starting anew...

so, i was reading an article about accountability and since i'm in the mindset of weight loss, healthy living and transitioning into a gluten-free lifestyle i thought this might be a good outlet to vent, share, etc. throughout this journey...

so i begin today with a prescription to a sparrow weight management program, not sure how long it will take to begin the program and with our 10 yr anniversary cruise coming up, i am a little nervous how this will all play out.

i am on a 3 week break from class, so the stress should not hinder the beginning of a program...

i have been earnestly trying a G-F diet and have learned it is time to learn more about the ingredients i need to stay away from rather then just the wheat flours...i notice a BIG difference as i consume foods and the way i feel physically...this journey is tough, but my doctor and i fully believe it is what my body needs at this point in order to fend off some of the many health problems that i currently face as well as those that are on the near horizon if i do not make some significant changes!!!

now is where i ask "WHY!?" "Why me Lord!?" "Why am I not allowed to enjoy 'normal' food like the rest of the world!?" "Ugh!" :(

this is what i'm learning...my faith is lacking and so is my self control! i have been struggling w/ being still and letting go for some time now and i believe this is a lesson that God wants me to begin learning and this is the first step...letting go and letting God!

so here God goes...

:)

stay tuned for my progress...

in 1.5 wks i have lost a total of 4 lbs!!!

my DREAM goal is 75 lbs, my 'happy place' goal is 60 lbs

Interesting...

from http://www.unlessthelordmagazine.com/articles/Church%20w%20Family%20Only.htm

Reasons for a Local Church
A key part of the evangelism efforts of the apostles was the formation of local assemblies of believers. The work of evangelism was not complete when people came to Christ, nor when they had sat under an apostle's teaching for 6 months. The job was not done until there was a functioning local body of believers that could perpetuate itself. This assembly served the purposes of: maintaining unity, maintaining correct doctrine, evangelizing unbelievers, discipling new believers, and correcting those who strayed. It also offered a family of believers from which to receive love, encouragement and practical assistance. The church was to be the main vehicle for Christian growth and for serving God together.

Many churches do not perform these functions well. They become social clubs with little true spiritual encouragement. The Sunday gathering is mostly just sitting in a pew, passively listening to one man preach or teach (who may or may not have much to say). For children, church often becomes the place for doing crafts, listening to Bible stories and playing with other children. With many churches, the whole focus becomes growth for growth's sake. More members mean more boasting rights, more money for pastors and staff and larger and more beautiful facilities. Growth is encouraged with recreation facilities and endless varieties of programs, classes, and church sports. Though many churches have many failings, is that sufficient reason for us to abandon church altogether? Did Jesus make a mistake in deciding to use churches for the building up and spreading of the kingdom of God?

what am i doing!?

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways," declares the Lord.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts"  (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV)

in a funk...

I'm in a funk, in a funk, in a funk...

I cannot do anything on my own strength...

I am seeking Him, but currently in a funk, waiting...

I would like an audible answer, please!?

how many kings...

Our HOME Group has been reading through the book of Phillipians over the past couple months and we've had some really great discussion.  I just LOVE it when our scripture readings match up with our Sunday morning gatherings...God is cool like that, isn't He!?

The verses that struck us the most this past month were:

Phillipians 2:5-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, bring made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that as the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

It goes along with the lyrics of one of my favorite songs...

by Downhere

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me.

These verse and lyrics came up again today during our Staff meeting devos (this week led by Jim Rathbun)  Funny how God puts the things in our heads and hearts for specific times...on repeat mode...trying to sink it into our thick skulls!  (at least I know mine is THICK!) ;)

Anyway, my thought keeps coming back to verse 5...

my attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus

and his was one of humilty...He was God and is God and always will be.

Yes, I am His child, but I am nothing in comparison and yet I do things w/ an attitude of selfishness...who am I to act that way and say the things and think the things that I do?

Father, help me...

May I live my life in obedience to you...may I have the attitude of Jesus in my heart everyday! May I put Christ Jesus at the forefront of my days and ask His direction in everything I do...

You stepped down from your throne and loved on EVERYone w/o an attitude of self righteousness...help me to strive after your heart and bring that love into the lives of others.

In Jesus Name...

interesting figures...

...pretty darn interesting and shameful!!!

BREAKDOWN OF INCOME & TAXES PAID BY CATEGORY

Income Category 2006 AGI % OF ALL INCOME % OF INCOME TAXES PAID

Top 1%   >$388,806   22%   37%

Top 5% >$153,542 37% 57%

Top 10% >$108,904 47% 68%

Top 25% >$64,702 66% 85%

Top 50% >$31,987 87% 97%

bottom50% <$31,988 13% 3%

Data Taken From Kiplinger.com 1/27/2009

put a new song in my mouth...

Today's morning devotional was my life verse...

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."  Psalm 40:2-3

Mercy is when we don't get what we deserve.

Justice is when we get what we do deserve.

Grace is when we get what we do NOT deserve.

Thank you Jesus for your grace...

:)