The Secret Life Of Wonder Woman

Hello again!   How is your week going so far?  I was hoping to have a few more readers at this point!  I suppose that will come.  But, with over 700 friends on FB, I had thought that at least 10% of them would want to read my blog!  If you're reading, and perhaps like what you read, would you be willing to share it on your FB page?   You never know who you might reach! 



I had also hoped that more might have some comments on my previous posts.  What do you think about my idea?  Is there some magic, "miracle" formula for success?  Or is it really as simple as those who DO, succeed?  What do you think has been missing from your actions for you to experience success?  Do you have some unmet goals that you have dreamed of achieving?  Do you have a plan to help you reach your goal?


I have always been a big dreamer.  That's no problem.  But, when it comes to translating the desire, or the dream, into a fire which kindles action to achieve what I desire: well I must admit I seem to be challenged in this particular area.   How about you?  Do you have specific formulas for success?

 
It seems like we joke  a lot this time of year about making "resolutions" and breaking them.  So, if we don't keep the things we resolve, how can we really call them "resolutions"?  Maybe they are really "dreams" or "wishes".  Or, even just idle thoughts?  The things we say we "ought" or "should" do, but in reality we don't really WANT to do them!  Change is hard!  And even though we may all realize that the changes we dream of are for the better and are things we "ought" to do, we still cannot seem to see them happen.   So, rather than make resolutions and break them and have the guilt, we simply decide not to "resolve" anything.  Imagine what would happen if we had a "new year's day" every single day!  What if we could just face each new day with that new "resolve" and decide that yesterday is over, and we only have this day to keep our resolutions?   Instead we can decide that just for today, I will strive to keep the things I resolve.    That way, if we've made a resolution and then failed to keep it, we can simply have a "new year" the next day to start fresh again!  What do you think?

I think we all have those things we silently, secretly "resolve", and we don't want anyone else to know that it is our "resolve".  That way when we inevitably break our secret resolve, we're the only one who knows about it!   We may feel a bit of guilt for letting ourselves down, but that is about all the motivation we have.  So, we really don't manage to find more motivation to keep the things we resolve to do, because we're the only one who we disappoint when we fail.  And even though that might not seem a big deal, it is a sign that we are content to live in a "rut".  I once heard the definition of a "rut" is "a grave with the ends knocked out".   How many keep going on, and on, living in a rut and "wishing" for change, but never seem to get the motivation to make the changes they desire.  And some, like I spoke of in my first post, excuse their lives by shifting the blame for their circumstances to everyone else in their life!  

I know I have done all these things!  I have made resolutions I hoped to keep, and then quickly just swept them under the rug of my mind, and went on to do what I've always done.  And I may dream about those changes, but making the dreams a reality eludes.  

Here I am at the start of another new year, and facing that "dust" under the rug in my mind.  The idea that I really OUGHT to take my health, and keeping healthy, seriously and a dream of a healthier me.  I have never really cared much about my weight, and never really understood why it seems like a bit of an obsession to some women.  By "obsession" I mean that the better part of their daily lives are focused on it: getting on the scale every single day, analyzing every single pound and counting every single calorie.  Seems they are always feeling guilty or inadequate or not pleasing to themselves or others because of their physical size.  I have always felt very comfortable in my "skin", even as a "big, beautiful woman."  I have accepted who I was, what I was, and the size I was as just me!  And I never really felt the need to spend my every waking moment worrying about my size, or what I chose to eat.   As I ordered my coffee with whole milk and whipped cream, I would proudly say,  "You only live once!"   I mean, you might as well live and enjoy life, right?

I'm also a busy mom!  I know I have readers who will understand this!  My needs always come second to that of my kids.  Also, working in health care, it was even more so.  The kids, the clients, the work, the friend in need:  all these things come first before taking care of me.   I've been so busy with working full time, meeting the needs of the kids, I find that I might go days without doing simple personal care.   I know it really sounds bad, but there were times when I couldn't remember the last time I washed my hair, or brushed my teeth!  I think I do a super job of keeping my kids, and I'm a great employee and compassionate care giver, but I fail in providing what I need for myself!   Do I deserve better?  You bet I do!  When I learned that regarding my my abusive marriage, I did take action to make a change and get out of the relationship.  It took some time though and later I asked myself what took me so long!   When we faced a crossroads, I took a risk to move across country and start a new life in a new community.  So, what about today and exactly what is holding me back from just doing what I need to do to care for myself now? 

I hope maybe my rantings today might strike a chord for you.  I also hope that you will share your thoughts on the subject.  When we sweep our dreams and goals under the rug, rather than keep them out in open, on the front burner of our lives, who loses?  When we go on, day to day, doing what we've always done because its easy or comfortable, what is the ultimate price we pay?  Maybe there is more to a good life: more comfort, more pride, more success and its just a firm decision away!  Maybe I deserve to be the best I can be, instead of just what I am!  What do you think?

There is more to come, as I share my thoughts on accountability.  This will be where this blog for the new year and you, as my readers, come in!  So, I hope you'll stick around.

Do you want to change?

I hope you're still with me.   I didn't hear from any readers about yesterday's post.  No one had any thoughts or ideas about my recent discourse?  I want to encourage my readers to share, so please feel free to comment on any of my posts this year!  

Yesterday we talked about the difference between the "haves" and the "have nots" in the sense that many folks make excuses instead just deciding to "DO IT"!  To continue that thought, I also think that something that makes the difference for success is not only a mindset, but also what we say.  Many don't realized the power of positive thought and speech!  When they say, "I'll TRY" instead of "I'm just gonna DO this!"  We have already made a determination when we can say, "I WILL", rather than, "I'll TRY".
With this positive mindset, the things we hope to accomplish are doable, because nothing is really impossible for the determined mind!

 "Quitting --  No man is ever whipped, 

until he quits — in his own mind."   ~~ Napoleon Hill  

Now it's time to get personal!  About six months ago, as I began my work with RealDose, I had the  opportunity to try our primary product, Weight Loss Formula No 1.  I started taking it, but not regularly, for about a month.  In that time, I did see about 5 lbs weight loss.  But, then I just sort of stopped taking it, because I had not established a good habit with it.  Even though I was now learning more about diet and the importance of a healthy eating program, I somehow did not find myself motivated to make any changes to mine.  

Daily, I talk to customers who "try" our product and say it didn't "work for" them.   Stating the facts in my experience, I could say it didn't "work for" me too, even though I did lose 5lbs that first month!  Yet, I understand completely that the product does not do the "work":  I DO!  I began to think about why I know what I should or ought to do, but why didn't I just do?

How many times I had heard myself or others say "I wish", while waiting for some miraculous change in their circumstances?  We all have dreams and desires, but how do we turn the dream into reality?  And more importantly, what are we willing to sacrifice to make our dreams come true?  Are we willing to change something, or even everything, to make it happen?  Realistically, just how much do we want it?

It's all well and good to say I "should" or I "ought" to do this or that.  But, the important changes do not happen until we really want it.  Then making those changes required to do the thing, maybe changing old habits and lifestyles is hard!  It's a lot of WORK sometimes!  And if we really don't want it, then it is likely we will not do the work required to achieve the thing we desire. 

So, let's review!   As I shared yesterday, the difference between success and failure is as simple as deciding, right?  Once you set your mind to just DO something, you can get it done!  But then success can still elude you as you determine just how much you really want it?  As you also decide how much you're willing to sacrifice, or how much effort you're willing to put forth to achieve that goal, the end result must be dependent upon how much you really WANT to succeed. 

“The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. 

Keep this constantly in mind. 

Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat.”
― Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

This brings me to final point for today:  as far as my personal desire to be healthier and lose weight, just how much do I really WANT it?   
I'll share more about that tomorrow.

Again, let me say I welcome your thoughts and comments on my new blog.  I'm hoping that my posts may open up a dialog with my readers about their own struggles to achieve a goal, or what they may have found helpful to their success.  So, please share with us in the comments!  

There is lots more to come, so stay tuned!

A New Year, A New Resolve?

THERE IS NO TRY!

Wow! It sure has been some time since I posted anything new here. I guess I should apologize to those who expected to read more encouragement from me. I am sorry that I sort of let you down by not posting here for over a year. Maybe, if some of my readers are still around, you will take a minute with me again.   My new resolve for 2013 is to keep up with posting here more often.  I am going to stop waiting for something incredibly "profound" to strike my sense, though!  So, get ready to read more often, yet, maybe more "mundane" content!  It's going to be more the day to day, maybe even checking in or creating accountability with readers!  I hope you will stick with me and comment!

I have been thinking about this for some time now.  I have a wonderful new job for a great company: RealDose Nutrition.  Our main product is Weight Loss Formula No 1, which is an herbal supplement to assist those with their weight loss program.  I have been working in caring for our customers now for 8 months, and I LOVE my work!   I love being a helping, concerned customer service person, who wants to really help people make their lives healthier and happier.  Sometimes, I get a bit frustrated, which, if you've ever done any customer service type work, I know you understand!  I said this months ago however, to my boss, that working with RealDose would not only change the financial and work side of my life, but everything in my life as well!   The interesting thing about this is do I really WANT the changes?

I have been learning a LOT about diet, nutrition, our products and how the use of supplements can improve mood, overall health and impact wellness. I have also learned and studied quite a bit lately about the use of drugs, pharmacological treatments and the devastating use of these drugs, essentially chemicals, on life and health of many. So, this is where this blog comes in.  I talk to so many people every day.  People in every age group, and size, and state of health and mind.  Many have chronic health conditions, and have been told they must lose weight to help that.  These also seem to be the folks who say they a "tried" so many things to lose weight, and are still struggling.  Many want to just stay fit and trim, or maintain their weight and fitness.  Some seem to have a penchant, if you will, for any "natural" gimmick or new fad.  They watch Dr Oz and take pretty much everything he says as "gospel", so they are open to trying new things.  Our product appeals on a lot of levels, but I am discovering that it doesn't seem to "fit" everyone that buys it. 

One thing that has been on my mind a lot is how our customers seem to divide into two very distinct groups of people. First, there are the people who purchase our product, fully understanding that it can help them lose weight, and really expecting that to happen.  However,  they also chose to make healthier choices in their diet and lifestyle, along with using Weight Loss Formula.  So, they faithfully use our product as recommended,  and do all the things we also recommend in our guideline to healthy eating.  When they make that decision, they usually have good things to report to us within a few months of use.  One of the best parts of my job was being assigned to work on the testimonials that we have received from happy customers. 

This realization, along with my own personal ideals, brought a lot of insight into this "truth", as it were: that those who had approached buying and using our product with the resolve to do what was necessary to change old habits, did meet their goals or were on their way to meeting their weight loss goals.  Many have also reported how much better they felt too, not just as a result of using our product, but just about what they had accomplished!

Now this brings me to the other distinct group.  I do all aspects of customer service: I not only take customer calls for sales, but also for support and complaints.  Since our product has a full, money back guarantee, we do hear from a fairly good number of people seeking a refund.  When they contact us, we do try to do everything we can to help them understand that our product is not a "miracle pill", which magically takes off the weight, without their making any other changes to their lifestyle.  We always try to talk them into staying the course, continuing to work on their program and maybe try to refer them to our one on one coaching program for additional support.  Some customers are receptive to this, and decide to keep working at it.  

But, then there are some who simply decide, after just a few weeks of use, that like all the other things they have "tried" and failed with to lose weight, our product is among them now.  They have offered all kinds of creative reasoning, also known as "EXCUSES" why they don't want to keep working on meeting their goal.   Interestingly, some even make those excuses before even starting to try our product. 

As soon as they get the product, and read through our guideline for healthy eating, they say, "I just can't do that!"  or "This doesn't fit my lifestyle" or "I can't drink that much water every day!".   So, they call us up, or email us, to make a return!

I also realized that this pretty much sums up the whole of our society, or our humankind.  You can find these two types of folks in pretty much every walk of life.  The first group are the "go to", "GUNG HO" group.  Nothing holds them back, once they have set their minds on something!  They decided to make it happen, and they are willing to do whatever it takes now to be successful and attain their goals.  Then there is the second group.  For lack of a better word, they are simply "lazy".  In truth, their ability or skills are probably no less than the first group.  The only difference between them is a simple thing called "motivation".  Also, a healthy amount of desire, resolve, tenacity and faith, and a dash of humor!

To the second group, the folks that regularly meet with success at what ever they put their mind to appear "lucky", or "smart" or "privileged".  They seem to also place labels on the successful set: labels that they decide, for whatever reason(again an excuse), don't or can't apply to them.   They also seem to end up in a "rut" in life.  They go through life deciding to place these labels or limitations on their thinking first, and this adversely affects everything they do, or that they decide NOT to do.  You can find them, at that point,  going a step further in deciding perhaps that they were "victims" of their situations or circumstances.   I have also seen that this lifestyle habit is a pretty dangerous one.  They have "learned" helplessness, victim mentality, and maybe thrive on this through out their lives and prey on others for help.  Finally they seem to end up playing the blame game, and wondering why their life is so "crappy"!  And the thing they seem to do best is complain about how everything and everybody has "wronged" them throughout their life!

So, after this understanding, coming back to my personal experience, I realized this about myself.  Some years ago and through my journey to single living again, I learned how I had to make the decision to change things about my life that I found unsatisfactory.   When I made the decision to stop focusing on others, or placing the blame for my circumstances on others, and to turn inward, I began to realize that I too, wasn't any "worse" or "better" off than others.  That the people I envied for their "good" lives, or great jobs, or living situations, were really no different than myself.  And that if I made the decision to just DO IT, I could make the changes in my life to have to kind of life I envied in others.  This change began in my thinking, and then in my words: first to myself and then to others.  And finally, it culminated in my setting out to just DO the thing I desired!   I know you're probably thinking that this sounds deceptively simple!  Yet, any accomplishment really begins with how you think about it, and yourself, then make the decision to just DO the thing you want.  

That is why this film line is one of my favorite quotes:

"Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."   

-- Yoda in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Since it is getting quite late, I will go ahead and post this "installment" for today.  I want to continue on this subject tomorrow and to tell you about what all this has really taught me about myself, as well!  I will also share what all this great insight may hold for the coming days and month, and throughout this wonderful new year!  

I hope you'll stick with me, and tune in regularly for my new, 

"A NEW HEALTHIER YOU?
  or the journey to a healthier ME" blog!

Do Not Give Way to Fear

" Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear." 
~~ 1 Peter 3:6

Peter writes here to exhort the women to not be overly focused on their outward appearance, but to prepare themselves spiritually. This Word stood out to me in response to the recent conversations on one of my message boards. One member expressed this concern: "I'm too worried about what others will think of me". Where does this anxiety come from? It is our human desire to feel accepted and a sense of belonging with others. There comes a time, however, that we as believers must understand that we are not part of this world. We may live in it for a time, but we do not have to conform to its ways. When we face anxiety like this, we must seek Him and His will for us. We have been called out to live our lives "set apart" and holy for Him.

When we fully understand our heritage through Him, we can allow Him to take all our fears and anxieties. Therefore, we have nothing to worry about. Our Messiah told us we may have to be separated, even from family, through our faith. But, we have a much bigger inheritance through Him! I believe we are coming into times when we will be tried and we will have to answer to where we stand: either with Him or with the world. Even in the seemingly insignificant things, like wearing covering or modest dress, we are standing on our convictions and taking action regarding our beliefs.

Yes, many will argue that it's not that important. That He knows the condition of our hearts and that's all that matters and that we are covered by grace and mercy through Him. And that it is not by works that we are "saved". No question that our Savior did that work for us, and through our profession of faith, we are saved! Yet, throughout scripture, we are also given instruction for living lives in obedience to Him, and not giving ourselves over to the world and evil.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

~~ Romans 12:1-2

Why is what we wear important? I mean what’s the big deal about covering? Well, I thought about all the ways He has changed me and given me strength to be courageous for Him. The belonging I have in Him!

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 

~~1 Peter 2:9

In fully realizing our true identity, through Him, comes peace, love and in understanding this love we cast out all fear. You can read in the second chapter of Acts and see how the Spirit transformed the man who was called "Simon" in the gospels, into the strong and powerful "foundation of the church", the man "Peter". It's an incredible witness to see this change from the man who denied knowing Messiah three times to one who was willing, even unto death, to boldly witness to the truth of who He is! (Read Acts 2:14-41)

What is our witness? How shall we walk in our daily lives to witness to those who haven't heard or fully realized Him? Are we willing to live today fully devoted to Him? Sometimes I feel as though many believers today are filled with fear. They are afraid of not being liked, or not accepted by others. Or they are afraid of offending others or being considered "radical" or even "crazy". We put our faith in its neat, little compartment, which we only open on the day we choose for worship, or church attendance. Then we go right back to the world and the rest of our living, having shut the box up for another week. We certainly don't want to mix the two or bring any apologetics or "religion" to our weekly duties!

Our witness requires more than lip service or the obligatory motions we make because "I was raised that way". I believe He is calling us all to go deeper with Him. To submit our every waking hour to Him, not just through weekly observances and rituals. It's knowing that our every breath depends upon Him and He becomes as important to us as the very air we breath! And when we can completely give ourselves and everything about our lives over to Him, He rewards us with "perfect peace" and casts away all our fears through His love! We can speak His word with confidence no matter the day or hour!

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

~~ 2 Timothy 1:7

I want to encourage you all to go deeper with Him. Allow yourselves to be completely given over to His will for you and your daily lives. If this submission includes making the decision to cover, that is wonderful for you! Rejoice in this as your opportunity to make an outward sign of your heart which has become His heart within! And speak boldly when asked about how He has changed your life and heart! Speak of His love and do all you can to spread that love to all you meet. When we can all do this, imagine how His glory will be revealed in the darkness of the world!

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."

~~ Colossians 2:6-8

With much love to all my sisters in the faith!

Focus is Everything!

"The key to successfully climbing mountains doesn't actually have to do with the difficulty of the mountain or the skill of the climber. It's about the One who made both mountain & climber. God is bigger than our biggest problem and God is not limited by our weaknesses. If we focus on God instead of our troubles and shortcomings, we can do whatever it is God has called us to do." -

-Kari Myers

"During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them:
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"




Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 
"You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
-- Matthew 14:25-31


Isn't is amazing how many times we lose our focus? This world has so many distractions! When you're striving to attain something powerful or amazing in your walk with Him, do you seem to find that you are suddenly plagued by circumstances or situations which take your focus from your goal? I know I do! And looking back upon it, I am always struck by how easily I seem to relinquish my thoughts to that which is futile or really outside of my control. I want to remain focused upon my Heavenly Father: concentrated upon His promises for me. But, somehow, I allow myself to get distracted by all the cares and concerns of the world, just like Peter, who lost his sight of our Lord being distracted by the wind and waves.

It is especially difficult to remain focused upon Him when our particular storm is hurtful. It seems all we can think about is how much that person or situation has hurt us. We spend all our time thinking about how we feel, or asking ourselves why, or how others can be so callous and uncaring. If we allow our thoughts to be overwhelmed with the pain we experienced, or the anger and resentment we might feel, we clog our spirit and stop the flow of His love and mercy towards us, and our ability to give that to others. Too much time in this state and that seed of resentment becomes unforgiveness, sometimes held even against ourselves. Then, instead of allowing ourselves to walk on water with Him, we spend our spiritual life swimming through mud, struggling to reach Him and the peace He has promised us.

I found my focus was lost or redirected by the hurt felt by another person. I have a hard time accepting that people would take advantage of someone disabled or lacking healthy discernment. I experienced this in the past week: someone I care about was sorely mislead and robbed. Most would say "Well, he should have known better!" But he was lured into the hoax by his loneliness and a deep desire for love in his life. Although he may have had a nagging that all was not as it seemed, his dream took over and he decided to live in the fantasy he'd created instead. 

Seeing his hurt when he was made to realize that his dream would never come true was painful for me. It brought me completely down to the level of the perpetrator, in that I lost sight of my Heavenly Father. My every waking moment was consumed with the problem, thinking of ways to get back or at least get some justice out of the situation for several days. How many times have we lost sight of Him in an attempt to fight the battle that He promised to fight for us?

Or we lose sight of Him when we are set upon by our own fears and doubts. Doubting our abilities and talents: the talents the He gifted us with, we seem unable to give of ourselves, or set out on that climb to a higher place. Even though He promises us a life improved or a dream realized, we fear falling or maybe failing. 

•  Are you struggling with fears or unforgiveness towards yourself or others? 
•  Do you feel as though you're swimming through mud in your spiritual walk? 
•  Do you feel as though those dreams or goals you want to accomplish are being stalled because you have lost your focus?

I like what Brother Lawrence relayed on this subject through his conversations back in the 17th century in France. It was noted that, "In times as troubled as today, Brother Lawrence, discovered, then followed, a pure and uncomplicated way to walk continually in God's presence."*(1) 

He learned the joy of a pure, contemplative life and lived it to the fullest.  Here is what he said on the subject of focus:

"We should feed and nourish our soul with high notions of God which would yield us great joy in being devoted to Him.
He said we ought to quicken and enliven our faith. It was lamentable we had so little. Instead of taking faith for the rule of their conduct, men amused themselves with trivial devotions which changed daily. He said that faith was sufficient to bring us to a high degree of perfection. We ought to give ourselves up to God with regard both to things temporal and spiritual and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will. Whether God led us by suffering or by consolation all would be equal to a soul truly resigned.
He said we need fidelity in those disruptions in the ebb and flow of prayer when God tries our love to Him. This was the time for a complete act of resignation, whereof one act alone could greatly promote our spiritual advancement.
He said that as far as the miseries and sins he heard of daily in the world, he was so far from wondering at them, that, on the contrary, he was surprised there were not more, considering the malice sinners were capable of. For his part, he prayed for them; but knowing that God could remedy the mischief they did when He pleased, he gave himself no further trouble." *(2)

How do we get back to where we want to be? Prayer! He gave me my answer today through those subtle ways He has of speaking to us, IF we are really hearing Him. First, I read the devotion which came in the mail for my client to her early this morning. This was a powerful thought, which I felt compelled to post to my Facebook page when I read it. Then it got me thinking all day about how easily I lost focus this week, drawn into the current storm. Then, as I was driving home this evening, I heard a wonderful song on an old CD. I've probably heard it at least a dozen times, but He spoke to my spirit through it today! I REALLY heard it! 

This is the key, the prayer of surrender for our lost souls, our lack of focus and our overwhelming fears. I'll close with the words.

Here's the lyrics, written by Bryan Duncan and what might be our prayer each and every day, and most especially when we have lost our focus!

Open up my eyes, I pray
Lord, for just a little glimpse of you
That's all I need, it's all I've ever needed
To see beyond myself, beyond this tiny, little world
All your hands have made
With beauty and strength alone
I can see you comin' to me now
Oh, like a shimmerin' light
Shimmerin' light on an open sea
Barefoot on the water
Laughin' at the ocean
Like you were old friends
Callin' out my name
Saying join me now

Help me cut these bonds where I keep my spirit tied
All safe and dry
Safe and dry, but so afraid
Let me come to you
Let me run to you
With my heart still beating
Beating in my throat
With my sweaty palms and mouth so dry
Shakin' 'til I can't stand still

All I'm askin' is to let me cross
That great divide between you and I
Only you can take me there
So take me there, yeah!

Strollin' on the water
High over every care
Strollin' on the water
Sinking no longer
Let me rise above the high tide
I can do it, I'll do it, yeah
I know that you said, "follow me"

"Just let the water flow, let it go,
oh, keep your eyes on me, feel alive
Try turning circles, yeah
Bend your knees and wave your hands up high,
You feel the wind in your hair,
With your eyes closed,
Take a breath of fresh air,
Feel the mist on your toes,
Look where we are!"

Strollin' on the water
High over every care
Strollin' on the water
Sinking no longer
Let me rise above the high tide
I can do it, I'll do it yeah,
I know where my strength comes from."

Just follow Him and keep your eyes on the prize!


* Passages taken from "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence
(1) Editor's Preface
(2) First Conversation

Spiritual Discipline

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. 

Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace 

for those who have been trained by it." 

--Hebrews 12:11--

Hard to believe it's been over a year since I had any contributions to make to this blog. And so much has happened since then! There have been some tough lessons learned, strife and testing. All the while, there was a lot of painful experiences to travel through. This Word now touches my heart to the core, because I have chafed under His discipline over this year. Now, looking back, I'm thankful for the watchfulness of His love, the eternity of His mercy, and the abundance of His blessings in my life and spirit.

The journey of discovery is far from complete, but I have a peace about traveling this road today which I'm sure comes from His Spirit. Learning every day to let go of myself, my struggle and strife and give it up to His control is the key. I'm not completely there yet in developing this habit, I am getting better at it. Creating in me a discipline of total surrender to Him is a slow and steady climb. 

There's a reward at the end of the effort, though! It's the rest in His tender arms and knowing that His strength keeps me going. There has also been the discovery of daily miracles of providence; proof of my Jehovah Jireh, "My Provider" tending to all of our needs! This helps us arrive at a place of constant praise for all He has done and continues to do in our lives!

Even though my journey over these past months required me to let go of dreams and expectations, I am learning to accept that He has bigger things in store for me than I could ever dream or hope. There is nothing easy about losing relationships, either through divorce or death. There can be comfort in the loss when we choose to believe that He will make right what has been wrong. 

Another promise His Word speaks of:

"All things work together for good 

for those that love the Lord

and are called according to His righteousness"

These are the words to help soothe our hearts and minds when strife meets our path. These words and the evidence of His hand in our lives, even in the worst of times, will light our way to bring us home to rest in Him and His peace. Praise Him!

Lilies of the Field

"See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"    ~~ Matthew 6:28-30


Bill has a garden growing in the back yard. He's planted tomatoes, which are now almost like trees, and have tons of tomatoes. One is about the size of his fist. He got a squash plant from our friends, but when the fruit started growing out round, he thought maybe it was a watermelon plant. Then he found that there are round zucchini plants. We also have beans, which he planted late and we're finally harvesting some which went into the potato soup I made tonight.

We bought some marigold plants on sale at wal-mart and they look great in bright yellow. In between the rows of marigold, he planted seeds that he thought were marigold. The plants are now over three feet high and most definitely not marigolds! They have buds on them now and are going to flower any day. I'm disappointed because we may have a frost tonight and I hope it doesn't hurt them before they have a chance to bloom. I've been so anxious to see just what kind of flower they are. I need to remember HIS words to us and have faith that God will clothe the plants in splendor soon.

This week I had to answer to earthly "powers that be" about how we're making our ends meet. It is so hard to put on paper the fact that many times we are completely supported by the grace of God. When you actually put it in black and white (hopefully no red there!), I see that daily we have much to rejoice for. While the world considers us well below the poverty level, I see myself as so rich in blessing every day.

Perhaps we need another perspective or definition of "wealth" in our busy, materialistic world. In Christ's day, they thought of wealth as ownership of property, livestock, fine garments, and a large family. Things have changed since then in that our family and offspring are no longer considered by society as a sign of a "wealthy" person. I think this is sad, because it is our children who will become our legacy. And He, in His wisdom, gives a divine appointment to take up the occupation of rearing children.

Since our society has allowed individuals to take control of their reproduction, large families have are now considered a burden. Additionally, those who "choose" to have more children are put down in the minds of most as irresponsible. Or, in the case of poor families who rely on state support, our society calls them "leeches"; feeding off our government support programs and having more children in order to profit from tax payers.

Today's Rocky Mtn News had point/counterpoint commentaries about the amendment on the ballot next month to raise our minimum wage. The article against really made me think. I began to imagine a world in which our wage was determined by our dependents, rather than by our education or experience. Would people put off having a family to complete 10 yrs of school and obtain a medical degree if they knew that once employed they would only be paid the standard wage for one person? Would I be able to find an employer willing to hire me who would have to pay me the wage assigned to an adult with four children at home? It's an interesting theory.

The good news is that God knows what He's appointed me to do, and who to care for. And in His time and wisdom, He always provides just what I need, when I need it to complete the work He's given me to do. I don't have to worry about the world's ways, knowing that God will "assign my wage" for me to accomplish His tasks. One of those tasks is that while I'm in the process of explaining our provision to those who are in darkness, may God also give me opportunity to glorify Him and be a witness to His goodness.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

Welcome to the Web!

Wow! What a wonderful place this "world wide web"! Within minutes anyone with the desire can become a "published" author!

I'm just thrilled to be able to share with the world that which clutters my mind. I hope you may find it not "dull". My daily mind-set seems to me full of excitement. Although, too, there are times when I wish for a bit less chaos. I suppose it's in the chaos that we can begin to appreciate quiet and steady times. When we long for them; seek them out, perhaps we can find a respite from the storm. Even if that rest is only in words like, "Come unto me....", or "...and the peace that passes understanding keep your hearts and minds....".

During your chaotic times, what keeps your spirit calm in the storm? I would love to begin a meditation of the subject. How do we really know the "peace that passes understanding"? How is this obtained?

"For our light and momentary troubles

are achieving for us an eternal glory that

far outweighs them all."

2 Corinthians 4:17

I hope this blog will not just be my own little "soapbox" in cyberville. I would love to hear from friends, mentors, family and anyone with an idea who is willing to share. It's such a thrill to me to be connected in this way with the inner thoughts of so many others. Perhaps this "moment" of excitement can also be a moment that brings encouragement to struggling souls or those with something to encourage. Overall, my goal is for my blog to bless others.I hope this can be a blessing to you and, 
if you decide to share, you can be a blessing those who read.