Isn't it wonderful when you have a dear friend? Someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves, (quite literally in fact), and help out in the everyday of your life. Those types of friends are hard to come by. Those friends that care enough about you that they will challenge you when you start slacking off, encourage you when you are doing well, and rejoice with you when they see God moving in you.
I have a friend just like that. My friend Meg and I have been committed to calling one another Monday through Friday for at least a month or two now every morning. Sometimes it's a quick call, sometimes longer, sometimes we pray for one another, other times we share what God has been speaking to us. Each morning this call is an accountability call. We both desire to have the discipline of prayer established in our lives. We've realized quite frankly, that through the years that we've tried to establish this alone, it has not stuck. I have gone weeks, maybe sometimes months where my daily devotion time is steadfast....and then I will completely forget, turn my heart in another direction and have to start again.
Now I'm not saying this won't happen again. And I'm not saying that Meg and I will still be calling each other every morning when we're grannies but what I am saying is that as we establish this discipline in our lives, we have found strength in numbers. There is something about not going it alone, feeling encouraged, supported and challenged as we engage our spirits in this most precious journey.
Today Meg came over to help me do some spring cleaning. We cleaned, purged and organized nearly every cupboard in my kitchen. Again, I found strength in numbers. This is a job that I would love to forget about. But as spices come flying at me when I start to make dinner....it's hard to forget the mess! And so, with her help, I was able to tackle one of life's many mundane chores and feel accomplished in what we did together. It was wonderful to have my husband come home and 'ooh' and 'awe' and 'wow' over every cupboard he opened.
So, it is not at all a sign of weakness to ask for help. It is a sign of great courage. It is with others that we are called to live this life, and it is with others, we receive strength to keep moving.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Quite the Morning
So what did you do this morning? I had quite the morning. I arose early to pray and try and hear what I am going to preach on next Sunday...I know, I am, it's true. More on that at another time.
Anyhow, then I had a quick breakie and went off to the gym for an early morning Zumba class. Me and the other 2 ladies enjoyed ourselves, ha ha! Didn't realize that it would be such a small class but it was fun anyway.
Next, off to breakfast with Don and Linda, my in-laws and most of our aunties and uncles to celebrate Don's 60th Birthday. I headed home to get ready to take the girls to dance at the seniors centre and as I turned onto my street, I saw someone laying facedown in the grass.
I pulled over my vehicle to see if he needed help. Turns out it was a young teenager who had been encouraged by some friends to do some before-school drinking. He had begged me to take him to school, which I didn't even know where it was. I didn't have a phone with me to call for help so I decided to help him up and put him in my vehicle. Of course as soon as he got in, he need to throw up! Glad I could act fast and push him halfway out of the car and at the same time hang out to his jacket so he wouldn't fall out and onto his own puke. Seriously! Realizing I did not want to travel far with this kid in the car just in case he wanted to puke some more...I decided to take him home, which was only 5 houses away. I helped him to my bathroom to 'rest' on the floor just in case. He asked to sleep on the couch but there was no way I wanted to clean up puke in my living room so off he stumbled with lots of arm help from me to the bathroom. I went to check on him after calling Mike for help and he said, 'I can't believe your bathroom floor is comfortable.' He made me chuckle a few times, poor kid.
Mike decided to call 9-1-1 and we had the whole kit and kaboodle show up at our door. Fire trucks and then the ambulance came with sirens ablazing. What excitement! I felt bad for the kid, first time drinking and he has to take an ambulance ride. But I'm hoping that he learns his lesson and is able to move on. At one point I said, 'Good thing Jesus loves us even when we're down in the dumps, hey?' He said, 'Do you think Jesus could take this splitting headache away?' I said, 'I knew he could but I don't think he will. You know, there is a consequence to your actions and that's one of them.' He made me laugh. He kept telling me what a nice lady I was to help him.
Anyhow, help arrived and walked him out and off he went to the hospital.
Later, Don and Mike told me how to do it the next time. So for any of you who come across a drunk on the ground in the future this is what you do. Don't move him! Call 9-1-1 and let the experts do their thing. I guess once you move them you are liable if they get hurt in the interim. I don't own a cell phone and I just couldn't leave the guy lying on the side of the road so I did what I had to do. It would have been totally different if it was a man, but this was a 14 year old who had just made an awful decision. I know if I was his mom, I would have been thankful that he wasn't left on the ground alone.
But in the future, I know the best way to walk it out! So, who can top that morning?
Anyhow, then I had a quick breakie and went off to the gym for an early morning Zumba class. Me and the other 2 ladies enjoyed ourselves, ha ha! Didn't realize that it would be such a small class but it was fun anyway.
Next, off to breakfast with Don and Linda, my in-laws and most of our aunties and uncles to celebrate Don's 60th Birthday. I headed home to get ready to take the girls to dance at the seniors centre and as I turned onto my street, I saw someone laying facedown in the grass.
I pulled over my vehicle to see if he needed help. Turns out it was a young teenager who had been encouraged by some friends to do some before-school drinking. He had begged me to take him to school, which I didn't even know where it was. I didn't have a phone with me to call for help so I decided to help him up and put him in my vehicle. Of course as soon as he got in, he need to throw up! Glad I could act fast and push him halfway out of the car and at the same time hang out to his jacket so he wouldn't fall out and onto his own puke. Seriously! Realizing I did not want to travel far with this kid in the car just in case he wanted to puke some more...I decided to take him home, which was only 5 houses away. I helped him to my bathroom to 'rest' on the floor just in case. He asked to sleep on the couch but there was no way I wanted to clean up puke in my living room so off he stumbled with lots of arm help from me to the bathroom. I went to check on him after calling Mike for help and he said, 'I can't believe your bathroom floor is comfortable.' He made me chuckle a few times, poor kid.
Mike decided to call 9-1-1 and we had the whole kit and kaboodle show up at our door. Fire trucks and then the ambulance came with sirens ablazing. What excitement! I felt bad for the kid, first time drinking and he has to take an ambulance ride. But I'm hoping that he learns his lesson and is able to move on. At one point I said, 'Good thing Jesus loves us even when we're down in the dumps, hey?' He said, 'Do you think Jesus could take this splitting headache away?' I said, 'I knew he could but I don't think he will. You know, there is a consequence to your actions and that's one of them.' He made me laugh. He kept telling me what a nice lady I was to help him.
Anyhow, help arrived and walked him out and off he went to the hospital.
Later, Don and Mike told me how to do it the next time. So for any of you who come across a drunk on the ground in the future this is what you do. Don't move him! Call 9-1-1 and let the experts do their thing. I guess once you move them you are liable if they get hurt in the interim. I don't own a cell phone and I just couldn't leave the guy lying on the side of the road so I did what I had to do. It would have been totally different if it was a man, but this was a 14 year old who had just made an awful decision. I know if I was his mom, I would have been thankful that he wasn't left on the ground alone.
But in the future, I know the best way to walk it out! So, who can top that morning?
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Abigail has taken this verse seriously. Yesterday she sang 'This is the day that the Lord has made' as she sat beside me. 'Mom, is that a good song?' Of course I replied, 'Yes it's a very good song.' And so she sang it again.
Later in the evening when it was time for Caleb to get his cut finger cleaned out and bandaged, I said to him, 'Be brave Caleb.' She belted out, 'Be brave, ch-ch, be strong, ch-ch, for the Lord thy God is with thee.' She had us all singing to Caleb before he worked up the nerve to be brave.
It's a good reminder for me to keep filling my children's hearts and minds with music and scripture. It is easy to remember and it can pop out at anytime, even when you least expect it!
Later in the evening when it was time for Caleb to get his cut finger cleaned out and bandaged, I said to him, 'Be brave Caleb.' She belted out, 'Be brave, ch-ch, be strong, ch-ch, for the Lord thy God is with thee.' She had us all singing to Caleb before he worked up the nerve to be brave.
It's a good reminder for me to keep filling my children's hearts and minds with music and scripture. It is easy to remember and it can pop out at anytime, even when you least expect it!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunny Days
Don't you love sunny days? The feeling like summer really IS coming. Our BC weather has often tricked us - hot one day, cold and rainy the next. But when the sun shines, we know that we need to take advantage of it. That is what we did!
Sadie was the scooper and the boys graciously allowed her to run and throw sand at them for a really really long time! Great day despite a burn on Abbi's shoulders!
Next was Jumping on the Tramp in the backyard. We finally got our tramp up and going after a year and a half hiatus and so it is a whole new thrill all over again.
And on my next post I'll share about a great field trip with Caleb because even though he misses out on our daytime fun, he has some of his own. Plus a hike to Cascade Falls. Enjoy the sun while it shines!
The most sunny day last week, I packed up the kids and met Dawna and her kids at Albert Dyck Park. It was relatively quiet most of the day and the kids had a bawl playing in the sand and got along so well. Here are some highlights!
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| Sadie, my strong girl is pulling the bike trailer full of stuff for the beach! |
Playing in the sand, need I say more? What kid doesn't like digging and making rivers of muddy, sandy water for hours at a time!? And then there are the sand fights, which believe it or not, ended not in tears or screaming. They mostly just had a great time with one another.
Sadie was the scooper and the boys graciously allowed her to run and throw sand at them for a really really long time! Great day despite a burn on Abbi's shoulders!
Next was Jumping on the Tramp in the backyard. We finally got our tramp up and going after a year and a half hiatus and so it is a whole new thrill all over again.
And on my next post I'll share about a great field trip with Caleb because even though he misses out on our daytime fun, he has some of his own. Plus a hike to Cascade Falls. Enjoy the sun while it shines!
Monday, May 23, 2011
My name is Jocelyn and I am addicted to computer games
My name is Jocelyn and I am addicted to computer games. As a child I was given a gameboy one Christmas. Tetris soon became my favourite thing to do. I spent hours on that thing. I can remember as a teenager when the internet was just becoming popular and accessible, I found Boggle. I began to spend any spare moment I had playing it - I love word games. Little did I know that the little seed I planted back then would continue to grow in me. When we were first married I didn't have much work so I turned to that lovely computer again for entertainment and purpose.
I go through long periodst in my life where I play no games at all and then when I do, I make up for it in a hurry. The thing is, when I am playing games it distracts me from real life. I find myself ignoring things and people that I normally would engage with. My prayer life suffers and my overall attitude for life changes.
This little seed grows into one big messy garden of death. It is an idol in my life. I know we all have them; some of us have more than others. Some are longtime 'friends' and are hard to let go of and others sneak in the back door and creep up on us when we least expect it.
I love my current game selections and it took some convincing for me to do what I did today. You know, you reason, 'It's just a game. It's relaxing. I don't have to play that much.' The enemy loves to help me downplay my actions. But the reality is it is an IDOL. I know my bible, don't you? The Lord is a Jealous God and he wants no other idols before him. That includes this game. Now, for some people computer games may be an innocent outlet and not what it is to me. It may not have the hold on their lives as it does with me. But if we are honest with ourselves we will see the things that have dug a groove into our hearts.
I don't want this idol in my heart anymore and so I blocked all my game applications on my computer. Even if I want to play, I won't be able to play. It feels good; it feels freeing. Jesus is so much more important that any game I could ever play and I need him to know that and I need me to show it.
Now, I know that I will stumble, maybe even fall, but for today, for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
I go through long periodst in my life where I play no games at all and then when I do, I make up for it in a hurry. The thing is, when I am playing games it distracts me from real life. I find myself ignoring things and people that I normally would engage with. My prayer life suffers and my overall attitude for life changes.
This little seed grows into one big messy garden of death. It is an idol in my life. I know we all have them; some of us have more than others. Some are longtime 'friends' and are hard to let go of and others sneak in the back door and creep up on us when we least expect it.
I love my current game selections and it took some convincing for me to do what I did today. You know, you reason, 'It's just a game. It's relaxing. I don't have to play that much.' The enemy loves to help me downplay my actions. But the reality is it is an IDOL. I know my bible, don't you? The Lord is a Jealous God and he wants no other idols before him. That includes this game. Now, for some people computer games may be an innocent outlet and not what it is to me. It may not have the hold on their lives as it does with me. But if we are honest with ourselves we will see the things that have dug a groove into our hearts.
I don't want this idol in my heart anymore and so I blocked all my game applications on my computer. Even if I want to play, I won't be able to play. It feels good; it feels freeing. Jesus is so much more important that any game I could ever play and I need him to know that and I need me to show it.
Now, I know that I will stumble, maybe even fall, but for today, for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
It is better to give than to receive
We had an assignment in our ladies group last week to pray about who God would like us to bless (in the group) and what we should do for that person. It was beautiful to see the gifts of God poured out on Monday night. Everything from flowers to hand-painting to notes and words of encouragement.
I felt like Jesus wanted me to bless my friend with cleaning, windows actually. When I told her she said that she hadn't washed her windows sinced she moved in; that was my confirmation that God was speaking to me! So yesterday I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Now this woman does not just have a few windows - she has MANY windows. She has windows in her kitchen cupboards, windows in two sets of double doors, and many, many more!
Surpringly, I found joy and life in offering this service to her. I actually went home thinking about what a fun day I had. Fun? Washing windows? I know, crazy, but when we do it for Jesus, He somehow turns it into fun. It was so cool to be in step with what he wanted me to do and be a part of blessing someone with His love. And what a sense of accomplishment it is to see the finished product, clean and clear.
I didn't receive anything the night we exchanged blessings and gifts, but I did receive God's joy and life as I gave of myself on His behalf. It really is better to give than to receive.
PS - Have you ever tried doing something like this? It's a great way to stretch your faith and think beyond yourself. I encourage you to pray and see who Jesus has for you to bless this week...and then email me and tell me what you did. Be a blessing; you will be blessed!
I felt like Jesus wanted me to bless my friend with cleaning, windows actually. When I told her she said that she hadn't washed her windows sinced she moved in; that was my confirmation that God was speaking to me! So yesterday I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Now this woman does not just have a few windows - she has MANY windows. She has windows in her kitchen cupboards, windows in two sets of double doors, and many, many more!
Surpringly, I found joy and life in offering this service to her. I actually went home thinking about what a fun day I had. Fun? Washing windows? I know, crazy, but when we do it for Jesus, He somehow turns it into fun. It was so cool to be in step with what he wanted me to do and be a part of blessing someone with His love. And what a sense of accomplishment it is to see the finished product, clean and clear.
I didn't receive anything the night we exchanged blessings and gifts, but I did receive God's joy and life as I gave of myself on His behalf. It really is better to give than to receive.
PS - Have you ever tried doing something like this? It's a great way to stretch your faith and think beyond yourself. I encourage you to pray and see who Jesus has for you to bless this week...and then email me and tell me what you did. Be a blessing; you will be blessed!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Zumba and The Spirit
I took my first Zumba class today at Great West Fitness. I had a blast! The instructor's name was Michelle and she was incredible. If she is not a Christian, His Spirit is sure on her! She is friendly and warm and full of energy. She introduced herself to the 'newbies' in the class and hugged everyone else as if they were old friends.
The class was high-energy and lots of fun. There was no one showing off; everyone was free to be who they were in whatever size or age they are. At the end of the class she played this song while we stretched. Now this might sound a little cheesy but she starts lip singing it to each person in the class; like going up to each person's face and telling them that 'You are amazing just the way you.' 'You are beautiful.' She made a point to say it to every person in the class. It was actually quite powerful. I was looking around at these women and thinking this might be the only time in the week that they hear that they are beauitful and amazing just as they are.
I know for me when I'm all sweaty and looking in the mirror and know that I'm not the exact figure that I want to be, it's quite encouraging to hear that I am OK right now, just the way I am. That's the truth; that's the kingdom come right there.
So Zumba and the Spirit; yep, they go together.
The class was high-energy and lots of fun. There was no one showing off; everyone was free to be who they were in whatever size or age they are. At the end of the class she played this song while we stretched. Now this might sound a little cheesy but she starts lip singing it to each person in the class; like going up to each person's face and telling them that 'You are amazing just the way you.' 'You are beautiful.' She made a point to say it to every person in the class. It was actually quite powerful. I was looking around at these women and thinking this might be the only time in the week that they hear that they are beauitful and amazing just as they are.
I know for me when I'm all sweaty and looking in the mirror and know that I'm not the exact figure that I want to be, it's quite encouraging to hear that I am OK right now, just the way I am. That's the truth; that's the kingdom come right there.
So Zumba and the Spirit; yep, they go together.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Doing Life Together
So our ladies small group has just grown to a dozen women and I am so excited about it. We started out as five women doing a book study and keeping one another accountable to make both phsyical, spiritual and soul changes in our lives. We finished our book and decided to open the group up to more diverse women - different ages, stages of life, and all with something to bring to the table. Our first meeting was Monday and it was great! I'm so excited about what God is going to do together as we get to know one another and grow together.
This isn't no group for the faint of heart - we are calling women into growth and life in Jesus. We memorize scripture weekly, have a prayer partner for support and get to do homework each week. Our heart is to grow closer to Jesus in a community setting. We all know how tough it is to commit to prayer and reading the Word. I mean even if that's our heart's desire, it still seems like such a battle to do it. It's always easier in numbers. So we've decided to get involved in one another's lives to help us all move closer to Him. It feels like life is flowing through the Body when we walk this journey together.
We have ladies that are past the childrearing stage who will have wisdom to pass along, young moms, newly marrieds, and a few in between, but all are women who love Jesus and are ready to love Him more.
It's so great that we can get together and encourage one another, even when it's hard, even when it's uncomfortable; it's a safe place to risk.
I'm so glad I don't belong to a group like this. This one made me laugh as it's probably the opposite of all that I talked about on Monday. As much as we all sometimes want to avoid growth and depth in our relationships, the real deal is so much better.
This isn't no group for the faint of heart - we are calling women into growth and life in Jesus. We memorize scripture weekly, have a prayer partner for support and get to do homework each week. Our heart is to grow closer to Jesus in a community setting. We all know how tough it is to commit to prayer and reading the Word. I mean even if that's our heart's desire, it still seems like such a battle to do it. It's always easier in numbers. So we've decided to get involved in one another's lives to help us all move closer to Him. It feels like life is flowing through the Body when we walk this journey together.
We have ladies that are past the childrearing stage who will have wisdom to pass along, young moms, newly marrieds, and a few in between, but all are women who love Jesus and are ready to love Him more.
It's so great that we can get together and encourage one another, even when it's hard, even when it's uncomfortable; it's a safe place to risk.
I'm so glad I don't belong to a group like this. This one made me laugh as it's probably the opposite of all that I talked about on Monday. As much as we all sometimes want to avoid growth and depth in our relationships, the real deal is so much better.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Remind me not to do that again!
OK, so with all this baking for Mother's Day my flesh took control and I started sampling a little something here and a little something there. Yesterday we still had six gluten free truffles sitting in my freezer. It was just too much temptation for me to resist and so throughout the day....I....ate...them...ALL!!
My tummy didn't feel toooo bad but I still wasn't sure what the repercussions would be in the morning. And boy was I sick!! Oh my, this was definitely a reminder that I don't want to do that again. My stomach is in pain and... I think that's all the detail I'm going to go into. So I am back on my restrictions and am writing it down so you all know!
I'm halfway through so it's time to be strong and stick with it. I know that if I can do this, in the long run my body will thank me for it. So as much as I love chocolate, that was the last chocolate I'm going to eat for the next three months. Bye bye my dear sweet chocolate; it was so nice to see you again. I just wish you weren't so violent with my body so I could enjoy you more often!
As terrible as it is to be sick when I eat things that aren't agreeing with me, it's also a blessing and a reminder NOT to eat them. I'm thankful for that. It's what keeps me disciplined to walk this road out.
So bring on the carrots and beans and rice and fish and turkey. Today is a new day.
My tummy didn't feel toooo bad but I still wasn't sure what the repercussions would be in the morning. And boy was I sick!! Oh my, this was definitely a reminder that I don't want to do that again. My stomach is in pain and... I think that's all the detail I'm going to go into. So I am back on my restrictions and am writing it down so you all know!
I'm halfway through so it's time to be strong and stick with it. I know that if I can do this, in the long run my body will thank me for it. So as much as I love chocolate, that was the last chocolate I'm going to eat for the next three months. Bye bye my dear sweet chocolate; it was so nice to see you again. I just wish you weren't so violent with my body so I could enjoy you more often!
As terrible as it is to be sick when I eat things that aren't agreeing with me, it's also a blessing and a reminder NOT to eat them. I'm thankful for that. It's what keeps me disciplined to walk this road out.
So bring on the carrots and beans and rice and fish and turkey. Today is a new day.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Having a Morning Off
It's amazing how nice it is to have a morning off. I can't actually remember the last time I had a complete morning all to myself without having to take Caleb to school or run errands or clean the house. This morning I got up and got to go to the gym, pick up photos from our photographer and have lunch and a shower without my children around! How nice. Don't get me wrong; I love my kids. But it is so nice to have some quiet time for the soul. After a relaxed (yet sweaty) time at the gym, I arrived home to an empty house thanks to my in-laws taking the girls to the park and was able to just sit and relax with my food instead of running back and forth to the fridge to get milk and clean up spills and refill plates. Then because they were still not home I hopped in the shower to enjoy a long and relaxing one without the screams of children and knocking on the door.
Its the little things that re-charge the soul. I need to remember to figure out a way to do this more often. It does a mommy good.
Its the little things that re-charge the soul. I need to remember to figure out a way to do this more often. It does a mommy good.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Psalm 103
Mike and I have been preparing to share on Sunday and we've been looking back at how God spoke to us. Last summer Mike lost his job and it took a couple of weeks to be able to spend time with God again. I just couldn't focus and when I did I was just crying or complaining or angry.
Finally, we were away at Camp Likely - in the middle of nowhere with no cell or internet reception, a place where we had to slow down - and so I went down to the dock one more and spent some time reading. And this is what I read:
Praise the Lord O my soul; all my inmost being praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5
At that point in my life I was taking a hard hit with depression and was definitely 'in the pit'. It was hard to believe the Lord was going to renew me and satisfy my desires but I felt like that was a scripture to hang on to...and so I did. That Sunday we went to church at my in-laws' church in Williams Lake and what scripture were they speaking on???? None other than Psalm 103. The Lord was confirming this word in me.
With no job, no opportunity, no joy in sight, I wasn't sure how He was going to accomplish this but I put it my backpocket and waited to see what would happen. We had a busy summer and it included a friend from my precious friend Sarah Gilman, a missionary from Haiti. We talked about the possibility of me coming out and visiting her, something I had longed to do since she moved down there a year prior.
Looking at the place in life we were, I knew that this might be the perfect timing - Mike could take care of the kids, we were still on severance and I could go to Haiti. I struggled with the thought for another month and then took the huge risk of going to a third world country for the first time and booked my ticket. Two weeks later I was on a plane and on my way to St.Marc, Haiti.
The trip was a gift, a big kiss, from the Lord. The minute I got on the plane, my heart was giddy and excited like a little girl, there was joy bubbling. That was something I hadn't felt in a long time. And it didn't stop there. I beamed the entire bumpy ride to St.Marc, reveling in this new experience. I took every moment in as a gift from the Lord. I went with no expectations as to what I would do and ended up having many opportunities - to go to the jail, visit tent cities, do food distribution, even preach at the church. And what scripture did I preach? Psalm 103, because it was there that the Lord satisfied my desires with Good Things! It was there that he RENEWED me like the eagle's. It was there that he crowned me with LOVE and COMPASSION. It was there that he reminded me how much He loved me and that this whole trip was orchestrated just for me, just to bless me. I left the shadows of my life in Haiti and came home a changed person. There was a lightness to my step, a new joy and excitement for what was to come.
I don't think God allowed Mike to lose his job just so I could go to Haiti, but I do know that He works all things together for the Good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. I thought that scripture included Mike as he was the one 'in the thick of it' and yet, the Lord cares so deeply for me that He intended to make every Good He possibly could as I walked through this dark time. He is such a good God! Praise the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me, Praise His holy name!
Finally, we were away at Camp Likely - in the middle of nowhere with no cell or internet reception, a place where we had to slow down - and so I went down to the dock one more and spent some time reading. And this is what I read:
Praise the Lord O my soul; all my inmost being praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5
At that point in my life I was taking a hard hit with depression and was definitely 'in the pit'. It was hard to believe the Lord was going to renew me and satisfy my desires but I felt like that was a scripture to hang on to...and so I did. That Sunday we went to church at my in-laws' church in Williams Lake and what scripture were they speaking on???? None other than Psalm 103. The Lord was confirming this word in me.
With no job, no opportunity, no joy in sight, I wasn't sure how He was going to accomplish this but I put it my backpocket and waited to see what would happen. We had a busy summer and it included a friend from my precious friend Sarah Gilman, a missionary from Haiti. We talked about the possibility of me coming out and visiting her, something I had longed to do since she moved down there a year prior.
Looking at the place in life we were, I knew that this might be the perfect timing - Mike could take care of the kids, we were still on severance and I could go to Haiti. I struggled with the thought for another month and then took the huge risk of going to a third world country for the first time and booked my ticket. Two weeks later I was on a plane and on my way to St.Marc, Haiti.
The trip was a gift, a big kiss, from the Lord. The minute I got on the plane, my heart was giddy and excited like a little girl, there was joy bubbling. That was something I hadn't felt in a long time. And it didn't stop there. I beamed the entire bumpy ride to St.Marc, reveling in this new experience. I took every moment in as a gift from the Lord. I went with no expectations as to what I would do and ended up having many opportunities - to go to the jail, visit tent cities, do food distribution, even preach at the church. And what scripture did I preach? Psalm 103, because it was there that the Lord satisfied my desires with Good Things! It was there that he RENEWED me like the eagle's. It was there that he crowned me with LOVE and COMPASSION. It was there that he reminded me how much He loved me and that this whole trip was orchestrated just for me, just to bless me. I left the shadows of my life in Haiti and came home a changed person. There was a lightness to my step, a new joy and excitement for what was to come.
I don't think God allowed Mike to lose his job just so I could go to Haiti, but I do know that He works all things together for the Good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. I thought that scripture included Mike as he was the one 'in the thick of it' and yet, the Lord cares so deeply for me that He intended to make every Good He possibly could as I walked through this dark time. He is such a good God! Praise the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me, Praise His holy name!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Big Cheat
This afternoon I did a big cheat from my diet. I was making oat fudge bars and one of the batches looked a little underdone so I thought I should try a little to check. Instead of cutting a sliver, I took a big piece and ate the whole thing....and then another one. What in the world was I thinking? My draw to chocolate gets exceptionally strong when I am PMSing and well, I am PMSing and so I just couldn't stop myself. I'm a little nervous to see how my body reacts to all that sugar, butter, flour, eggs, and chocolate that I haven't let myself have for two and a half months!
It has been difficult at times to stick to this diet but I have felt a definite divine grace as I've walked through the last few months. I know I cannot make it through the summer without the help of my God. He is the only thing stopping me from digging in the freezer and grabbing another oat fudge bar right now. And really was it worth it? Why is it we do want we don't want to do?
My life is a little like that these days. I know I need to continue working out and getting up for my devotions but somehow I find a way to stay up till midnight so I'm less than coherent when my alarm rings in the morning. And working out....well there's that excuse that there is no ink in the printer to print out my groupon for Great West Fitness. I guess that excuse is done now that Mike brought home ink this evening.
So what am I saying? I'm just saying I'm weak. Just want you to know. I can't keep it together on my own, and I fail when I try....point already shown above. I continually need Jesus and I continually try to do it without him. Thankfully he is ever-patient and ever-kind and ever-loving and will let me start again in the morning.
I guess it's not the falling that matters so much, it's whether we choose to get back up or not.
It has been difficult at times to stick to this diet but I have felt a definite divine grace as I've walked through the last few months. I know I cannot make it through the summer without the help of my God. He is the only thing stopping me from digging in the freezer and grabbing another oat fudge bar right now. And really was it worth it? Why is it we do want we don't want to do?
My life is a little like that these days. I know I need to continue working out and getting up for my devotions but somehow I find a way to stay up till midnight so I'm less than coherent when my alarm rings in the morning. And working out....well there's that excuse that there is no ink in the printer to print out my groupon for Great West Fitness. I guess that excuse is done now that Mike brought home ink this evening.
So what am I saying? I'm just saying I'm weak. Just want you to know. I can't keep it together on my own, and I fail when I try....point already shown above. I continually need Jesus and I continually try to do it without him. Thankfully he is ever-patient and ever-kind and ever-loving and will let me start again in the morning.
I guess it's not the falling that matters so much, it's whether we choose to get back up or not.
Breaking the Funk
Enough already. I've sat down to blog numerous times over the last few days and have never posted what I wrote or didn't finish enough to post it. It's time to break this funk I've been in!! I've been without a computer in the day so that hasn't helped but I now have a power cord and am ready to begin again!
And so for a recap of last night's dessert. I made Almond Butter Ice Cream with Carob Chips.
Slice two bananas and freeze for at least two hours. Once frozen, throw them in a blender with 3 tbsp. Almond Butter and blend and blend and blend until smooth. I added about a tsp or so of agave to sweeten a little as well. If you neeed to, use a spatula to clean the edges and push down; this process took a little while because the bananas are hard and you want them to get to a smooth texture. Once smooth, spoon into a bowl and add a few carob chips or chocolate chips if you are so privileged to be able to eat them right now!! Mix and eat. So yummy and smooth and a great treat with way less calories than the real thing. Enjoy!
And so for a recap of last night's dessert. I made Almond Butter Ice Cream with Carob Chips.
Slice two bananas and freeze for at least two hours. Once frozen, throw them in a blender with 3 tbsp. Almond Butter and blend and blend and blend until smooth. I added about a tsp or so of agave to sweeten a little as well. If you neeed to, use a spatula to clean the edges and push down; this process took a little while because the bananas are hard and you want them to get to a smooth texture. Once smooth, spoon into a bowl and add a few carob chips or chocolate chips if you are so privileged to be able to eat them right now!! Mix and eat. So yummy and smooth and a great treat with way less calories than the real thing. Enjoy!
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