December 13, 2009
We had a Christmas Party at our home last night. Once everyone left and the children were in bed, Rick and I laid in bed (completely exhausted!) and talked for over an hour about the wonderful blessings God has bestowed upon us this past year.
It was just shy of 1 year ago that we moved to Greensboro, NC. We didn't know many people, and although we had a church to attend, we did not have a church "home". I have never had a lot of close friends, in fact, in the past 7 years, I have had only 1 girlfriend that I would consider a close friend...and she is more like a sister. Rick and I have often talked about how nice it would be for us to have friends where we were as comfortable one-on-one as when we did things as couples.
So here is my point....finally, I was blown away last night when I realized how God has blessed us so very much in the past year. We have wonderful friends and neighbors to share our holiday with this year and we have a new church home where we feel as though we have always been there (or at least should have been!). Our family has grown closer to God and closer to one another. In a situation wrought with challenges (financial, health, and the emotional stress of moving), God has not only seen us through the storm, but blessed us beyond our wildest imagination.
I am again drawn to the verses in Ephesians (3:20-21) "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever Amen."
How often do we think we know what we need (or want), and we ask for what we need (or want). But God knows what we need, better than we know ourselves. Not only does He provide for our needs, but the truth is that even when He does not give us what we ask for, He blesses us. How often do we ask for something and we don't get that specific thing, but we get something better along with the realization that we did not need what we asked for to begin with! Again....BLOWN AWAY!
I am so thankful for my God who loves me and my husband and children and all of the many blessings in my life. But I am also grateful for those "unanswered prayers"...which weren't really unanswered at all!
God bless you all!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Back on Track
12/7/09
After 4 days off the Wii Fit, I am back on track. Walked 1.3 miles this morning in 10 minutes burning 130 calories....whoo hoo! It's only 10 am so my plan is to do this again 2 more times today. My goal is to be exercising 50 minutes per day 5 days per week, but this week I am shooting for 3o minutes per day, 3 days per week.
I have also started on another project. I am committing myself to spend time alone with God each day. Studying His word and talking to him in prayer. I am keeping a journal (sorry readers...most of these thoughts are between me and the Lord). I have started in Matthew chapter 5 with the Beatitudes. They are a wonderful guideline on the characteristics of a Christian and what God expects of us as His children. Today I was reading in Matthew 5:13-16 about being the "salt of the earth" and a "light to the world". What wonderful guidance from our Lord on our duties as His children here on earth.
Many blessings, more updates to come. Thank you for all the prayers!
After 4 days off the Wii Fit, I am back on track. Walked 1.3 miles this morning in 10 minutes burning 130 calories....whoo hoo! It's only 10 am so my plan is to do this again 2 more times today. My goal is to be exercising 50 minutes per day 5 days per week, but this week I am shooting for 3o minutes per day, 3 days per week.
I have also started on another project. I am committing myself to spend time alone with God each day. Studying His word and talking to him in prayer. I am keeping a journal (sorry readers...most of these thoughts are between me and the Lord). I have started in Matthew chapter 5 with the Beatitudes. They are a wonderful guideline on the characteristics of a Christian and what God expects of us as His children. Today I was reading in Matthew 5:13-16 about being the "salt of the earth" and a "light to the world". What wonderful guidance from our Lord on our duties as His children here on earth.
Many blessings, more updates to come. Thank you for all the prayers!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Progress
December 2, 2009
So, recently I have taken on a more serious attitude about my health. My parents bought us a Wii Fit for an early Christmas present and it is AWESOME! I have worked out every day for the last 3 days....not a lot, but at least a little each day. I have also been tracking my diet on a great website, www.fitday.com. It is a completely free fitness tracking site. So my goal is to lose 2.5 lbs every 2 weeks. I started on 11/29/09 and will weigh in every 2 weeks...and will keep everyone posted on my progress, good or bad!
I have been reading in the Old Testament some this week. Isaiah 41:13 says "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." What an encouraging verse. This Christmas it means so much to me to know that God is with me, holding my hand and helping me. With Rick unemployed most of the year and now only working part time, the Christmas budget is a bit lean this year. But God is using this time to remind our family of the true meaning of Christmas. We have been focusing on His blessings and His gift of Baby Jesus this year, rather than toys and gifts and all of the commercial trappings of the holidays. He has given us this trial to teach us a lesson and in that lesson, the trial becomes insignificant!
I know that my God will provide for my family this Christmas and every day thereafter. He is right there, holding my hand and encouraging me that everything will work out to the glory of God!
Love & Prayers and Happy Holidays!
So, recently I have taken on a more serious attitude about my health. My parents bought us a Wii Fit for an early Christmas present and it is AWESOME! I have worked out every day for the last 3 days....not a lot, but at least a little each day. I have also been tracking my diet on a great website, www.fitday.com. It is a completely free fitness tracking site. So my goal is to lose 2.5 lbs every 2 weeks. I started on 11/29/09 and will weigh in every 2 weeks...and will keep everyone posted on my progress, good or bad!
I have been reading in the Old Testament some this week. Isaiah 41:13 says "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." What an encouraging verse. This Christmas it means so much to me to know that God is with me, holding my hand and helping me. With Rick unemployed most of the year and now only working part time, the Christmas budget is a bit lean this year. But God is using this time to remind our family of the true meaning of Christmas. We have been focusing on His blessings and His gift of Baby Jesus this year, rather than toys and gifts and all of the commercial trappings of the holidays. He has given us this trial to teach us a lesson and in that lesson, the trial becomes insignificant!
I know that my God will provide for my family this Christmas and every day thereafter. He is right there, holding my hand and encouraging me that everything will work out to the glory of God!
Love & Prayers and Happy Holidays!
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