Inspired

It's almost Christmas. It's that time of year when children start ramping up costs on Mom and Dad's charge cards and the Salvation Army bell can be heard ringing at local stores as people dash right on past to rush through Christmas shopping at Walmart and Target (you can see what my budget is looking like.)

Anyway, today a friend inspired me to put up my little Christmas tree. When I moved into my current apartment I checked out all the closets and lo and behold there in a funny little closet that looks like it could hold at least and ironing board, I found a box containing a Christmas tree. I didn't open the box 'cause who needs a tree in March? So I was bemoaning the fact that my house didn't look very Christmas-like, not a decoration to be seen and my friend says "why don't you decorate?" Out comes the box with the tree and tada, lights are there too. So my "Charlie Brown" tree topper is up, lights are on and for decorations, tiny stuffed sheep, a Hershey Kiss doll, Maxine all decked out with antlers and funny bunny slippers and a Furbie. I also found a red Christmas stocking and that's hung on the tree as well. *Smile*!!! Merry Christmas to all and to all "a good night".

Katie

God's Grace in My Life

Luke 1:49 "For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and Holy is His Name."

I want to share something from a devotional I received this week. And although "I press toward the mark of the high calling" I'm not there yet. I can say with Paul that "I have not yet apprehended", but I do so desire to mirror Jesus in my life and my character.

Here is the Devotional:

"Carolyn felt good about herself. She was in her own apartment, working full-time at a job she loved, (I am as well,) and she was looking better than ever before (Me not so much!). God had been so good to her. She was afraid when she set out on her own, but she knew He was looking after her. With God on her side, she felt she could accomplish anything. (Again I can say amen to this. Me too!) God had set her feet on a good road, and she was going to try her hardest to stick to it. (Yes, again.) She wanted everyone to know what God had done for her, and she planned to do nothing that would allow anyone to doubt. The power of God shone brightly through her life, and she was glad." (My sentiments exactly.)

Today's thought: "I want my life to be a sign of God's Grace"

I am also "growing in grace" and for that I am grateful.

Katie

Abstinence is Paying off

Well getting on the scales was not a big let down today. Oh, I know it's not about the numbers and it's more about staying away from those foods which trigger me to overeat, but it is refreshing to weigh in at the gym somewhere between 4 and 6 pounds less and then have it duplicated the next morning here at home.

As I mentioned before, people who eat compulsively need to remain abstinent from their trigger foods. Mine are generally sugar laden, like ice cream and pop and so for a couple weeks now or more, I've cut these from my list of acceptable foods/beverages. It might seem a bit simplistic but it's getting results. My main goal is to lower my blood sugar to an acceptable test level after fasting overnight. So far THAT has not happened, but I am determined and there is power in a "made up mind." I will probably have to modify my food list many times over the next several weeks and months but at least for today I define "abstinence" as no ice cream and no sugared soft drinks. It's a start.

Another small victory for me today was wrestling with the idea of fast food instead of the meal I wrote down when planning the day's menu. Mickey D's lost and I won a skirmish. It's not so much winning a war but being consistent in winning the little battles. Doing battle with the "trolls that live in my soul" is another matter. At least by remaining abstinent I see that there can be victories and in that there is hope for the remaining issues of life.

Katie

To Curves and Home again Jiggedy Jog

So it was back to Curves for the first time since my daughter and I went mid-June. Paying for something and then putting NO effort into it doesn't make a lot of sense, but then eating sugar when one is pre-diabetic does not compute either. So I've lost some weight since my last foray into the world of exercise but my blood sugar A1C wasn't so hot. Now I need to get to the place where the rubber meets the road. I need to put some effort into bringing my eating under control and managing weight loss and exercise so that I am ready to meet the New Year without having to make a lot of empty "resolutions". Hey, they never worked before either!

I'm reading a lot of OA literature and sad to say that there are no meetings in the small town where I live. At least I work in a rehabilitation setting so "recovery" can be and is spoken there. This sugar hurdle is just another opportunity to give God the glory for. I can't, He can, I think I will let Him. (First three of the 12 Step Recovery programs, shorthand version. *smile*) Today is going to be a good day.

Katie

Back to the Basics

Today, I am striking out in a new yet old direction. My travels around the mountain of weight loss and discipline have taken on a life of their own over the years. Starting at age 16 I began the life altering "battle of the bulge." I've been at it long enough that one might say, "Hey I bet you got it right at last." Not! At age 67 the battle still rages and frankly I'm just about fed up with it.

In my e-mail today there was a prophetic word that I am taking to heart. The e-mail comes to me daily from Marsha Burns at Spirit of Prophecy. Today there was a phrase that totally caught my attention... "back to the basics."

A friend of mine is waging the weight war, and successfully I might add, by doing exactly that. With some roots in 12 Step recovery, this woman is simply taking control of her eating habits to maintain a sizeable weight loss. I don't have more than 30 pounds I'd like to shed, or "release" as one of my books refers to it. [Not nearly as daunting a task as my friend faced.] But it doesn't matter how much I have to remove from this 5'1" frame so much as how dedicated I am to change to be disciplined and to plan my meals and eat what I plan. It's about attitude, and simplifying my life. It's a matter of finding that which I must avoid eating and what it is that will be "abstinence" for me. When one quits smoking, or drinking for that matter, one just goes "cold turkey". But as they say in OA, those who seek abstinence in their eating plans have to open the lion's cage three times a day. We MUST eat to survive. We don't need to overwhelm our bodies with chemicals or with junk, but we must treat the "temple of God" well, and fuel it so that we can fulfill that purpose for which we were created. That is my focus today. My friend inspires me to move in that direction. I thank her here, publicly, should she happen to stop by at some point to see if I'm back blogging. I thank her for her inspiration and want to let her know I admire her chutzpa, her moxie, and her faithfulness and most of all her perseverance. I see victory written all over her testimony and when I grow up, I'd like to be just like her. Thanks "California" you go girl!

Katie

Something I'd Like to Share

From my e-mail today, this message from Germaine Copeland....


"From Bumps and Bruises to Grace and Glory"
Lane M. Holland, M.S.N., M.Div.

Anybody ever had an old pot or pan that even though it had served you well the time came to discard it and replace it with a shiny new utensil? The old pot or pan with its bruises, dents and scars went into the garbage and the new one came out of the box and was put into service. There are a few cooks who realize that time only serves to season a particular utensil and though it is no longer shiny or fancy its purpose is unchanged. The meals that come from its use are just as delicious and have the additional joy of holding pleasant memories of family gatherings and times of preparation in the kitchen.In the economy of God our nicks, dents, bruises and scars are not seen as irreparable. This God we serve takes us, and instead of replacing us or putting us on the garbage heap, lovingly remakes us and finds use and purpose for us within His kingdom. What others deem as unsightly God, like those wise cooks finds beauty in our scars and in His wisdom works it into a vessel that can find honor in the Father's house.

The prophet tells it to us this way: "1The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel"
(Jer. 18:1-6)

This passage should bring comfort to us. It assures us of the love extended to us and the blessed grace of God that continually reaches out to encourage continued trust in the Lord. Every place that we would want to call shame becomes opportunity for God to rename redemption, grace, restoration, wholeness, healing or completion. The unlimited compassion of God through Christ is revealed when our nicks and dents are seen from heavens viewpoint. The sovereign plan of God takes our history that we would desire to forget or dismiss from our memory and reshapes it. Things that once looked like candidates for the garbage heap are transformed into testimonies of victory and ministries that can lead others to a place of hope.

The Psalmist tells us that the Lord gives us both grace and glory (Psalms 84:11) which is instrumental in our transformation.Jeremiah's truth reminds us of the willingness of God to work with a people that should have been castaways. God affirmed Israel as His own peculiar treasure and through Christ we are also continually affirmed. This should give us hope not only for ourselves but for the many people we encounter who have almost given up on finding normal again.

When we take a fresh look at the cross we see how God made available the best of heavens resources to present us completed through Christ. The New Testament writer gives us another version of the profound truth expressed through Jeremiah: And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11 KJ V) Paul reminds the readers in this letter that they had a history that was not so beautiful. Yet the plan of God closed the door to their past and they received a brand new existence through the work of the Potter. We, like the Apostle's original audience are also washed, set apart and pardoned through the all sufficient name of Jesus and the work of the Spirit of God. The simple truth is found in the phrase "...such were some of you...". In spite of our past there is a bright future for those who have been washed, sanctified and justified.

If you have been struggling with living too much in your past or seeing dents and bruises instead of grace and glory I would suggest you take a visit to the Potter's wheel. Whether you plan a real outing or take a trip with your holy imagination, see all the ways the Holy Spirit is transforming issues from your past. Ask for the assistance of the Lord to see with eyes of faith how your past is becoming help and hope in your future.

When we realize how much has been done for us the scripture in Ecclesiastes 3:11a gives us cause to rejoice “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time...”. Life with all of its transitional moments should never overwhelm us as followers of Christ. We can see the dents with the hope of grace and glory. We have the joy of exchanging bumps and bruises for beauty and the oil of joy. Redemption is our constant hope and helps us see the reality of this promise:

"...to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."(Isaiah 61:2-3) Shalom.

Katie

My Where did July Go?

Having checked on some blogs I follow, I realized that I haven't spent much time here. The month has been full of busy-ness. We get so busy sometimes, I think we don't really do the things that are most meaningful to us. My quiet-time is one of those areas of my life that I so cherish, and yet, moments fly by and the morning turns into afternoon, Monday turns into Friday and then it's time to head for my weekend at work. Is it because I am getting older or does time do this to everyone?

Just wondering, Katie

Studying the book of James

I picked up a little book at the Coulee CAP office this week. The title of this Bible study is "Faith in Action in James". God knew I needed what's in this study 'cause I'm NOT "counting it all joy" by any means. This morning I grabbed my New Living Testament on DVD and listened to, and read along with chapters 1 - 5. Talk about getting hit with a 2x4. "Taming the tongue" jumped out at me and here I was thinking it was going to be about a good attitude in trials and tribulations.

This afternoon I wrote some in my personal journal about the fact that my life's not measuring up to my expectations. Making a move over 900 miles from home, leaving my church family, beginning a new life AGAIN at 67..... all add up to a bitterness I've not experienced before. My daughter's neighbor told her a long time ago he thought I was a "bitter woman". He ain't seen nothin' yet!!! I am going to a meeting tonight, hopefully to get an attitude adjustment. There's something about fellowship that makes all things more bearable. Until then, I've got a movie to watch and a Serenity Prayer to say. Wish I could be positive ALL the time!!!!!!!

Katie

Vacation

So my daughter is visiting and we have been doing touristy things. We've been to the House on the Rock, Rendezvous, Wylusing State Park and we still have Lansing, Iowa's Horsfalls Store to visit and Pike's Peak State Park. It's a nice week and a good bonding time for us. I wish it never had to end. It is really great having her here and having company. We tried begging the landlord to let me have a pet but to no avail. Of course I had to stop feeding the squirrels and they are really fickle, don't even stop by to say hello now that there's no peanuts raining down. Bummer!

Anyway, lots of DVDs to watch and more fun to be had. Only two full days left and that's more of a downer than I like to think about. So have a great week and I will be back soonest.

Katie

Pursue Peace

Feeding squirrels. A harmless pastime or at least so I thought until yesterday. I live in an apartment, signed the lease which says "no pets" and being a cat lover, and having had a dog in the household up until my recent move, the squirrels seemed like the next best thing. They don't care if I'm gone overnight, don't bark or make a lot of noise if I don't get right to the bag of peanuts on time. What they DO is dig holes in the neighbors' plants. Downstairs, the lovely lady asked so very nicely, if I'd please stop feeding the squirrels. She had already lost one plant and they'd been into all of them throwing dirt around, messing up our lovely patio. (not being snide here, nor sarcastic, simply stating facts) Next door they have been digging up the tomato plants. A simple, "would you please?" 

I hate to admit I was hurt at first. I have gone through SO many changes and this was one "straw" too many! But I remembered reading in the Bible about the pursuit of peace and came to the place of acceptance more quickly than most times. This "acceptance" thing is just getting to be TOO MUCH. Mary Poppins provided a spoonful of sugar, and hard as I look for the "sugar bowl" in the more recent situations in my life, I can't find the bowl nor a spoon.

One neighbor said I should to do what I wanted to do. If I didn't WANT to stop, I didn't HAVE to. I've thrown down a few of the last peanuts for one persistent little guy and not enough so he'd need to find a spot to bury them. I will be gone a couple of days and then maybe they will forget the softheaded lady with the generous handfuls of peanuts and look elsewhere. I won't tell them I gave away a two pound bag just to get rid of the temptation to "share". I'd rather pursue peace and nurture that, after all Jesus didn't say "feed my squirrels" but we are admonished to love one another. After all, love "covers a multitude of sins" and a bad attitude does not promote "peace."

Thanks for reading. God bless you and remember to pursue peace with your neighbors this week.

Katie

Salt and Light

So today's Bible study was all about "salt and light" and indeed it was enlightening. I highly recommend digging into God's Word and finding out what others have also to say as commentary to a particular topic.

My study centered around two New Testament Books, Matthew and Mark both have something to say about "salt" and yes light as well.

Matthew 5: 13 - 16 says this:

Believers Are Salt and Light 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Mark 9:50 says: " Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another."

What I took away from my time in God's Word and in the notes and commentaries was something I'd never thought about before. We talk about salt losing its savor and how it is then useless as seasoning. One of the footnotes caught my eye... "Pure salt maintains its flavor. In Israel, some salt was mixed with other ingredients. When it was exposed to the elements, the salt would be 'leached out'. Such leached out salt was used for coating pathways." So then what I had never considered before concerning Matthew 5: 13b ("It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.") was a cultural truth in Jesus' day.

A little light went on as I continued I found the following which I ask you to consider. "If a seasoning has no flavor, it has no value. If Christians make no effort to affect the world around them, they are of little value to God. If we are too much like the world, we are worthless. Christians should not blend in with everyone else. Instead, we should affect others positively just as seasoning brings out the best flavor in food." (From footnotes in Life Application Bible)

Now I know that God values me and loves me just as I am. After all I am His child. But what does the world around me see when they look at my life and my character? Does my "light" (the reflected light of Christ in me) shine, am I salt and light to those whose lives I touch on a daily basis. Tonight I challenge you to ask yourself; "Am I a salty Christian? Does the light of Jesus shine in me?". Surely for my own witness I wish to shout a resounding "YES". I don't want to be "trampled underfoot" nor do I wish to trample on the Blood which has redeemed me. I was bought with a price.

In the marketplace common "salt" is pretty cheap but taken in the context of these scriptures Salt and Light are Priceless!

Take it With a Grain of Salt

I got to thinking about salt tonight. I was reading the comment on my earlier post and started thinking about "salt". Of course there's the old phrase "take it with a grain of salt" and that implies someone's word is less than believable. Lot's wife learned a life lesson as she looked back at the idols of her past life, longing perhaps the familiar albeit evil living that would no longer be hers if she fled. We know what happened to her.

Salt in the Bible.... why it's fairly peppered with references. And if the salt loses its flavor it is considered useless. We are told we ought to be "salt and light". That gives me pause for thought. As I trundle off to bed it will not be visions of sugar plums but more thoughts about whether or not my own walk is liberally salted or is my light hidden as I look back over my shoulder to what might have been. As I said, "gives me pause."

Katie

Rethinking This Green Veggie

And God made wonderful fruits and veggies for us to enjoy. So who am I to malign Kale. I never thought I'd like bitter greens and once I tried them (endive, dandelion greens) I liked them quite well, thank you. But Kale. Well Kale is tough, takes work to eat. Kale may be like some the things I consider impalatable in my life. Some circumstances are harder to swallow than others. Acceptance of these is my challenge, much like finding a way to prepare Kale that would make it appealing. My apologies to those who find it an okay green. I know that God has a place in His creation for all sorts of vegetation just as He allows certain events and situations to come our way. These situations are like Kale to me, hard to swallow, bitter to the taste, difficult to digest. Situations in my life currently are giving me an opportunity to grow. They make me want to hold my nose in order to consider them at all palatable. But here is what God says: Ezekiel 3:1-3 (New King James Version)
1 "Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll.3 And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness. "

The footnote on 3:1 says "Before the prophet can deliver the message, he must first assimilate it." As I learn the lessons and look for the blessings in these circumstances I find unpalatable, I will have more to offer a fellow traveler on this journey we call Life. I will be able to say to that person, "Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!...Jesus Saves!!!"

God's good gifts

I've been under the weather for several days but today, I'm feeling enough better to make bread in the bread machine and cook rhubarb which I've NEVER done before. Hope it turns out well. At least I'm giving it a whirl. A friend made something with rhubarb and cream cheese that turned out yummy. Hope I can create some brown betty or a cheesecake with mine. I think I'm liking the experimentation as much as I like the rhubarb.

Tonight it will be asparagus with which I experiment. These green slender stalks are young and tender and nothing like store bought. From the giver of rhubarb... some lovely fresh asparagus. Isn't God great? Two such unlikely plants that grow wild which you can actually eat. Unlike Kale which is not anything I want to even learn how to cook let alone serve on my dinner table. It ought to be outlawed!!!! We had it when I was a kid and it was like eating ragweed! Hope the asparagus turns out better than that.

Thanks for reading, Katie

New Beginnings

I've never even considered blogging. Sure I am a little bit computer literate but blogging? Why not? I have plenty of free time and it might be fun to join the ranks of a popular activity. I'm in the throes of a new beginning. New home, new friends, new insights. Maybe this is the place to share the love of Jesus and meet some new people along the way. I've been on this journey a long time and it would be great to have some travelling companions. What do you say. Shall we walk a mile together?

Katie