For the Beauty

Yesterday, Tatum and I spent a wonderful day together.  Towards late afternoon we walked across the hay field hand in hand to have a close up view of the geese, ducks and the muskrat homes on the pond.  As we stood in awe of the beauty around us. The old hymn, "For the Beauty Of the Earth" came to my mind. 

For The Beauty Of The Earth Hymn

For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
Pleasures pure and undefiled,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For thy Church which evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

We are blessed. 

 

I Choose to be a Woman who is...

 

Early this morning I saw this on Lori's Blackwell's facebook page.  As I read it, I choose to be a Woman who today would be Joyful, Prayerful, and Thankful.   I printed it out to take to school to clip on my desk.  I read it often and prayed.

Three Gifts Found In Silence

1.  Silence as a memory, thinking of when I would be rocking one of my babies watching them sleep silently and peacefully.  Praying for them as they sleep, praying for the men they would become, praying for the women they would someday marry and praying the Lord would be their Savior.

Praise the Lord for answers to prayer.

2.  Silence, when waiting on the Lord.  Waiting for Him to guide, direct, and show me what He would have me do.  

Praise the Lord for the privilege of prayer. 

3.  Silence,  walking in the morning, watching the sunrise,  the promise of a new day.  Listening to the silence then to hear a bird proclaiming the new day.  Watching as the deer stand on the edge of the woods, watching in the silence.  Gazing at the swans as the glide across the water in silence.

Praise the Lord the for Glorify of the Day He has made. 

 

He Is Faithful...

Our God is a faithful God.  He is there for us.  Monday was an extremely difficult day.  I printed this verse out to have on my desk.  While teaching, while counseling, while disciplining, and while meeting with parents, and while changing the direction of two paraeducators.  I was 

asking the Holy Spirit to help me REJOICE.

I was PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING,

GIVING THANKS FOR EVERYTHING 

 knowing the He was in control of me.

Praying for THE WILL OF GOD

Because I knew that He would hold me in his arms.

Knowing the CHRIST JESUS would be with me.

Three Gifts:

1.  I am thanking the Lord for my Wednesday night small group of gals who meet together for Bible Study and prayer.  

2.  Praising the Lord for the relationship I have with my students, thanking God for giving me the words to console a child whose father has taken his own life.  

3.  Thanking him for the sunshine through my window at school.  

Our God is a Reinforcer!

Yesterday afternoon after listening to the first conference call for the Made to Crave Action Plan series, I was strongly convicted or directed by the Lord to stop spending tine playing facebook games.   This is what I posted on the Action Blog on Saturday.

"I have read posts on facebook talking about the challenges. The one that the Lord has convicted me of is my time. I am a teacher of Students with Disabilities, my usual school day is 9 -10 hours a day. When I arrive home I am tired. Too often this year at night I have sat at the computer to read emails, facebook, and blogs then start on three different facebook games. I am not on them for hours, but more time than I should. Starting right now, I am not going to go to play games. That time, with the Lord’s help, will be used for exercising or 30 minutes of me time."

This is a personal conviction for me. I am not saying others shouldn't play the games for their time of relaxing." 

Well, now for the rest of the story.  This morning our pastor started a sermon series, "Who Is This Man"?  It is going to follow Jesus from Palm Sunday through the Resurrection.  Today is was, "The Triumphal Entry."   As part of the message he talked about facebook,  what are we looking for when using it, are we looking for fame to see how many likes we receive.  How much time to we spend with facebook.  Wow!  It was as though the Lord was saying, "Yes, Linda, I was guiding your decision."

As I was thinking about it, I  Praise Him for the Christian Sisters I have met on Facebook with  whom I have developed a relationship. I will be able to continue to connect with you and prayer for you.

Incidentally, immediately after I made the conviction I went to the games listings to block the three games I had played.  Once again, I want to make sure that people understand this was a decision for ME.  I have no problem with others who are able to relax with facebook games!

My hobby is quilting.  It is the one thing I have found to be able to take my mind off my day.  I haven't sewn at all in 2014 and I am looking forward to returning to finish UFOs.


Now--On to the new week!

Three gifts carved:
1.  When I think of "carving" my first thought goes to turkey and Thanksgiving.  Because deer hunting season  takes place over Thanksgiving week, I know my family will always be home for dinner.  Our nephew from N.J. also joins us.  I am so blessed.






We are Blessed.  Thanksgiving 2013.





2.  Carving is taking a piece of wood to shave and shape.  As I looked around my home, looking for a gift carved.   I saw something on a shelf made from wood. 

 

3.  I just realized that "carve" and "crave" have the same letters.    Lord, carve in my heart the desire to crave you, to become more obedient to your teaching,  teach me to go to you rather than seeking food to meet my emotional needs.  

In Jesus Precious name. 

I am a Child of God & Three Gifts In the Kitchen

The daily blog from the Made To Crave #Action asked us to consider ourselves as a "child of God."  Telling us we are more than a number on a scale or a number on test results from the doctor's office. I was reading it and thinking, "Yes, I know all that."  Then tonight as I was catching up on some facebook reading posted by the new friends I have met I was hit full force with a post by Hope.  She wrote, "Remember, if you don't love yourself heavy, you won't love yourself skinny either. It's not a magic fix-all for problems. You did not get heavy overnight, you will not lose it overnight either. There is no quick fix. Healthy does not have a finish line. Be a turtle. Slow and steady."

Whoa!  That is a lot to think about.  I know that often I have thought, "If only I could lose my weight I would feel better about myself,  I would be more confident,  I would allow people to take my picture, I won't be afraid to eat out with others and not feel they are watching everything I am putting in my mouth."

So..to start--I am a CHILD of God! He loves me with an  everlasting love, He sent His only Son to die for ME!  If He did that for ME.  Then I am important!
  


Three Gifts In My Kitchen:

1.  I am blessed with the gift of being able to have my granddaughters in my kitchen. 

2.  On a wall in my kitchen is a growing chart drawn as my two sons grew.  When we painted the kitchen a few years ago we painted around it.  It is a record of dates, ages, and the height. 

View from my kitchen window Oct 2013.

3.  From the window above my sink in my kitchen I watch the seasons change in the field, around the pond and in the woods.  I am able to observe my God's handiwork first hand.

#Action Scripture Picture- 2 Timothy 1:7 & A Gift

When I memorized this verse as a child from the King James Version I learned, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  

This affirms that God will give us all the power, strength, love, self-discipline, self-control and a sound mind to continue on this journey we have started.  I don't need to fear the unknown or question if I will be able to stay with this walk.  He has promised to walk beside me with all I need! Praise the Lord!!

Today's gift:  A Gift Bent, Broken, and Beautiful

This is a tough one.  So often we are in such a hurry going between places or people we don't stop to look at what is right before us.

I saw this picture today.  It is bent, broken an beautiful.  I thought of the hopes and dreams that were built into the walls.  The stories  and memories those walls could tell.  Wondering if any of the descendants  of the family knows their ancestors home is sitting and watching.
                                    The home was a gift to a family to love and cherish.

by Font Meme

3 Gifts Found

Three Gifts Found: As I contemplate this thought-I am going many different directions. 

1.  Found- This school year I have found a friendship that I would never have expected.  I pray that my actions and words will be a witness to Him.

2. Found- As I looked out the window at the sunrise this morning, I "found" myself thinking of the song, "Morning Has Broken."  Thinking of the scripture.

                                Lamentations 3:22-23

New International Version (NIV)

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

3.   Found- I am praising the Lord for the awesome Christian Sisters I have "found" on Facebook through my Provebs 31 OBS.  We have formed a support group as we travel this road together. 

With Thanksgiving and Praise, 

Linda

Continuing with #ACTION & Gifts Hard to Give Thanks for.

 "Made to Crave Devotional"  Day 2: What If I Let God Down?

Today's passage could have been written by me.  I don't know when I have read anything that expressed my feelings, frustrations, and fears as this did. 

"Thought for the Day: I wept as I realized this would be one of the most significant spiritual journeys of my life. A spiritual journey that would yield great physical benefits." page 14 Made to Crave Devotional.

"Do not fear, for I am with you do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strength you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

I have struggled for some many years,  I have successfully participated in many diets..only to gain it back again.  Each time I have been determined that this time will be different.  I have always known that I am a stress eater, when I am frustrated, disappointed, or angry I will or could eat anything and everything.    I realized several years ago that I don't have the "full" sensation.  It has taken a mental action to stop eating.

This time will be different.  I will take the craving for food and turn it into a craving for Christ and the woman I will become through Him.  I have high expectations,  I believe that through this study I will transfer my focus from food to Christ.

The second part of the Made To Crave study has to the "Action-How To" from the How-To in the Made to Crave Book.  I know it will be a struggle, I know it will need to be a life change.

I have been an "Overcomer" before, and will do it again!

 My continued count from Ann Voskamp's gifts:This is a difficult one... Things I find difficult to give thanks for...How do I word these..

1.   I am thankful for the four years we were privileged to have our son, Travis in our family.

2.  I am thankful for the cardiac specialist who have spent the past five years attempting to repair Herb's heart.

3.  I am thankful for the difficult times the Lord has guided me through the past 18 months.

God Bless,   Linda

Action Plan Week 1, Unsettle Me & Three Gifts Wore

Action Tip:
Tip of the day: Drinking 16 ounces of water in the morning can reduce your caloric intake up to 25 % for the day.~ Dr. Ski Chilton, Gene Smart Wellness


Devotion for Today from Made To Crave Devotional, the title of today's devotion is "Unsettled."
The thought for the day:
"Unsettle me in the best kind of way. For when I allow your kind of touch to reach to the deepest parts of me-dark and dingy and hidden away too long-suddenly , a fresh wind of life twists and twirls and dances through my soul."  Pg. 11

Unsettle me Lord,  help me to seek and find the areas of my life that need to be changed.  Help me to find the courage to pray this prayer everyday and throughout the day. In Jesus name, Amen.


March 3: Three Gifts Wore

1.  The first gift I thought of was the locket my grandmother gave me to wear for my wedding in 1974.  My grandpa had given it to her as a wedding gift.  I wish I would have asked questions such as where did it come from, who else had owned it.  It came from a jewelry store in Iowa.  The date engraved inside is 1874.  It was 100 years old when I wore it.

2.  Herb gave me a blue star sapphire necklace when we were dating which I have worn for over 40 years.  

3.  Little Jessa loves her hats, the warm winter hats that cover her ears, she pulls them on and doesn't want to take them off.

Results:  I am not sure the total amount I have lost.  I didn't weigh myself at the beginning, I felt it would be too discouraging.   But, since I did weigh in, I have lost 12 lbs.  Praise the Lord!

Until Tuesday, God Bless, Linda

Made To Crave Action Plan Day 1 & Three Gifts Green

 

Today is the first day of the "Made To Crave Action Plan."  I am not sure what to expect. 

I do know if this is to be a lifetime of  change, I must be ready to change. 

Part of the Online Bible Study is a daily blog page.  

The word this week is ACTION . 

I have met some great facebook Christian friends through the first Made To Crave study.  We have a group called, "Jesus Girls Getting Healthy."  Today was are starting the Made to Crave devotional book together. 

Continuing my journey of Gifts: March 2, 

3 Gifts Green

1.  As I look out at the drifts of white snow covering the yard and trees, I am thankful for the green grass, green corn fields, and green  leaves that will become with the change of seasons.

2. John Deere green tractors as the move across the fields, highways, and bringing my family home from a long day of work.

3.  Green plants sitting in the windows with their green leaves reaching out to the sunlight.

In Praise to Him!  

Linda

Made To Crave- End of the first part

This OBS (Online Bible Study) from Proverbs 31 has been outstanding.  I have never encountered others who have the same frustrations and emotions I have experienced for years. I have been so very encouraged by the blogs and facebook postings of other gals participating.

I haven't told anyone here that I am doing this study.  My goal is weight loss along with growing in my relationship with Christ.  I have lost and regained weight so many times I feel as though people would say, "There she goes again.  One of her diets." I am going to wait for someone to notice.  Then I will be able to give the Glory to the Lord and not by my own power. 

The study strongly suggests having an accountability partner.  I am doing this through the OBS support groups on facebook. The gals I write with on facebook are my partners.

We are moving from the first book to the Made To Crave Action plan.  It begins on Sunday.  

Ann Voskamp has posted her March Gifts To Count

1.  Granddaughter Kasey sitting next to me.

2.  Knowing that I have followed my eating plan today.

3.  Spending a day at home!!

Until next time, 

God Bless,

Linda

Beneficial

 

* From Lysa Terkeurst - Made to Crave

 

 

Our Verse for this week:

Lamentations 3:22-24

New International Version (NIV)

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

The Message (MSG)

^22-24 God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
    How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
    He’s all I’ve got left.

Praise The Lord!  Each day is a new day.

    He will never give up on me. 

The process of obedience will carry me

   through!

Only God is able to give me the    strength to live through all struggles.

He is faithful to me each day.

God Bless,  Linda 

My Challenge Image

A Challenging Journey

I am not in one of the small groups, however the  posts are available on face book to give the encouragement and support.  What has been amazing is that there are so many gals who have the same struggles and frustrations that I feel.

A quote from the book says, " Define your week by obedience, not by a number on the scale."

In the same chapter it suggests asking ourselves these questions when the scale isn't changing.

**
*Did I overeat this week on any day?
*Did I move and exercise regularly?
*Do I feel lighter than I did at this time last week?
*Did I eat in secret or out of anger or frustration?
*Did I feel that, at any time, I ran to food instead of to God?
*Before I hopped on the scale, did I think I'd had a successful, God-pleasing week? "
** Terkeurst, L. "Made to Crave." 2010. pg.81

My other study is proving more difficult this week than I expected.  This weeks chapter is " The Power of a Woman's Words to Her Friends."  A section in this chapter  looking at how Jesus encouraged his disciples, the woman at the well, Philip, and Thomas.  After encouragement it goes into gossip, slander, deceit, and back to encouragement.

God Bless,
Linda

Back Again

WOW!  I can't believe I have been gone from my blog for so many months.   The Lord has been working in my life in many ways.

One of the journeys I have been on is learning that He is all I need.  The past 19 months have been a struggle.  The Lord and I have had many discussions where He has impressed on me that He is indeed all I need.   As I look back on the events that preceded this journey, I realize now that it all was to draw me closer to him.  

I would tell the Lord that this is a lonely walk.  His response was always, " I AM all you need."  I told him that I needed someone to talk with and He would respond, "Bring it all to Me."

I know that the walk isn't over, however I am learning to wait on him.

Since last April my small group has completed more excellent Bible Studies.  Currently we have a group of eight gals reading  Sharon Jaynes, The Power of A Woman's Words.   It is an intense study of the scriptures and the impact women have had on those around them.

At the same time I am working through a Proverbs 31 on line Bible Study, "Made To Crave."  At first I wasn't sure about how I would manage both.  However, I know it is right because they have become very linked together.  The focus is to "Crave" God and not food.  I have completed the first three weeks.

https://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/current-study/

So once again, I am trying to lose weight and believing the Lord and I can do this together.  One of the focuses is to desire to grow in the Lord.

One of the suggestions is to have an accountability partner who will pray with and for you.  Someone to talk with about the journey.  Well, since the past 19 months I have walked only with the Lord, I haven't been directed to anyone to be my partner.

God Bless,

Linda