20 something daughter has never heard of Simon and Garfunkel? Am I really that old? :(
I guess I am.

AM Television Makes Me....

so freaking mad sometimes! I usually don't watch AM TV and this is why; I always see ( hear) something that just ticks me off. Today I somehow ended up stumbling across the Rachel Ray show. Today's topic was centered around the gal who played the wife on King of Queens, a sitcom a few years ago Leah Remini. I will leave you a link in a little bit. First I have to tell you what I think. The deal is this woman and her husband have a beautiful and intelligent 3 and half year old daughter that still takes a bottle, sleeps with them and keeps them up all night giving her first, milk, then another 4-6 bottles of water, and change her diapers. Yes diapers, that they need to keep their bed dry from all the liquid this kid is consuming. The excuse offered for this state of affairs is that they cannot stand to say no to her, it hurts Leah's heart to hear her baby cry. OH MY STARS! What does she think being a parent is all about?
I know people who have had just this sort of upbringing; their parents loved them into useless, lazy, manipulative people. I italicize loved because this is not real love people! It is not a healthy love. A parent has to love a child enough to say no, to see them hurt a little now to save them huge hurts later on. They have to love them enough to realize that they saying yes to them all the time will bring them nothing but misery when they get out into the world and realize not everyone will give them everything they want. Get real Leah! Love hurts! Love takes sacrifice, guts and determination.
I cannot begin to address every issue brought up in the show, see it for yourself and let me know what you think.
One thing that gets me is she talks about all the advice she has rejected and brings up that some have told her the child is manipulating her and Leah is like " Manipulating me to do what love her?" I practically yelled at the television.
"Manipulating you to get what she wants, cultivating a very unpleasant trait that if not dealt with now will follow her into adulthood and make her unable to have healthy relationships. If this is what you want for her, by all means give her a bottle until she graduates high school! Most people want to see their child learn more intelligent ways of getting their needs met, and try to teach children they don't always get what they want.
Why don't people understand the job of a parent is not to be liked, not to give all a child's mind can conceive of wanting, or be best buddies.
My daughter has heard this all of her life; the job of a parent is to raise up productive members of society. For Christians it is try to raise godly productive member of society.
OK I'm done, thanks for the use of the soapbox

More Fun With Produce

I think this borders on obsession now, my prowl for odd and interesting produce. Here are some of my most recent finds. Sorry for the poor quality of the blueberry video. Poor lighting choice on my part. I didn't look at it before I uploaded it; oops!
The cucumber reminds of one of those skinny balloons that isn't inflated all the way. And to think the gardner was going to throw it away! Tsk tsk!

Got me thinking

I read a blog post yesterday that got me to thinking.
I do have several difficult people in my life and I either tend to vent about them or hide. One of the difficult people in my life is a brother who abused me as a child and now seeks reconciliation. This is one I am really hiding from. I pray about it some, then tuck it away in closet until later, which turns into months later. Then something reminds me and I pray about it a little and on and on.
I want to forgive, know I am supposed to forgive as Christ forgave me, but whew, I don't know what that looks like. I know this isn't exactly the type of person Beth Moore was talking about but still it applies, and I am convicted again to pray and NOT put it in the closet but keep praying.

What I Should Have Said

You never know when your words may come back to haunt you. Had I known when I wrote a note to my daughter it would end up published I may have waxed more eloquent or chosen my words more carefully. If only I could be so wise, as to edit myself before I begin whether writing or speaking! But alas I often find instead I must explain further or remove foot, and most often apologize.
The note came about because of some recent discussions we have had about her feeling that she is not good wife material because she lacks what she feels is the appropriate drive to keep the house clean etc. I have been mulling it over ever since and while she was taking a nap all these things I wanted to say to her were going through my mind. Rather than hoping I would be able to string them all together again at a time when we were actually able to sit and talk again, I got some paper and wrote.
I love my daughter more than I could ever adequately express with the limitations of words and emotions. To say she is a treasure beyond price is the best I can come up with right now. She is the very best of me and her father and so much more. My heart breaks for her daily, yet sings for joy as well for the privilege of being her mother.
Had I given myself more time to write the note I would have added so much more, I would have reminded her of the some of the stories we have heard women tell on themselves in a group we were in. The ladies who never allow anyone to turn of the ceiling fans because they don't ever clean them, or the ones who didn't know how to cook anything that didn't come in a box, one who leaves her vacuum cleaner out all of the time and tells people who come over she was just vacuuming to cover for the mess the house is in; all of them married, some of them ones many look up to. But as I often do, I fixate on the flaws instead of building up and I don't tell her how proud I am of her for the really hard and wise choices she has been making in her personal life lately, I don't tell her I know she is harder than before to eat better. I don't tell her that I it is only because I want the very best for her that I said anything at all and I think she is wonderful no matter what. I should have said above all else I love her and nothing could ever make me stop loving her, nothing could make me ashamed of her, and if she got married today her husband would be able to proclaim he has found a priceless jewel.

The Blessedness of Answered Prayer

I read Psalm 30 this morning and it blessed me; hope it blesses you too.
Thank You God, for Your Word, for reminding me of Your faithfulness.

GI Diet Week 14

Sometimes it feels like I'm spitting in the ocean but I guess I am making more progress than that.

Another Day

Today is a little bit of a better day. Not so down, but pain is up some today; probably due to rain surrounding us.
I thank God for my daughter, who is to credit for praying and talking me out of the doldrums. She is so much more than I could ever have imagined fruit of my womb being. God has given her such wisdom and compassion. Thank You God, for her and for Your faithfulness to us.
Thank all of you for praying too.

The Dumps Would Be A Step Up

Having a bummer of a day. No reason; just one of those days that nothing is turning out the way I expected. I was going to take my son to a doctor appointment but it was cancelled, so my motivation for leaving the house, which was hanging by a thread anyway, just went totally away. Then I find out that something I was really looking forward to is not going to happen. No big deal, really but I get my hopes up about little things and then when they don't happen get disappointed like it was a big thing. I don't hope for big things, to my mind ( warped by deep depression mind you) hope is not something for me. I learned early in life that to hope was to hurt, yet I still can't stop hoping altogether I guess it is true that one needs hope to live. So I pin hope on silly things and then when they don't work out I am crushed.

Thanks for letting me dump on you bloggy folks,

Addiction hurts

I post today with a heavy heart. I just found out that my sister, who got out of jail on the day before I had my second carpal tunnel surgery, is using drugs again.
We had hoped and prayed that she would stay away from them; but alas, she has chosen to feed her addiction rather than fight it. I know it is hard, but I know her and I know she is strong and if she really wanted to beat this thing, she could do it. She is one of the strongest people I know, and it makes so angry that she is doing this to herself and to Mom and to her daughter. She has been put in jail three times now, once for fraud and twice for drugs.
I don't mean to be unsympathetic, I do know how hard it is, I watched one of my brothers go through the same thing, with alcohol and drugs, and now he is dead, died before he was 50 of cirrhosis. I know it is hard but I also know sympathy enables. I am so sad for her, for Mom, and B. Mostly Mom because I have seen her disappointed so many times and see how hard her heart is getting because of it. She prays and prays and feels God doesn't listen.
Oh Lord, God, I know Mom is wrong, I know You listen, I know You care. Please drew near to Mom right now and lift her up. Surround her with Your peace oh God, with your comfort and rest. Open her eyes to see Your faithfulness to her, that she will lift praised to Your Name and Worship You for Who You are.
Lord, please keep Your hand on Lillie, bring to her life what she needs in order to break the chains of addiction that bind her so tightly. Whatever it takes Lord, I beg of You, let it be so that she will soon be free and in that freedom renew her relationship with You, to a new and deeper one than she has ever known.
Bring healing Lord, to this family, I pray in Christ's precious Name, AMEN

Perspective

First of all let me apologize for being silent so long. I have just not been feeling very inspired lately. However, that is no excuse, I have this blog to make myself write, so I need to just do it!
I ask a favor of those you who actually check this regularly (bless you!); would you please if you don't see a post for a couple of days running just send a comment saying, "bump" or similar? Maybe that will get me off my behind.

Now to the post title, I found this poem this morning, that I had written over 2 years ago. It made me realize, that in spite of how little progress I think I have made, I have come far enough that I don't feel every day as I did in this poem. In fact I don't feel like that even every week and sometimes not for months. Thank You Lord, for bringing me this far!

Winner Takes All

Darkness swirling
Swirling around,
Ever threatening
To pull me down

Memories hovering on
The edge of my brain,
Elusive shadows I
Cannot contain

Dreams filled with anger
Shouting and distress
Awake filled with dread
Anxious and depressed

Ever fighting
An endless tide
Of pain and frustration
Yet it's fight or die

Endlessly praying
My heart would mend
Wanting so much
The bitterness to end

Trying to focus
On what is good
Because I know
That I should

Desiring each moment
To be free of this pain
Needing so much
A foothold to gain

Climbing, climbing
Ever so slow
I cannot look up
At far I must go

Hanging on with
All of my might
That the winds of change
Won't make me take flight.

Knowing, knowing
That if I fall
The darkness wins
And winner takes all.
CAC 2006

Flip Fun Continues

and finally this one. I made some others but I put Cowboy Junkies Music in the background so YouTube won't let me use them.:(
This one is of the cats grooming one another, too cute, huh?

More Flip Fun

This in Maria playing with the ball in the yard and Betty.

Fun with the Flip!

I've been playing with the movie mix feature on my Flip, here ya go, enjoy

Stitches out

Sorry I didn't get to this sooner. Yes I did get my stitches out on Wednesday and I talked to the MD about what is going on. To my great surprise, he was not surprised. He said it happens like this sometimes, that it takes longer for one to heal than it does the other. He also said sometimes getting the stitches out will help as they may be pulling at the tendon. He said it is not time to worry yet; he will give another month and see me again. I go back on the 19th of August.
I do some a slight improvement with the stitches out but am actually having more numbness than before. So, I guess we will see.




I do feel less bummed than before; the Lord has been, as always faithful in putting just the right passages from His Word, and my daughter has been an encouragement as well, though I doubt she knows it. I thank God daily for the blessing of my family, I don't know what I would do without them, and I hope I never have to find out.

Slipping Odd Peaches

We have an orchard here locally that has wonderful peaches. I almost always forget to get out and get some before it is too late or I don't have the money to get any. I heard on the news that the peach crop was early and plentiful this year and decided since I am on this new diet I must get me some. So I went out and there on Tuesday and the lady running the stand talked me into trying white nectarines; delicious! So I got a box of them, a box of peaches and a box mixed with all three. The majority of them ready to eat. Now I had a problem, I was still operating one handed for the most part and needed to get them ready to freeze.
I stopped by my mom's house because she lives near the orchard, and asked her it she had some time to come and help me. She agreed once she realized what a hard time I was having with my hand. So she came over and manned the slipping of the peaches and nectarines and I cut them up. It took us over two hours, all of which we were on our feet. We ended up with 20 bags of peaches and nectarines; each holding about 2 cups. When Mom got done with her job, she came to help me cut up. She also did the dishes after. I don't know how she did it because I was in agony by the time we were done with fruit! My back is still hurting. It really frustrates me that 64 (and older) women can run circles around me, but I digress. Mom held back some of the bounty to take home with her and of those there were these in the videos she just had to keep for the sheer oddness of them. I don't know what to call the one but the other is easy as you will hear in the video.
Anyway, thanks Mom!

object width="425" height="344">

Looking up

Psalm 17:15

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

These words have been ministering to my spirit over the last few days and even more so today. If you read the whole chapter you will see he is praying about vindication from his enemies and this is the end of his prayer. If David, before Christ's birth, could be confident of his salvation; how much more so can I be! David didn't have anything but the Law to reveal God to him, yet he knew God was merciful. When David doubted God he was quite vocal about it but he always came back to the knowledge of God's faithfulness.
Once again, God's Word speaks to me where I am at, even though I am following a reading plan, it is not greater than God's plan.
Thank You Lord God, for Your faithfulness to me, even when I am railing about my circumstances. Thank You God that I can be confident in Your salvation, that though I may long for wholeness, obliteration of my enemy (pain) I can be confident that I will be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Amen

Stumbling and Bumbling

Image by Kurt Halsey
Today I get my stitches out. By this time after the first surgery I was feeling so good about it, but not this time. I will be glad to have them out, but I am not glad about the slow progress I am making. I still have quite a bit of pain. Not severe like most of my pain, as long as I don't do stuff like try to close the car door with it and dumb stuff like that. What concerns me is that along with the pain, there is still some numbness and and use causes pain to radiate up my arm. This did not happen with the first surgery. I had minimal pain by the time my stitches came out and could use my hand quite a bit by then. I am also struggling more with energy than before. I just don't feel rested when I wake up since the surgery.I don't know if I am experiencing a Fibromyalgia flare or what the deal is.
I am so frustrated and depressed and I feel like a big liar when people ask how I am doing and I say OK but I know most people don't want the dramatic response of the truth of what I am going through. I don't mean that I think they don't care, just that it isn't the right situation for detail. I usually get asked when I am at church and feel crowded and pressed for time. I thought about asking the church office to send out prayer request but haven't because I think people would think I am a liar. Phew.
Pity part over;time to get on with my day. Thanks for letting me vent on you internet.

Forward this or else

Folks, I don;t mind forwards, in fact I have thoroughly enjoyed most of the forwards I get. I do however mind the little addendum's some people place of them. Some examples would be

do you have the guts to forward this?

or,

if you really believe you will...

or this one if you don't this will happen, and I mustn't forget,

don't spoil the fun

or this one

don't break this please

.
I personally perceive these comments as threats and I don't like to be threatened. Forward your little hearts out people, just don't tell me I have to respond in kind! If I enjoy the forward, I will probably send it on but it should be up to me to decide without feeling like I am failing someone, a horrible Christian, an instrument of Satan, or a spoilsport. I won't even the discuss the

something bad will happen

threat.

OK, off the soapbox for now. What are your thoughts on the matter? Am I being too harsh?

Slowly but surely

I am healing from the Carpal Tunnel surgery; but have to remind myself constantly of the second part of the title, surely. I don't know if I am misremembering or if it is taking longer. I seems to be taking longer form me to recover my energy this time. I know my blood pressure went crazy after, and I know I took longer to wake up after, so maybe it was rougher on my body too. I am struggling mightily with discouragement though and covet your prayers. As I write this I am in tears, not unusual for me, but still I know want to feel more energized, more hopeful.

The Sacrament of Living

The Pursuit of God by A.W.Tozer C
Chapter 10 Prayer
Scripture reference I Corinthians 10:31

Lord, I would trust You completely; I would be altogether Yours; I would exalt You above all. I desire that I may feel no sense of possessing anything outside of You. I want constantly to be aware of Your overshadowing presence and to hear Your speaking voice. I long to live in restful sincerity of heart. I want to live so fully in the Spirit that all my thoughts may be as sweet incense ascending to You and every act of my life may be an act of worship. Therefore I pray in the words of Your great servant of old, " I beseech You so, for to cleanse the intent of my heart with the unspeakable gift of Your grace, that I may perfectly love You and worthily praise You". And all this I confidently believe You will grant me through the merits of Jesus Christ Your Son.
Amen

I hope you have enjoyed these snippets from this book and that will move you to read or reread this powerful book; so that you may ever deepen your own pursuit of God.

Healing

I am healing from Carpal Tunnel surgery on my left arm and typing is still a bit of a challenge. Hang in there; I will post what I can when I feel up to the typing.
Thanks for your patience and your prayers.

Meekness and Rest

by A.W. Tozer Chapter Nine Prayer
Scripture Reference
Matthew 5:5

Lord, make me childlike. Deliver me from the urge to compete with another for place, for prestige, or position. I would be simple and artless as a little child. Deliver me from pose and pretense. Forgive me for thinking of myself. Help me to forget myself and find my true peace in beholding You. That You may answer this prayer I humble myself before You. Lay upon me Your easy yoke of self-forgetfulness that through it may find rest.
Amen

Overdoing

I am sorry for my absence the last few days. I have been in quite a bit of pain from pushing myself too far.
I gave my dogs a much needed bath and in doing so I made my back quite angry with me. It is slowly getting better; and hopefully I will remember this and will behave myself from now on! I am so bad at gaging my limitations it would be funny if it didn't cause me so much pain. So pray for me please that I will get, rent or otherwise have wisdom in my ability to gage my limitations.

I will be having my left carpal tunnel surgery this afternoon. I report to the surgery center at noon and will be the first one today; the MD had meetings all morning. I will be glad to have it done and be able to get on the with other things. I do believe I may need to have my neck done next as I am still having some issues with it; especially driving. We will see what happens after this surgery. Onward and upward!

I went to my family MD yesterday and he is quite pleased with my weight loss to date; at 9 weeks I have lost 28 pounds. A drop in the bucket compared to what I need to lose but great progress for sure. Overall I am still feeling better, recent back pain notwithstanding. The reason that happened is because I have so much more energy and not a brain in my head to go with it!
Thanks for the support and prayers; and thank God for His faithfulness in this and all things.

Restoring the Creator-Creature Relation

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Chapter 8 Prayer
Scripture Reference Psalm 57:5

O God, be Thou exalted over my possessions. Nothing of earth's treasures shall seem dear unto me if only You are glorified in my life. Be Thou exalted over my friendships. I am determined that You shall be above all, though I must stand deserted and alone in the midst of the earth. Be Thou exalted above my comforts. Though it mean the loss of bodily comforts and the carrying of heavy crosses, I will keep my vow made this day before You. Be Thou exalted over my reputation. Make me ambitious to please You even if as a result I must sink into obscurity and my name be forgotten as a dream. Rise, O Lord, into Your proper place of honor, above my ambitions, above my likes and dislikes, above my family, my health and even my life itself. Let me sink that You may rise above. Ride forth upon me as You did ride into Jerusalem mounted upon the humble little beast, a colt, the foal of an ass, and let me hear the children cry to You " Hosanna in the highest.

The Gaze of the Soul

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Chapter 7 Prayer
Scripture Reference Hebrews 12:2

O Lord, I have heard a good word inviting me to look away to You and be satisfied. My heart longs to respond, but sin has clouded my vision till I see You but dimly. Be pleased to cleanse me in Your own precious blood, and make me inwardly pure, so that I may with unveiled eyes gaze upon You all the days of my earthly pilgrimage. Then shall I be prepared to behold You in full splendor in the day when You shall appear to be glorified in Your saints and admired in all them that believe.

Amen

Ch ch ch changes

Did some messing around; let me know what you think!

Don't feel sorry for me

When I was first diagnosed with hypoglycemia and was telling people I got a lot of "Oh your poor thing." when I mentioned that I can no longer have sugar or processed foods. For all of you who might feel that way I want to say; no need. I am not feeling the least bit deprived. Just look at the pictures of some of the food I am enjoying.


<

The Speaking Voice

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Chapter 6
Scripture Reference John 1:1

Lord, teach me to listen. The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the thousand raucous sounds which continuously assault them. Give me the spirit of the boy Samuel when he said to You, "Speak, for your servant hears." Let me hear You speaking in my heart. Let me get used to the sound of Your voice, that it's tones may be familiar when the sounds of earth die away and the only sound will be the music of Your speaking voice.

Amen

Week Six

I am in the 6th week on the Glycemic Index Diet and things are going well. 26 lbs lost so far and my energy level has doubled and pain has continued to get better. Pain level is down about 65 percent.
Thank the Lord God Almighty for bringing me to this place! He is good, all the time He is good.

The Universal Presence

The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer Chapeter 5

Scripture Reference Psalm 139:7

O God and Father, I repent of my sinful preoccupation with visible things. The world has been too much with me. You have been there and I knew it not. I have been blind to Your presence. Open my eyes that I may behold You in and around me.
For Christ's sake,
Amen