Hello again, friends. Last week I traveled to Birmingham, AL for surgery on my parotid glands. Although the surgery wasn't severe or long, it has caused me a lot of discomfort. Needless to say, I didn't read the blogs or the Made To Crave book while I was mending. Plus my husband was an ever-present caregiver and so sweet to do everything for me, but I didn't have any time alone. This afternoon, I've had time to catch up a little bit on the book, but haven't been to the blog yet. Just wanted to say that I'm still on this journey, just need to catch up! I will not give up but will make this trip with you to the end!
One issue I've had is that, although it's been easier to make healthy choices for the most part, I haven't necessarily been putting Christ first and working on CRAVING HIM! That's the whole point of this, I want to crave God, to crave time with Jesus, to know Him better and be ever so close to Him!! So, please pray for me, that I will put first things first and that my priorities will be right!!! Thank you!! Be blessed!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Made To Crave Day 1
This morning started out so well. I refreshed my memory by scanning Chapter 1 again and by journaling my responses to the questions posed at the end of the chapter. Those were pretty eye-opening for me. I had a good talk with the Lord; I turned off the television for most of the day; I was able to notice the cravings and not succumb to them, with the Lord's help! My husband baked a pan of cinnamon rolls after supper tonight and I didn't even have one. I reached for a date instead and that was enough sweetness to satisfy me. Also enjoyed a nice bowl of fresh fruit with Greek yogurt instead of my nightly ice cream cone.
But, this afternoon before my husband came home from work, I found myself getting depressed. I'm alone all day, most days so that doesn't generally bother me. After some tears and some prayer and a lot of thinking, I realized that I didn't have my regular foods to comfort me! Stuffing my face wasn't an option today and it made me realize how much I had depended on that to get me through the days!! That was another good eye-opener!
I'm sure the Lord will help me fill my days with good and perfect things that truly satisfy, rather than FOOD! But, it is certainly a wake-up call and a huge change for me...it's disconcerting. But, in a good way.
But, this afternoon before my husband came home from work, I found myself getting depressed. I'm alone all day, most days so that doesn't generally bother me. After some tears and some prayer and a lot of thinking, I realized that I didn't have my regular foods to comfort me! Stuffing my face wasn't an option today and it made me realize how much I had depended on that to get me through the days!! That was another good eye-opener!
I'm sure the Lord will help me fill my days with good and perfect things that truly satisfy, rather than FOOD! But, it is certainly a wake-up call and a huge change for me...it's disconcerting. But, in a good way.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Jesus Saves
JESUS SAVES was one of four choices of subjects to blog about in the Proverbs 31 Made To Crave online Bible study. I chose this one to begin with because it's the real beginning, in my opinion.
To give you a little background: I grew up without my father, my mother having left him when I was 3 years old because he was a mean alcoholic who beat her. I don't remember all of the chaos from before we left him, my siblings do. The chaos afterwards, I remember. Kids who are raised in painful situations tend to carry some scars. So, we have some stories to tell, but not right now. :)
My siblings and I would catch the Salvation Army bus on Sunday mornings and attend, Mama had to work. But, we didn't go to hear about God!! We went because everyone was given a key when we entered the church. Later, we would go by rows up to the treasure chest and see if our key was the one that unlocked it. One day mine did! The treasure box was full of men's shaving supplies. LOL Just what an 8 year old girl wants. Anyway, it was fun, but I didn't learn a thing about salvation.
In our 'village' a sweet older woman had a Bible study every Saturday. We'd go to her little apartment, listen to her tell a story, get a piece of candy and try to memorize verses. I memorized the whole 23rd Psalm and received a beautiful white zipper Bible. I was so thrilled with that Bible! But, I still never heard about salvation.
Later in the same complex, a little church opened up in one of the apartments. I went every single Sunday, I could walk to it and was happy as I could be to go. I'd encourage my little friends to come along. The folks running the little church called me 'Old Faithful'. A smile still slides up my face when I think about that. :) But, I still didn't learn about salvation.
When I was 17 years old, Mama and I lived in a little house she'd bought while working at Jack's Cookie Company and then for Southern Bell. My siblings had all grown up and moved out. My oldest sister, Judy, called one day and told me that she and her husband, William, had been saved.
"Saved", I said, "What happened?!" My mind had a picture of the two of them standing in a road with a semi truck barreling toward them when someone pushed them out of the way and 'saved' them!! :) LOL She tried to explain to me and told me their pastor would come see us. So, within the week, Mama and I had a visit from Judy's pastor. He explained to us that Jesus was the Son of God, perfect in every way. That Jesus had come to Earth and lived among us and had been crucified on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. He had died and been buried and rose again and was now in Heaven with His Father, God. To be 'saved' we only had to repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior. When we were asked if we wanted to do that, Mama and I both said, 'yes' and so right there in that tiny living room, we kneeled and asked God to save us. He did. My life did change after that. I did better in school, my attitude improved, and I really wanted to become a missionary.
Well, life didn't turn out that way for me, I made some dumb choices later...and I learned over time...that part of salvation is really following Jesus. It's not just a prayer, it's turning your life over to Jesus. I'm 62 years old now and have been married for 40 years. We have 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild who is now 2 months old. We are very blessed! Though I didn't become a full time missionary, I go on short term mission trips and work on the Mission Committee and in the Deaf Ministry in our church. Even at this age, I'm learning more and more about the greatness of God and I desire to be closer to Him. There's so much to learn.
I look forward to this journey of weight loss and closer fellowship with God together with you!
Blessings!!
To give you a little background: I grew up without my father, my mother having left him when I was 3 years old because he was a mean alcoholic who beat her. I don't remember all of the chaos from before we left him, my siblings do. The chaos afterwards, I remember. Kids who are raised in painful situations tend to carry some scars. So, we have some stories to tell, but not right now. :)
My siblings and I would catch the Salvation Army bus on Sunday mornings and attend, Mama had to work. But, we didn't go to hear about God!! We went because everyone was given a key when we entered the church. Later, we would go by rows up to the treasure chest and see if our key was the one that unlocked it. One day mine did! The treasure box was full of men's shaving supplies. LOL Just what an 8 year old girl wants. Anyway, it was fun, but I didn't learn a thing about salvation.
In our 'village' a sweet older woman had a Bible study every Saturday. We'd go to her little apartment, listen to her tell a story, get a piece of candy and try to memorize verses. I memorized the whole 23rd Psalm and received a beautiful white zipper Bible. I was so thrilled with that Bible! But, I still never heard about salvation.
Later in the same complex, a little church opened up in one of the apartments. I went every single Sunday, I could walk to it and was happy as I could be to go. I'd encourage my little friends to come along. The folks running the little church called me 'Old Faithful'. A smile still slides up my face when I think about that. :) But, I still didn't learn about salvation.
When I was 17 years old, Mama and I lived in a little house she'd bought while working at Jack's Cookie Company and then for Southern Bell. My siblings had all grown up and moved out. My oldest sister, Judy, called one day and told me that she and her husband, William, had been saved.
"Saved", I said, "What happened?!" My mind had a picture of the two of them standing in a road with a semi truck barreling toward them when someone pushed them out of the way and 'saved' them!! :) LOL She tried to explain to me and told me their pastor would come see us. So, within the week, Mama and I had a visit from Judy's pastor. He explained to us that Jesus was the Son of God, perfect in every way. That Jesus had come to Earth and lived among us and had been crucified on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. He had died and been buried and rose again and was now in Heaven with His Father, God. To be 'saved' we only had to repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior. When we were asked if we wanted to do that, Mama and I both said, 'yes' and so right there in that tiny living room, we kneeled and asked God to save us. He did. My life did change after that. I did better in school, my attitude improved, and I really wanted to become a missionary.
Well, life didn't turn out that way for me, I made some dumb choices later...and I learned over time...that part of salvation is really following Jesus. It's not just a prayer, it's turning your life over to Jesus. I'm 62 years old now and have been married for 40 years. We have 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild who is now 2 months old. We are very blessed! Though I didn't become a full time missionary, I go on short term mission trips and work on the Mission Committee and in the Deaf Ministry in our church. Even at this age, I'm learning more and more about the greatness of God and I desire to be closer to Him. There's so much to learn.
I look forward to this journey of weight loss and closer fellowship with God together with you!
Blessings!!
Friday, January 17, 2014
Monday, December 23, 2013
Christmas...Head Knowledge or Heart Knowledge.
That simple quote really set me to thining, though I've heard it often before and know the truth of it. But, it impressed me more yesterday for some reason.
The majority of Americans believe there's a God and Jesus is his son so they call themselves Christians. I did. But, there's more to being a true Christian than that..I mean, check it out in the Bible, if you don't believe it...
it has to be a personal, heart experience. It's not just 'knowing'. When it's a heart experience, you will acknowledge Jesus as Lord. What does that word, 'Lord', mean? "someone having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler." If he's Lord of your life, you let him be your ruler. You want to know his plan for you so you can follow it. Just knowing that he's the ruler isn't enough. It's turning from your old way of doing things and deciding to go his way. OH, now that's the part nobody likes! I can almost hear people say, 'What?!" "God does not force himself on anyone! He is kind and loving and loves you no matter what!"
And, you know what? That's TRUE! He doesn't force himself on you, he's a gentleman. He IS kind and loving and loves you no matter what. And BECAUSE of that great love(who can look at our sin and still love us besides him?) you love him! and you want to follow him. Jesus told his disciples to leave everything and follow him. From an earthly viewpoint, they gave up their jobs, their families, their independence...and many of them ended up being killed for that! That doesn't seems like a 'God thing' to do, does it? But, it was and it is.
Some people still die for following Jesus or get put in prison or get fired from their jobs, ostracized. I met a young woman in another country who was so grief stricken because her family and village threw stones at her and chased her out of town with nothing but the clothes on her back. How many people are willing to do that? To leave everything they have known and loved, to follow Jesus? He loved us enough to leave beautiful Heaven so He could be cruelly beaten and die, taking away our sins. Now THAT'S a fanatical love! Can we ignore a love like that? Will people call US fanatics if we talk about Jesus like I just did? Yes. Who cares?! This life is short, eternity is forever. Goodness our priorities are wrong. We care what people think, but not what God thinks?
So, then the real question for each of us to ask ourselves and answer ourselves is: Am I a Christian?
The Bible said each man must 'work out' his own salvation with fear and trembling...meaning: it's each person's responsibility to accept the Lord Jesus himself/herself no matter what mama and daddy, grandma and them believe. It's between you and God. Then to go into all the world and preach(teach) this same good news. That part isn't an option, but a command from God.
Something for you to think about today as you prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Son of God, the Lord Jesus. Be blessed! Merry Christmas!!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Feeling the Love
This is one of those moments when my heart is filled with so much love for my kids. I just wish I could reach out to them all and hug them to my heart and make them feel and know how much they mean to me. This is not a once in a while feeling. Of course I love them continually, hugely without fail. But, there are moments when I feel my heart will explode if I don't hear from them or see them!! Next to God saving me, they are the hugest blessings of my life. They are my pride and joy. Lord, I love each one of them so much.
Father, continually put a hedge of protection around each of my children and grandchildren. Lord, let no harm come ot them. Keep the evil one and his plans away from my family. May Truth and Wisdom be their constant companions. May their love for You, Lord God, multiply each day and may they serve You with all of their heart. Father, don't let the teachings of this new world view, the "'anything goes'/ 'there is no Hell'/ 'God doesn't judge people' /'it doesn't matter which god you believe in, all roads lead to Heaven'" philosophies of this world get into their minds, their belief systems. Father show them that You are the one true God, You alone make the rules and that You do judge. But, also, Father, show them that You have made a way for EVERYONE, ANYONE to enter Heaven IF they choose to do so. Not by their own good works, which can never be enough, but by the FREE, COMPLETED, PAYMENT ON THE CROSS BY JESUS.
Father, may these verses be ever present in their hearts : John 3:16,17. For God so loved the world that He gave HIs only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH(GO TO HELL), but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.
Lord, You know where each of our children is tonight and what they're doing. So even now, Lord Jesus, hug them all for me...and for You. :) Please help them feel the tremendous, unconditional, extreme love You have for each of us. Thank You for taking such good care of each of them and of us. Thank You so much for loving us. I can hardly wait to see You. Soon and very soon this old world will be past and we will see You face to face. Lord, come quickly.
Father, continually put a hedge of protection around each of my children and grandchildren. Lord, let no harm come ot them. Keep the evil one and his plans away from my family. May Truth and Wisdom be their constant companions. May their love for You, Lord God, multiply each day and may they serve You with all of their heart. Father, don't let the teachings of this new world view, the "'anything goes'/ 'there is no Hell'/ 'God doesn't judge people' /'it doesn't matter which god you believe in, all roads lead to Heaven'" philosophies of this world get into their minds, their belief systems. Father show them that You are the one true God, You alone make the rules and that You do judge. But, also, Father, show them that You have made a way for EVERYONE, ANYONE to enter Heaven IF they choose to do so. Not by their own good works, which can never be enough, but by the FREE, COMPLETED, PAYMENT ON THE CROSS BY JESUS.
Father, may these verses be ever present in their hearts : John 3:16,17. For God so loved the world that He gave HIs only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH(GO TO HELL), but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.
Lord, You know where each of our children is tonight and what they're doing. So even now, Lord Jesus, hug them all for me...and for You. :) Please help them feel the tremendous, unconditional, extreme love You have for each of us. Thank You for taking such good care of each of them and of us. Thank You so much for loving us. I can hardly wait to see You. Soon and very soon this old world will be past and we will see You face to face. Lord, come quickly.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Ms. Stevie
One of my earliest memories is of Miss Stevie and her daughter, Totsy. Mama worked, as I said in the last post, at Jack's Cookie Company. I'm the youngest of four children....6, 7, and 10 years younger than my siblings. So, when Mama was at work and the other kids were in school, I went to Ms. Stevie's duplex in 'The Village'. Ms. Stevie was a very 'fluffy' woman with gray hair who lived two rows down from us. Her daughter, Totsy, lived with her. Totsy had CP, Cerebral Palsy. She was a grown woman, tall and thin, with dark hair. She couldn't speak clearly but I learned to understand her although many people couldn't. Totsy wasn't allowed to pick me up because everyone was afraid she would drop me. But, she loved me and would try from time to time, always getting a scolding from her mama.
Ms. Stevie loved me and spoiled me rotten. I guess I started staying with her when I was about 3 years old until I went to first grade when I was five. There was no Kindergarten back in the day, not in our town anyway. Mama would drop me off at Ms. Stevie's before catching the bus. I was a real mama's girl and hated to be away from her, but Ms. Stevie had a way of getting me to let go of Mama's skirt tails and dry my tears. She said, "Sweetie, what do you want Ms. Stevie to make for you today? Do you want me to make a chocolate cake or a pie?" :) Oh yeah. That's all it took. Ms. Stevie loved to bake and I loved to eat, so it was a match made in Heaven. She fed me well. Fortunately, and amazingly, I didn't gain weight back then. I could eat whatever I wanted and not be fat! Oh, to be able to do that now!
Another thing Ms. Stevie liked to do was dip snuff. Oh, gross. Next to her big soft chair, she had a coffee can...a big, two pound empty coffee can...that she would spit her dip into. And, she wouldn't get rid of it until it was full. Blech! Makes my stomach turn thinking about it! But, that was the only bad habit I knew Ms. Stevie to have and she more than made up for it with her baking and her loving care of me.
Some people would say Ms. Stevie was my second mama. But, I never thought of her that way. Ms. Stevie was simply a warm, soft, sweet, caring lady who loved me and brings a smile to my face every time I think of her.
Ms. Stevie loved me and spoiled me rotten. I guess I started staying with her when I was about 3 years old until I went to first grade when I was five. There was no Kindergarten back in the day, not in our town anyway. Mama would drop me off at Ms. Stevie's before catching the bus. I was a real mama's girl and hated to be away from her, but Ms. Stevie had a way of getting me to let go of Mama's skirt tails and dry my tears. She said, "Sweetie, what do you want Ms. Stevie to make for you today? Do you want me to make a chocolate cake or a pie?" :) Oh yeah. That's all it took. Ms. Stevie loved to bake and I loved to eat, so it was a match made in Heaven. She fed me well. Fortunately, and amazingly, I didn't gain weight back then. I could eat whatever I wanted and not be fat! Oh, to be able to do that now!
Another thing Ms. Stevie liked to do was dip snuff. Oh, gross. Next to her big soft chair, she had a coffee can...a big, two pound empty coffee can...that she would spit her dip into. And, she wouldn't get rid of it until it was full. Blech! Makes my stomach turn thinking about it! But, that was the only bad habit I knew Ms. Stevie to have and she more than made up for it with her baking and her loving care of me.
Some people would say Ms. Stevie was my second mama. But, I never thought of her that way. Ms. Stevie was simply a warm, soft, sweet, caring lady who loved me and brings a smile to my face every time I think of her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)