My Response is My Responsibility

Whatever Wednesday

This is the biggest "Whatever" Wednesday ever. I feel so out of sorts it is crazy. Last night I slept great (thanks to Nyquil). Then I went running and that was hard! The weather was so humid I was dripping. I guess Nyquil at night and running early 6 a.m. don't do well together. I thought I was going to have to sit down in a someone's yard to take a break! The whole time I was telling the Lord that I didn't have enough to make it through the next week of nightly meetings and daily teachings and chores and life. "I guess you, Lord, are going to have to show up for me."
Get back to the house and Todd is asleep on couch with Em who had a bad dream so I go to bedroom and turn on TV. Commercials, commercials, commercials!!! Then I find "Gene Simmon's Family Jewels" Sweet way to start the day! Bizarrish episode!
I was about to watch my second episode when Todd stumbled in from den and I reacted like I was a 12 year old child watching something I shouldn't. Quickly changed the channel and guess where it landed! That's right...Beth Moore!

How about that for divine intervention? And guess what her subject was? Praise in the midst of circumstances that are not changing! Acts 16 Paul and Silas in jail! Basically to sum up the first two hours of my Whatever Wednesday, God not only wants to change my life, He wants to change my day. My day can change with a change of attitude. But I ask, what if I like to hold my stubborn attitude. What if I don't want it to change. I just want to keep it. Pout and whine. Pout and whine!! ....But it would be such a waste! A waste of time and a waste of memories. A waste of a day that I can't get back.

When I look back to all my wasted years of fear, worry and pride, it makes me angry that I would let even one more be robbed from me, my family and my King. I haven't been jailed nor flogged. I have a husband who is in love with me. Kids that love me. And a Savior that sings over me. So it may begin with a hum, but even so I will begin to praise. Let the flowing waters of praise stir my soul!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

What About That

This is a recap of sorts. I have nothing specific to say. I raced my first race today. It was a lot of fun. There were a few things that spoke to me today.

How slow took on a new meaning today! People walking were passing me, as well as, several grandmas! Hilarious and sad at the same time! The classic story of the tortoise and the hare stayed in head.

The other thing that I noted today were those who cheering us on. Reminding us to keep going and how we were close to the end. I couldn't help but think about the cloud of witnesses that is mentioned in Hebrews.

And then my running partner, Jill, who could have gone and gotten a latte while waiting for me to come to the finish line, came and met me about 30 yards or so from the finish line to run with me to the end. What a sweet demonstration of encouragement and love!

I keep getting reminded how all this translates into my spiritual life. So thankful for being taught things that will last eternally.

Now I am tired so I will have to go. Go Dawgs. Beat those Cats!!

Easier Said than Done!

How simple is it to say things! No sooner you say something that you get tested in the very thing you said. It is very humbling. This time I want to eat my words. I want to not only hear the truths that God has been teaching me, I want to digest them. Take them to the depths of my spirit so that the overflow of my heart will be a blessing and be pleasing to the Lord!

So I will press on tonight! I won't stop. It is not time to quit but to dig deep and stand firm. Praise God that he didn't quit on me! Today, Emily and Holly were the only children at choir. Our family makes up over 50% of the children's choir. So Jeaneen is going to let them sing a duet for church tomorrow and this is the preciousness of being a mom because I get to hear my babies sing the following:

Thank you, Lord, for saving me

Thank you, Lord, for keeping me

I know you're Lord of All

You hear my call

We bless you

We praise you, Lord!

So looking forward to this week! God is faithful. He will not be denied! Kind of like the Dawgs today! LOL! Thought I would lighten up the post!

Got Faith?

"Why have you dealt ill with your servant?" Numbers 11:11

Spurgeon says, " Our heavenly Father sends us frequent trouble to test our faith. If our faith is worth anything, it will stand the test. Gilt [superficial brilliance or shine] is afraid of fire, but gold is not: The imitation gem dreads being touched by the diamond, but the true jewel fears no test. It is a poor faith that can only trust God when friends are true, the body is healthy, and the business profitable; but it is true faith that rests in the Lord's faithfulness when friends are gone, the body is ailing, spirits are depressed, and the light of our Father's face is hidden. A faith that can say, in deepest trouble, 'Though he slay me, I will hope in Him' is a heaven-born faith."

Lord, create a true faith in me!!

Wednesday's Word

"For I am the Lord, your God,

Who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,

"Do not fear; I will help you."

Isaiah 41:13

Refinement is a Pain!

I have been training for my first 5k. That's right, me! I have run in one race in my entire life. Then I was 16 and it was horrible and I did not run I walked. Now I am 40 and got the crazy idea to try it. I often say the I hate exercise but I have found an odd enjoyment in this training. Now I know what preachers were talking about when they talked about running the race and how the training is the hard part. It shows you your weaknesses and exposes truths about you that are so not pretty.


Over this last month or so, I have discovered a two things about me:

• I am not all that I think I am. I thought I could handle a lot but when I get pushed physically I get very angry in an ugly way. I mean when the pressure is on my attitude is not. I find that the battles I have physically are translated spiritually. It reflects how I operate in my relationship with the Lord.
• I do just enough to get by. Ouch! That one hurts when it comes out! As I have been following a training plan I find myself thinking of ways to avoid finishing. The last two times I have run I found myself arguing on whether to stop or not. My neighbors probably think I have multiple personalities. I mean it has been a battle. This morning I realize that I do it in a lot, if not all, areas of my life.

These are not the only two problems or weaknesses I have, by far. But they are the ones that have been brought into the light. But there are two things that I know to be true:

• He loves me with an everlasting love. His correction is His love and for His glory. I cannot put into words what He is allowing me to see but I know He has got me. He has got me. He has got my husband! He has got my children! His grasp is sure and forever!
• He only wants me to do what he requires of me. Nothing more and nothing less. The physical lesson is that I have assigned runs to do with this program and I have been able to finish what has been required of me that day. So that translates that I desire to do what God requires of me in that day. And because He has got me I know He will guide me into what exactly that is.

All that to say that this has been a very humbling time for me! But my faith and hope in God has grown so much. I am understanding that I cannot receive in my heart all the treasures He is teaching if my heart is not first broken and contrite. Notice I didn't say perfect. I said broken.

Oh how I would love to blog to brag on some tips for cooking (my favorite blogs) to homeschooling experiences (informative, of course) but this is my therapy. This is my testimony. This is my blessed assurance!

Perfect submission all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and blest;

Watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is my story, this my song. Praising my Savior all the day long.

This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long.