Joshua 1:5
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Sep 30, 2008
Devotion for Week Twelve
Beloved!
The Lord woke me up early this morning, and you were on my heart. As I was reading, and praying for you, I felt that the Lord wanted me to write you some things that are on my heart.
I remember when my children were little, and then my grandchildren, we would lay on the grass and watch the clouds, and make shapes out of them, it was such fun. Also something we always enjoyed together was a summer storm in Michigan. With the wind blowing the trees, and the power of the lightening, and we always thought that the thunder sounded like God moving furniture up in Heaven. I never wanted them to be afraid of the storm.
Nahum 1:3 says, "In whirlwind and storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet"
Isa. 19:1 says, "Behold, the Lord is riding on a swift cloud"
And Psalm 104:3 says, He makes the clouds His chariots, He walks upon the wings of the wind.
Oh, my precious ones, it is enough to know that He is right there in the midst of your storm! We have plenty of clouds here in Michigan, and every time you look at them, be reminded that He rides on the clouds of your life, they are His chariot. And they are the dust of His feet! If He is kicking up dust, then He is walking around in the midst of this storm. You need fear no evil!
The sound of the thunder and the flashes of lightening, are just a sign that He is moving in your darkest hour. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
Let Him speak "Peace" to your soul today! The sun will shine again in your life, for today, enjoy the clouds, and KNOW that He is with you!
A great man once said, "A man doesn't drown because he is in the water, he drowns when the water gets in him." You can be in the midst of a storm all around you, but you don't have to let the storm get inside of you! When you know you're God, and you know that He is riding the storm, all you have to do is hold onto Him, and you will be alright!
I don't know what you are going through right now, but I pray that this speaks to someone today!
I love you all! I pray that you are having a great week!
Love, Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
The Lord woke me up early this morning, and you were on my heart. As I was reading, and praying for you, I felt that the Lord wanted me to write you some things that are on my heart.
I remember when my children were little, and then my grandchildren, we would lay on the grass and watch the clouds, and make shapes out of them, it was such fun. Also something we always enjoyed together was a summer storm in Michigan. With the wind blowing the trees, and the power of the lightening, and we always thought that the thunder sounded like God moving furniture up in Heaven. I never wanted them to be afraid of the storm.
Nahum 1:3 says, "In whirlwind and storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet"
Isa. 19:1 says, "Behold, the Lord is riding on a swift cloud"
And Psalm 104:3 says, He makes the clouds His chariots, He walks upon the wings of the wind.
Oh, my precious ones, it is enough to know that He is right there in the midst of your storm! We have plenty of clouds here in Michigan, and every time you look at them, be reminded that He rides on the clouds of your life, they are His chariot. And they are the dust of His feet! If He is kicking up dust, then He is walking around in the midst of this storm. You need fear no evil!
The sound of the thunder and the flashes of lightening, are just a sign that He is moving in your darkest hour. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
Let Him speak "Peace" to your soul today! The sun will shine again in your life, for today, enjoy the clouds, and KNOW that He is with you!
A great man once said, "A man doesn't drown because he is in the water, he drowns when the water gets in him." You can be in the midst of a storm all around you, but you don't have to let the storm get inside of you! When you know you're God, and you know that He is riding the storm, all you have to do is hold onto Him, and you will be alright!
I don't know what you are going through right now, but I pray that this speaks to someone today!
I love you all! I pray that you are having a great week!
Love, Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
Sep 24, 2008
Memory Verse for Week Eleven
2 Cor. 10:3-5
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments, and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments, and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Devotions for Week Eleven
Beloved!
I am writing today about "Overcoming Strongholds". I don't feel qualified to write on this subject, since I know that I still have strongholds in my own life that I am dealing with. But, I think you know that this program is about all of us taking this journey together, none of us has arrived as yet! For some, it may be a good reminder, and review, for others, maybe it will be new and life-changing! So, here goes!
A stronghold may be an addiction (even sugar addiction, ouch) an unforgiving spirit towards someone who has hurt you, or even despair over a loss of some kind. It is something that demands so much of your emotional energy that your abundant life in Christ is strangled!
The most powerful way to break down strongholds in your life is to pray through the Scriptures! Praying through the Scriptures is a process of taking a verse and praying it back to God in your own words.
The process isn't complicated, here is an example of praying the Scriptures:
Lord, You've said that I live in the world, but I do not wage war as the world does. My weapons are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. I can demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Thank You in advance for working my life! Amen!
See: 2 Cor. 10:3-5
Before we tackle the spiritual strongholds in our lives, we need to identify the battlefield. The enemy is waging a constant, personal battle against us and the primary battlefield is our minds! There are many great books written on this subject, one comes to mind by Joyce Meyer, "The Battlefield of the Mind". (I think that is the title)
Our mind is the control center of our being! Satan wants us to believe that he is powerful, and we are powerless! He will do his best to put destructive and discouraging thoughts in our minds. But, we are not powerless, we have God's Holy Spirit living in us!
To combat these words that Satan would put in our minds we should repeat these words: "Nothing is bigger or more powerful than God" The strongest addiction or our worst habit can be overcome through the power of the living God!!
The primary goal of our spiritual warfare is found in the verses we just prayed! We need to demolish every argument and pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. We must take our thoughts captive and be obedient to Christ!
Let me encourage you to memorize the verse for this week! Pray it over and over back to Jesus! Keep the verse close at hand so you can go over and over it until it is part of your very being! Each time we use the verse, God will plant it more firmly in our minds and heart.
Like I said, this is a journey, and this step of the journey is so important! Rejoice at the opportunity that God gives us to live a life free of strongholds through His mighty power that is at work in us!
More praying God's Word:
Father God, please help me to keep in mind that my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph. 6:12
Lord, I know I have nothing to fear from strongholds because You have given me a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7
Lord, thank You for Your protection. Help me to be sober and vigilant because the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. But You are greater, and you live in me! Help me be steadfast in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8
Heavenly Father, help me to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness, for then, Your Word tells me that all these other things will be given to me. Matt. 6:33
Enjoy your memorization and meditation on God's Word this week!
I love you all! This is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying bye until next week.
I am writing today about "Overcoming Strongholds". I don't feel qualified to write on this subject, since I know that I still have strongholds in my own life that I am dealing with. But, I think you know that this program is about all of us taking this journey together, none of us has arrived as yet! For some, it may be a good reminder, and review, for others, maybe it will be new and life-changing! So, here goes!
A stronghold may be an addiction (even sugar addiction, ouch) an unforgiving spirit towards someone who has hurt you, or even despair over a loss of some kind. It is something that demands so much of your emotional energy that your abundant life in Christ is strangled!
The most powerful way to break down strongholds in your life is to pray through the Scriptures! Praying through the Scriptures is a process of taking a verse and praying it back to God in your own words.
The process isn't complicated, here is an example of praying the Scriptures:
Lord, You've said that I live in the world, but I do not wage war as the world does. My weapons are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. I can demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Thank You in advance for working my life! Amen!
See: 2 Cor. 10:3-5
Before we tackle the spiritual strongholds in our lives, we need to identify the battlefield. The enemy is waging a constant, personal battle against us and the primary battlefield is our minds! There are many great books written on this subject, one comes to mind by Joyce Meyer, "The Battlefield of the Mind". (I think that is the title)
Our mind is the control center of our being! Satan wants us to believe that he is powerful, and we are powerless! He will do his best to put destructive and discouraging thoughts in our minds. But, we are not powerless, we have God's Holy Spirit living in us!
To combat these words that Satan would put in our minds we should repeat these words: "Nothing is bigger or more powerful than God" The strongest addiction or our worst habit can be overcome through the power of the living God!!
The primary goal of our spiritual warfare is found in the verses we just prayed! We need to demolish every argument and pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. We must take our thoughts captive and be obedient to Christ!
Let me encourage you to memorize the verse for this week! Pray it over and over back to Jesus! Keep the verse close at hand so you can go over and over it until it is part of your very being! Each time we use the verse, God will plant it more firmly in our minds and heart.
Like I said, this is a journey, and this step of the journey is so important! Rejoice at the opportunity that God gives us to live a life free of strongholds through His mighty power that is at work in us!
More praying God's Word:
Father God, please help me to keep in mind that my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph. 6:12
Lord, I know I have nothing to fear from strongholds because You have given me a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7
Lord, thank You for Your protection. Help me to be sober and vigilant because the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. But You are greater, and you live in me! Help me be steadfast in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8
Heavenly Father, help me to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness, for then, Your Word tells me that all these other things will be given to me. Matt. 6:33
Enjoy your memorization and meditation on God's Word this week!
I love you all! This is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying bye until next week.
Sep 17, 2008
Memory Verse for Week Ten
Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint. Teach me Lord to wait!"
"But they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint. Teach me Lord to wait!"
Devotion for Week Ten
Beloved! This will be my final blog on "Choices". "Choosing to Exercise" is the subject for today. Well, if you are at all like me, this is one of those things that we definitely must deliberately choose to do! Otherwise it will never happen!
In February of this year I made the choice to exercise five times a week. I have kept that commitment except for rare occasions when it was not possible. When the weather permits, I walk 2 miles in 30 minutes in our neighborhood, and I use my aerobic rider, (which is like rowing) for 10 minutes a day.
If an undisciplined person like me can do it, then you can too! Truly I believe that as we allow God to work discipline in our lives in these areas where we were undisciplined, other changes will take place also, as we yield ourselves to His Lordship!
Are there some things I don't like about exercise? Oh, yeah!! For one thing, I don't like to sweat, and exercising at aerobic levels will make you sweat! Also, exercise requires self-discipline which I have always resisted! But self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, so it is something that we can grow in, right?
What do I like about exercise? I like how I feel after I am finished! You feel invigorated! If you suffer from depression, or low self-esteem, exercise will turn that around. It releases Seratonin to your brain, and that is a feel-good hormone!
Getting into a regular exercise routine was very difficult for me. After breaking my leg in May of 2006, I didn't really move my body much for a year and a half. When I first started, I would walk for 5 minutes and my legs would burn and itch like crazy, and the pain in my knees was horrendous. So in case you think I don't understand how you feel, I do! Truly, I believe if I hadn't started moving my body, I would have ended up in a wheelchair.
Maybe you are saying "but I can barely walk" then barely walk to the end of your driveway and back a few times a day and build from there. You will be amazed at how your body will respond. Maybe you are waiting until you get some of your weight off before you start. Please, start now! You will be that much farther ahead and the weight will come off that much faster.
Our bodies will heal themselves when we give them the proper nutrition, and regular exercise. Start wherever you are, do whatever you can. You will reap the benefits in a big way!
Time! That is always the big issue! Find a time that works for you! Mine is in the morning. But if that doesn't work for you and your schedule, then do it when it is best for you, but DO IT!!!
There are many different ways to exercise. If you don't like to walk, then there are lots of exercise CD's and DVD's out there, find one you like, and can stick with. Water aerobics are a good alternative for those who have joint pain etc.
Keep an exercise log, this is another thing that will help you stay on track. www.sparkspeople.com is a great place to log in yur weight, your food, and your exercise. If you like a contest, log on to www.teambeachbody.com/maryvegh click on play the game and every time you log on your workout, you are eligible for prizes of 300.00, 1000.00, or a camcorder, or a digital camera. They give away a prize everyday of the week, so if you are exercising, why not see if you can win a prize while you are at it.
Stop making excuses and start moving your body today! Write me and let me know how you are doing, and what you are doing.
If you have a success story (Kori) please write it out and email it to us, or put it on the blog. You never know what an inspiration you might be to someone who is having a hard time getting started.
I love you all, this is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt here saying bye for another week.
In February of this year I made the choice to exercise five times a week. I have kept that commitment except for rare occasions when it was not possible. When the weather permits, I walk 2 miles in 30 minutes in our neighborhood, and I use my aerobic rider, (which is like rowing) for 10 minutes a day.
If an undisciplined person like me can do it, then you can too! Truly I believe that as we allow God to work discipline in our lives in these areas where we were undisciplined, other changes will take place also, as we yield ourselves to His Lordship!
Are there some things I don't like about exercise? Oh, yeah!! For one thing, I don't like to sweat, and exercising at aerobic levels will make you sweat! Also, exercise requires self-discipline which I have always resisted! But self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, so it is something that we can grow in, right?
What do I like about exercise? I like how I feel after I am finished! You feel invigorated! If you suffer from depression, or low self-esteem, exercise will turn that around. It releases Seratonin to your brain, and that is a feel-good hormone!
Getting into a regular exercise routine was very difficult for me. After breaking my leg in May of 2006, I didn't really move my body much for a year and a half. When I first started, I would walk for 5 minutes and my legs would burn and itch like crazy, and the pain in my knees was horrendous. So in case you think I don't understand how you feel, I do! Truly, I believe if I hadn't started moving my body, I would have ended up in a wheelchair.
Maybe you are saying "but I can barely walk" then barely walk to the end of your driveway and back a few times a day and build from there. You will be amazed at how your body will respond. Maybe you are waiting until you get some of your weight off before you start. Please, start now! You will be that much farther ahead and the weight will come off that much faster.
Our bodies will heal themselves when we give them the proper nutrition, and regular exercise. Start wherever you are, do whatever you can. You will reap the benefits in a big way!
Time! That is always the big issue! Find a time that works for you! Mine is in the morning. But if that doesn't work for you and your schedule, then do it when it is best for you, but DO IT!!!
There are many different ways to exercise. If you don't like to walk, then there are lots of exercise CD's and DVD's out there, find one you like, and can stick with. Water aerobics are a good alternative for those who have joint pain etc.
Keep an exercise log, this is another thing that will help you stay on track. www.sparkspeople.com is a great place to log in yur weight, your food, and your exercise. If you like a contest, log on to www.teambeachbody.com/maryvegh click on play the game and every time you log on your workout, you are eligible for prizes of 300.00, 1000.00, or a camcorder, or a digital camera. They give away a prize everyday of the week, so if you are exercising, why not see if you can win a prize while you are at it.
Stop making excuses and start moving your body today! Write me and let me know how you are doing, and what you are doing.
If you have a success story (Kori) please write it out and email it to us, or put it on the blog. You never know what an inspiration you might be to someone who is having a hard time getting started.
I love you all, this is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt here saying bye for another week.
Sep 10, 2008
Memory Verse for Week Nine
1 Corinthians 6:12
"Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything".
"Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything".
Devotion for Week Nine
Beloved!
Well, we have discussed "Choosing to Memorize Scripture", Choosing to Reach Out to Each Other", and then last week "Choosing to Pray".
This week I want to talk about something very basic to S.T.E.P.S, and that is "Choosing to Eat Right". This may seem too obvious to even write about, but if you are like me, you learn best by repetition and reminder. It is so easy to get off track and start reaching for a HO Ho without even thinking about it.
I have always said, "it is easier to quit smoking than to go on a diet" (but then I have never smoked). But the reason I think that is so, is because you can just quit smoking, but you can't quit eating, we need food to sustain life. Therefore, we must learn to make good choices everyday if we are going to win this war and finish this journey together.
Most of us have enough guilt about our eating habits to last a lifetime. My purpose here is not to heap more guilt on you for what you eat or do not eat. My purpose is to help us all realize once again that through Christ we can make the right choices that will change our lives forever.
We have all had different motivations for losing weight at different times in our lives. Maybe it has been to fit into a certain dress for that special occasion, or maybe for health reasons, (that happens more as you get older). Although this can be a huge motivation especially if you have a very large amount of weight to lose. If we are honest most of us just want to feel better about ourselves, and look better in our clothes, right?
The best motivation to practice good nutrition is to glorify God. So, whether we have health concerns, or we just want to look and feel better about ourselves, we will do it all for the glory of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit!
My prayer for all of us is that we will begin to crave foods that will nourish our bodies! That each of us will have a total lifestyle change, because if we have anything less than that, we will probably gain the weight back again.
So, choices!!! What are we choosing on a daily basis to put in our bodies? Are we choosing fruit over sugar laden desserts? Are we chosing healthy vegetables over processed foods? Are we choosing whole grains over big white fluffy things? We live in a world filled with fast foods and processed foods that are full of fat and hidden calories.
Are we getting good protein with every meal? Protein helps keep you stable, and keeps your sugar cravings under control. Did you know that Cottage Cheese has 26 grams of protein in every cup! A great choice if you can't get your hands on a piece of meat. I found a great protein bar, called "Pure Protein" it is delicious, and it has 20 grams of protein in one bar. There are several varieties of them at Walmart, Sam's Club only carries one flavor "Chocolate Peanut Butter" (yum) They are 97 cents a bar if you buy them at Sam's. A great meal replacement or snack. I use protein shakes at times also, good for Sunday morning when you don't have time to cook. Hey, please pass along any tips you have for eating right especially when you are on the run. Speaking of protein, eat more fish also, it is so good for you!
The battle is in the mind, but you probably all know that already! The decision to make the right choices starts in the mind! Once you have made up your mind, then you will purchase the right foods, so you can make the right choices. We are what we think!
God created us for success! He created us to be overcomers! He created us to be victors in this battle we have fought with our weight all these years! Only by trusting in Jesus and then clinging to Him every day of our lives are we going to have the strength to win this battle!
Remember His promise to us in Phil. 1:6 "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ".
I'm not giving up, I hope that is your confession also!
I love you all, until next week, this is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying bye for now!
Well, we have discussed "Choosing to Memorize Scripture", Choosing to Reach Out to Each Other", and then last week "Choosing to Pray".
This week I want to talk about something very basic to S.T.E.P.S, and that is "Choosing to Eat Right". This may seem too obvious to even write about, but if you are like me, you learn best by repetition and reminder. It is so easy to get off track and start reaching for a HO Ho without even thinking about it.
I have always said, "it is easier to quit smoking than to go on a diet" (but then I have never smoked). But the reason I think that is so, is because you can just quit smoking, but you can't quit eating, we need food to sustain life. Therefore, we must learn to make good choices everyday if we are going to win this war and finish this journey together.
Most of us have enough guilt about our eating habits to last a lifetime. My purpose here is not to heap more guilt on you for what you eat or do not eat. My purpose is to help us all realize once again that through Christ we can make the right choices that will change our lives forever.
We have all had different motivations for losing weight at different times in our lives. Maybe it has been to fit into a certain dress for that special occasion, or maybe for health reasons, (that happens more as you get older). Although this can be a huge motivation especially if you have a very large amount of weight to lose. If we are honest most of us just want to feel better about ourselves, and look better in our clothes, right?
The best motivation to practice good nutrition is to glorify God. So, whether we have health concerns, or we just want to look and feel better about ourselves, we will do it all for the glory of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit!
My prayer for all of us is that we will begin to crave foods that will nourish our bodies! That each of us will have a total lifestyle change, because if we have anything less than that, we will probably gain the weight back again.
So, choices!!! What are we choosing on a daily basis to put in our bodies? Are we choosing fruit over sugar laden desserts? Are we chosing healthy vegetables over processed foods? Are we choosing whole grains over big white fluffy things? We live in a world filled with fast foods and processed foods that are full of fat and hidden calories.
Are we getting good protein with every meal? Protein helps keep you stable, and keeps your sugar cravings under control. Did you know that Cottage Cheese has 26 grams of protein in every cup! A great choice if you can't get your hands on a piece of meat. I found a great protein bar, called "Pure Protein" it is delicious, and it has 20 grams of protein in one bar. There are several varieties of them at Walmart, Sam's Club only carries one flavor "Chocolate Peanut Butter" (yum) They are 97 cents a bar if you buy them at Sam's. A great meal replacement or snack. I use protein shakes at times also, good for Sunday morning when you don't have time to cook. Hey, please pass along any tips you have for eating right especially when you are on the run. Speaking of protein, eat more fish also, it is so good for you!
The battle is in the mind, but you probably all know that already! The decision to make the right choices starts in the mind! Once you have made up your mind, then you will purchase the right foods, so you can make the right choices. We are what we think!
God created us for success! He created us to be overcomers! He created us to be victors in this battle we have fought with our weight all these years! Only by trusting in Jesus and then clinging to Him every day of our lives are we going to have the strength to win this battle!
Remember His promise to us in Phil. 1:6 "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ".
I'm not giving up, I hope that is your confession also!
I love you all, until next week, this is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying bye for now!
Sep 6, 2008
Memory Verse for Week Eight
Hebrews 4:16
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Devotion for Week Eight
Beloved!
Whew! How was your week? Mine was crazy hectic! But good! So here I am very late. Hopefully I will get back on track soon, and have the blogs up on time once again.
Choices, choices, choices!! Did you find yourself making better choices this past week?
Continuing along on the line of choices, this week I want to talk to you about "Choosing to Pray"!!
Everything we do should be bathed in prayer! Our Heavenly Father wants us to come to Him, and express our needs to Him, our worries, and our problems. He is certainly concerned with our desire to get our weight off, and be fit and healthy once again.
Prayer is an important part of a balanced life!
God is listening, and hears our prayers even if it is only a "shoot-up prayer" like "Lord, help me". We want to learn the discipline, and make the choice of regular daily times talking with our Heavenly Father. What a difference it makes!
When we do this, our hearts are conditioned ahead of time to face the challenges we will face through-out the day.
Jesus is our example of a prayerful life. Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. He knew the value of going to a place where He wasn't distracted to spend time talking and listening to His Father. Prayer is God's idea! We pray because we want to and need to, but also because God desires communion with us!
It is a good idea to have a piece of paper and a pencil handy when you pray. Not to write out your prayers, although sometimes you might want to do that, but mainly to write down your distracting thoughts. Have you ever noticed that as soon as you take time to pray, so many things bombard your mind. Things you need to do, phone calls you need to make, etc.,etc. Write them down, then you can deal with them later, and you can spend that quality time in prayer.
When we pray for each other, it unites our hearts in the power of the Holy Spirit, even if we hardly know each other.
Use scripture when you pray! God loves it when we pray His Word back to Him! Find a scripture that addresses whatever you are praying about. There are plenty of scriptures that deal with having a healthy body for the glory of God!
Make prayer a priority! Not something you do haphazardly! Choose to pray daily!!
Whew! How was your week? Mine was crazy hectic! But good! So here I am very late. Hopefully I will get back on track soon, and have the blogs up on time once again.
Choices, choices, choices!! Did you find yourself making better choices this past week?
Continuing along on the line of choices, this week I want to talk to you about "Choosing to Pray"!!
Everything we do should be bathed in prayer! Our Heavenly Father wants us to come to Him, and express our needs to Him, our worries, and our problems. He is certainly concerned with our desire to get our weight off, and be fit and healthy once again.
Prayer is an important part of a balanced life!
God is listening, and hears our prayers even if it is only a "shoot-up prayer" like "Lord, help me". We want to learn the discipline, and make the choice of regular daily times talking with our Heavenly Father. What a difference it makes!
When we do this, our hearts are conditioned ahead of time to face the challenges we will face through-out the day.
Jesus is our example of a prayerful life. Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. He knew the value of going to a place where He wasn't distracted to spend time talking and listening to His Father. Prayer is God's idea! We pray because we want to and need to, but also because God desires communion with us!
It is a good idea to have a piece of paper and a pencil handy when you pray. Not to write out your prayers, although sometimes you might want to do that, but mainly to write down your distracting thoughts. Have you ever noticed that as soon as you take time to pray, so many things bombard your mind. Things you need to do, phone calls you need to make, etc.,etc. Write them down, then you can deal with them later, and you can spend that quality time in prayer.
When we pray for each other, it unites our hearts in the power of the Holy Spirit, even if we hardly know each other.
Use scripture when you pray! God loves it when we pray His Word back to Him! Find a scripture that addresses whatever you are praying about. There are plenty of scriptures that deal with having a healthy body for the glory of God!
Make prayer a priority! Not something you do haphazardly! Choose to pray daily!!
Aug 29, 2008
Memory Verse Week Seven
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Devotion for Week Seven
Beloved!
Last week we talked about choosing to memorize scripture! I pray that you are making that choice each week.
This week I want to talk about another choice that each of us needs to make, and that is the choice to reach out to each other.
The purpose of S.T.E.P.S is to lose weight together, and to encourage each other along the way.
There are several ways we can do this:
1. You can respond or comment on any of the blogs that are posted.
2. You could post a scripture that is meaningful to you on the blog, or by email.
3. You can post a poem, a writing, a recipe, or anything that you think would be helpful, any time you want to.
4. You can join our group on sparkspeople.com click on community, then on sparks teams, and search for 5 steps to freedom. There you can join us and post blogs, recipes, scriptures etc. It could be lots of fun if we all participate.
5. We could all take the next person after ours on the email list and send them a word of encouragement from time to time.
These are all just suggestions, perhaps you have an idea to share with the group of how we could interact more with each other. I think that this could really contribute to our success. We could all use the encouragement.
Just taking a minute or two to do this could make all the difference in the world to someone who is struggling. As we all make this a matter of prayer, the Holy Spirit will lead us as to who, when and what we could do to be a blessing to each other.
Let me know what you think of all of this. I love you all so much, and I so want us all to be successful! We need each other! This isn't just about me writing once a week, this is about all of us in this war together!
Hebrews 10: 24-25
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds... Let us encourage on another...and all the more as we see the Day approaching."
Onward Comrades!!
This is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying bye for now, and please let me hear from you soon!
Last week we talked about choosing to memorize scripture! I pray that you are making that choice each week.
This week I want to talk about another choice that each of us needs to make, and that is the choice to reach out to each other.
The purpose of S.T.E.P.S is to lose weight together, and to encourage each other along the way.
There are several ways we can do this:
1. You can respond or comment on any of the blogs that are posted.
2. You could post a scripture that is meaningful to you on the blog, or by email.
3. You can post a poem, a writing, a recipe, or anything that you think would be helpful, any time you want to.
4. You can join our group on sparkspeople.com click on community, then on sparks teams, and search for 5 steps to freedom. There you can join us and post blogs, recipes, scriptures etc. It could be lots of fun if we all participate.
5. We could all take the next person after ours on the email list and send them a word of encouragement from time to time.
These are all just suggestions, perhaps you have an idea to share with the group of how we could interact more with each other. I think that this could really contribute to our success. We could all use the encouragement.
Just taking a minute or two to do this could make all the difference in the world to someone who is struggling. As we all make this a matter of prayer, the Holy Spirit will lead us as to who, when and what we could do to be a blessing to each other.
Let me know what you think of all of this. I love you all so much, and I so want us all to be successful! We need each other! This isn't just about me writing once a week, this is about all of us in this war together!
Hebrews 10: 24-25
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds... Let us encourage on another...and all the more as we see the Day approaching."
Onward Comrades!!
This is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying bye for now, and please let me hear from you soon!
Aug 20, 2008
Memory Verse Week Six
I Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
Devotion for Week Six
Beloved!
Here we are at week six already, almost half way through our second 3 month session.
I hope and pray that you have all had a great summer! Here in Michigan, we can't complain, we have had more sunny days than I can remember in one summer season, it has been beautiful! Right now, I have all of my windows open, a lovely breeze is blowing, and blazing sun! Along with that, I have to say though, I am ready for fall! I love summer, but there is something stable about fall that I like! I think you would agree it is an easier time to stay on a good eating plan. So, hang in there, if you haven't done too well this summer, you are not alone. We are going to hit it hard this fall, and with God's help, and the encouragement of each other, we will win this war! Right?
For the next few weeks we are going to talk about choices. Did you ever think about how many choices you make each day? We are constantly making choices, some good, some not so good, some really downright bad, but nevertheless, they are our choices. Of course this applies to our food, our battle with food will be won by making one good choice at a time. When it comes to food, we either chose life or death, right? There is food that will bring life to our bodies, they are full of vitamins, and all the good things our bodies need. Then there are foods that have no value at all to our bodies. Life, or death, what will it be? Let me encourage us all to be more aware of what kind of food we are choosing this coming week, and just try harder to make good choices.
Actually, that is not really what I want to talk to you about though. Let's take a serious look at the choice to memorize scripture!
Why memorize scripture?
1. We have God's promise in John 14:26 "The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit can only remind you of the things that you have put to memory!
2. God can use the scripture you have memorized to help others! When you are helping someone with a problem they are facing, it is wonderful to be able to say, " God's Word says" and then quote a scripture that comes to mind by the Holy Spirit! God's Word is powerful!
3. God's Word will keep us from sinning! Psalm 119:11 "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Our verse for this past week, Col 3:17 "Whatever you do in word of in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" will come to us when we start to say or do something we shouldn't, if we have hidden that word in our heart! This will apply to our entire day, and our whole life, if we continue to put God's Word in our hearts through memorization. God's Word has everything we need to live a godly life, but it is up to us to commit it to memory.
We have a memory verse each week on our S.T.E.P.S. blog. If we commit to just that one scripture a week, in one year we will have 52 scriptures hidden in our hearts.
Could I encourage you to write these verses down on 3x5 cards, or whatever works for you, tape them to your steering wheel, if you drive a lot, paste them on your mirror, or on your refrigerator, but don't neglect them. Each day as you quote the verse for the week, be sure that you go over the ones you have memorized the weeks before, so that you don't forget them.
I know that many of the scriptures I put on the blog are ones that many of you have had memorized for years, and so you are tempted to read it and let it go at that. Please, don't let familiarity cause you to lose what God has for you. Write it out anyway, and go over it every day during the week, and memorize where it is found. You will be surprised at what new things the Lord may say to you through that verse that is so familiar to you.
Let's chose this week to memorize scripture! And let us know how that is going for you. How I would love for you to share what God's Word is doing in your life, what a blessing that would be for all of us!
Well, I love you all, and I will be seeing you here again next week!
This is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying bye for now!
Here we are at week six already, almost half way through our second 3 month session.
I hope and pray that you have all had a great summer! Here in Michigan, we can't complain, we have had more sunny days than I can remember in one summer season, it has been beautiful! Right now, I have all of my windows open, a lovely breeze is blowing, and blazing sun! Along with that, I have to say though, I am ready for fall! I love summer, but there is something stable about fall that I like! I think you would agree it is an easier time to stay on a good eating plan. So, hang in there, if you haven't done too well this summer, you are not alone. We are going to hit it hard this fall, and with God's help, and the encouragement of each other, we will win this war! Right?
For the next few weeks we are going to talk about choices. Did you ever think about how many choices you make each day? We are constantly making choices, some good, some not so good, some really downright bad, but nevertheless, they are our choices. Of course this applies to our food, our battle with food will be won by making one good choice at a time. When it comes to food, we either chose life or death, right? There is food that will bring life to our bodies, they are full of vitamins, and all the good things our bodies need. Then there are foods that have no value at all to our bodies. Life, or death, what will it be? Let me encourage us all to be more aware of what kind of food we are choosing this coming week, and just try harder to make good choices.
Actually, that is not really what I want to talk to you about though. Let's take a serious look at the choice to memorize scripture!
Why memorize scripture?
1. We have God's promise in John 14:26 "The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit can only remind you of the things that you have put to memory!
2. God can use the scripture you have memorized to help others! When you are helping someone with a problem they are facing, it is wonderful to be able to say, " God's Word says" and then quote a scripture that comes to mind by the Holy Spirit! God's Word is powerful!
3. God's Word will keep us from sinning! Psalm 119:11 "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Our verse for this past week, Col 3:17 "Whatever you do in word of in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" will come to us when we start to say or do something we shouldn't, if we have hidden that word in our heart! This will apply to our entire day, and our whole life, if we continue to put God's Word in our hearts through memorization. God's Word has everything we need to live a godly life, but it is up to us to commit it to memory.
We have a memory verse each week on our S.T.E.P.S. blog. If we commit to just that one scripture a week, in one year we will have 52 scriptures hidden in our hearts.
Could I encourage you to write these verses down on 3x5 cards, or whatever works for you, tape them to your steering wheel, if you drive a lot, paste them on your mirror, or on your refrigerator, but don't neglect them. Each day as you quote the verse for the week, be sure that you go over the ones you have memorized the weeks before, so that you don't forget them.
I know that many of the scriptures I put on the blog are ones that many of you have had memorized for years, and so you are tempted to read it and let it go at that. Please, don't let familiarity cause you to lose what God has for you. Write it out anyway, and go over it every day during the week, and memorize where it is found. You will be surprised at what new things the Lord may say to you through that verse that is so familiar to you.
Let's chose this week to memorize scripture! And let us know how that is going for you. How I would love for you to share what God's Word is doing in your life, what a blessing that would be for all of us!
Well, I love you all, and I will be seeing you here again next week!
This is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying bye for now!
Aug 13, 2008
Memory Verse for Week Five
Colossions 3:17
"Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
"Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Devotion for Week Five
Beloved!
Well, for the past four weeks we have talked about change! How we should be changing emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally, as we take this journey together with each other and with our Lord!
The step for this week is S-Success! As we are changed in all of these areas, we will be successful, and our lives will become balanced! God's ultimate goal for each of us is that we live a balanced life!
I have been watching the gymnasts at the Olympics doing the balance beam. They can be doing great, and then all of a sudden something seems to throw them off balance, and what can look like a really good routine can suddenly become a disaster for them.
What happens when something throws us off balance? When life throws us a curve ball, and all of a sudden we seem to be spinning out of control? Have you ever experienced that, I sure have.
These are the times when what is in our hearts either holds us, or we fall apart! We need to cultivate a well ordered heart! I noticed, that for the gymnasts, what they have practiced and practiced is what comes through for them when things go wrong. If they fall off the beam, they are back up again in seconds to finish their routine.
Stuff happens to all of us! Are we quick to get back up, and remember all we have learned, and allow scripture to come flooding in to remind us who we are and who we serve? Or, do we like to wallow for a little while in self pity, or self loathing, or in being mad at God for allowing this to happen?
Our memory verse for this week is Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
What would it look like if we did everything in Jesus Name? What if we got up in the morning in Jesus Name? What if we greeted our family in Jesus Name? (Not literally, you know what I mean) What if we drove our cars in Jesus Name? What if we ate in Jesus Name? What if we lived our whole life in Jesus Name? This would be a rule of life that is centered around Jesus!
Think about a time in your life when you grew the most spiritually! Usually, it is during a time of suffering! James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perserverance.
Your life is a book that you and God are writing together! What kind of person do you want to be in 5 years- 10 years? What is it that we want to ruthlessly tear out of our lives, to be gone forever? What do we want to add to our life to stay there forever?
My son-in-law Dom told me that he has been considering the 3 R's. They are this: R-Recognize R-Reject R-Replace. We want to get really good at recognizing the things in our lives that should not be there. Rejecting them, and replacing them with something that is good and will make us strong to withstand the storms of life.
I love you all, I am praying for you!
This is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying goodbye again until next week!
Well, for the past four weeks we have talked about change! How we should be changing emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally, as we take this journey together with each other and with our Lord!
The step for this week is S-Success! As we are changed in all of these areas, we will be successful, and our lives will become balanced! God's ultimate goal for each of us is that we live a balanced life!
I have been watching the gymnasts at the Olympics doing the balance beam. They can be doing great, and then all of a sudden something seems to throw them off balance, and what can look like a really good routine can suddenly become a disaster for them.
What happens when something throws us off balance? When life throws us a curve ball, and all of a sudden we seem to be spinning out of control? Have you ever experienced that, I sure have.
These are the times when what is in our hearts either holds us, or we fall apart! We need to cultivate a well ordered heart! I noticed, that for the gymnasts, what they have practiced and practiced is what comes through for them when things go wrong. If they fall off the beam, they are back up again in seconds to finish their routine.
Stuff happens to all of us! Are we quick to get back up, and remember all we have learned, and allow scripture to come flooding in to remind us who we are and who we serve? Or, do we like to wallow for a little while in self pity, or self loathing, or in being mad at God for allowing this to happen?
Our memory verse for this week is Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
What would it look like if we did everything in Jesus Name? What if we got up in the morning in Jesus Name? What if we greeted our family in Jesus Name? (Not literally, you know what I mean) What if we drove our cars in Jesus Name? What if we ate in Jesus Name? What if we lived our whole life in Jesus Name? This would be a rule of life that is centered around Jesus!
Think about a time in your life when you grew the most spiritually! Usually, it is during a time of suffering! James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perserverance.
Your life is a book that you and God are writing together! What kind of person do you want to be in 5 years- 10 years? What is it that we want to ruthlessly tear out of our lives, to be gone forever? What do we want to add to our life to stay there forever?
My son-in-law Dom told me that he has been considering the 3 R's. They are this: R-Recognize R-Reject R-Replace. We want to get really good at recognizing the things in our lives that should not be there. Rejecting them, and replacing them with something that is good and will make us strong to withstand the storms of life.
I love you all, I am praying for you!
This is Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt saying goodbye again until next week!
Aug 7, 2008
Memory Verse Week Four
Deuteronomy 30:19
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now, choose life, so that you and your children may live!"
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now, choose life, so that you and your children may live!"
Aug 6, 2008
Devotion for Week Four
Beloved!
Sorry that my blog is late this week. We just returned from California where we were visiting my husbands family out there. But we arrived home safely early this morning, and here I am!
This particular step, to me, has become so much more than just decluttering our homes. Although, hopefully, we are still working on that. I was doing well until summer hit, and then things get kind of crazy. I plan on getting back to it in the fall. This time I think I will start in the basement, I never did get to it in the spring.
This step has become for me a hope, a journey towards living a life filled and controlled by the Peace of God!! Learning how to live through all the stuff of life (and we all go through stuff) without losing my Peace!
We have been talking for the past 3 weeks about change that needs to take place in our lives, spiritually, mentally, and physically. This week I want to talk about emotional change that we should be expecting and striving for in our lives in this journey with Jesus!
First of all, let's look again at Jesus, our example for living. Jesus was balanced emotionally. He didn't suppress His emotions, He expressed them appropriately. Whether it was anger at the money changers in the temple, sadness at the death of Lazarus, or joy at the wedding feast in Cana. He was in control of His emotions, not controlled by them.
As women, it is especially easy to live our lives totally out of our emotions. My poor husband lived with a wife, and four daughters, emotions ran high in our house!! Whether we are happy, sad, depressed, or anxious, it is reason enough to eat! We eat to celebrate, we eat to feel better. Eating becomes a way to deal with our emotions.
God is committed to healing our emotions!! Only by retraining our emotions through God's Word and prayer are we ever going to find wholeness. Trust Him to heal your life and make you a whole person by bringing emotional balance to your life!
As you memorize scripture and learn to pray scripture back to Him, you will begin to experience emotional healing and balance in your life.
Isaiah 42:6-7 says, "I, the Lord, have called you in Righteousness, I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you, and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."
For too many years I, and maybe many of you, could relate to Paul in Romans 7:15, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
There is hope Beloved! We don't have to live in that dilemma!
My prayer for all of us is that we will identify more and more with Romans 8:5-6 "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace!
I chose life and peace, and I know you do too! We can expect to live a life of peace as we chose balance in the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional areas of our lives. Let's chose to change in all of these areas with God's help!
Father, bless each of my girls today, and help us all to find balance in our lives that we may live a life that honors you! Change us oh Lord! Amen!
Bye for now, I love you all so much!
Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
Sorry that my blog is late this week. We just returned from California where we were visiting my husbands family out there. But we arrived home safely early this morning, and here I am!
This particular step, to me, has become so much more than just decluttering our homes. Although, hopefully, we are still working on that. I was doing well until summer hit, and then things get kind of crazy. I plan on getting back to it in the fall. This time I think I will start in the basement, I never did get to it in the spring.
This step has become for me a hope, a journey towards living a life filled and controlled by the Peace of God!! Learning how to live through all the stuff of life (and we all go through stuff) without losing my Peace!
We have been talking for the past 3 weeks about change that needs to take place in our lives, spiritually, mentally, and physically. This week I want to talk about emotional change that we should be expecting and striving for in our lives in this journey with Jesus!
First of all, let's look again at Jesus, our example for living. Jesus was balanced emotionally. He didn't suppress His emotions, He expressed them appropriately. Whether it was anger at the money changers in the temple, sadness at the death of Lazarus, or joy at the wedding feast in Cana. He was in control of His emotions, not controlled by them.
As women, it is especially easy to live our lives totally out of our emotions. My poor husband lived with a wife, and four daughters, emotions ran high in our house!! Whether we are happy, sad, depressed, or anxious, it is reason enough to eat! We eat to celebrate, we eat to feel better. Eating becomes a way to deal with our emotions.
God is committed to healing our emotions!! Only by retraining our emotions through God's Word and prayer are we ever going to find wholeness. Trust Him to heal your life and make you a whole person by bringing emotional balance to your life!
As you memorize scripture and learn to pray scripture back to Him, you will begin to experience emotional healing and balance in your life.
Isaiah 42:6-7 says, "I, the Lord, have called you in Righteousness, I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you, and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."
For too many years I, and maybe many of you, could relate to Paul in Romans 7:15, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
There is hope Beloved! We don't have to live in that dilemma!
My prayer for all of us is that we will identify more and more with Romans 8:5-6 "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace!
I chose life and peace, and I know you do too! We can expect to live a life of peace as we chose balance in the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional areas of our lives. Let's chose to change in all of these areas with God's help!
Father, bless each of my girls today, and help us all to find balance in our lives that we may live a life that honors you! Change us oh Lord! Amen!
Bye for now, I love you all so much!
Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
Jul 30, 2008
Memory Verse Week Three
1 Corinthians 6:19&20
What, do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your body!
What, do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your body!
Devotion for Week Three
Beloved!
The past two weeks we have talked about change, spiritually and mentally. This week, I am going to talk to you a little about the changes that we can expect to take place in our physical bodies.
I have seen some pictures of Jesus that portray Him as a rather frail person. I believe that the Jesus of the scriptures is quite a different person. We know that until the age of 30 when He began His earthly ministry, He earned His living as a carpenter. I am sure that His trade required great physical strength. He must have had to carry large pieces of wood and stone to build the structures that He and His father built.
Once He started His ministry, we know that He walked everywhere He went. He walked from Tyre to Sidon in one day, that is a 40 mile journey. (see Matt. 15:21-29) He wasn't wearing Nike tennis shoes, He was wearing homemade sandals as He walked over the rough and rugged terrain. I imagine some of the disciples grumbling as they walked that long way with Him, I would have complained too I am sure.
Another thing we know is that Jesus carried His cross, after He had been beaten almost to the point of death. He must have had a very strong fit body to withstand all of that, and then carry His cross up the hill to Golgotha!
Jesus calls us to follow His example! Are we willing to deny our flesh, are we willing to take the best possible care of these bodies that God has given us so we can serve Him to the best of our ability every day for the rest of our lives?
One big physical difference we should be seeing is that hopefully, we are learning to eat differently. Every weight loss program that I have ever gone on before, I could hardly wait to give up and start eating everything I wanted to again. That was my mind-set. It was always a temporary thing, maybe to lose weight for an event, or something. That's why I was always destined to gain the weight back again. I never really changed my lifestyle!
Only with a lifestyle change will we ever be able to get this weight off, and keep it off and quit the yo-yoing back and forth!
The other physical change of course is the changes that will take place as we exercise. I wrote more about that in the blog that follows this one.
Expect some physical changes Beloved! Embrace the changes, and see how good it is! However small the changes may be at first, keep doing it, it will become a habit, and you will see the benefits from your faithfulness and obedience to what God is calling you to. God will bless your efforts and multiply them back to you in a way you never dreamed possible.
With God's help we will never go back to our old ways again. Will we make mistakes, of course, I am black and blue from beating myself up over my failures. But we are not giving up! We are getting up, no matter how many times we fall down!
Please, take the time to memorize the scripture for this week. Maybe it is very familiar to you. Then go over it every chance you get, dwell on it, let it become part of the fabric of your soul. God's word brings change! Yes, to our physical body as well as every other part of us!
I love you all very much!
Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
The past two weeks we have talked about change, spiritually and mentally. This week, I am going to talk to you a little about the changes that we can expect to take place in our physical bodies.
I have seen some pictures of Jesus that portray Him as a rather frail person. I believe that the Jesus of the scriptures is quite a different person. We know that until the age of 30 when He began His earthly ministry, He earned His living as a carpenter. I am sure that His trade required great physical strength. He must have had to carry large pieces of wood and stone to build the structures that He and His father built.
Once He started His ministry, we know that He walked everywhere He went. He walked from Tyre to Sidon in one day, that is a 40 mile journey. (see Matt. 15:21-29) He wasn't wearing Nike tennis shoes, He was wearing homemade sandals as He walked over the rough and rugged terrain. I imagine some of the disciples grumbling as they walked that long way with Him, I would have complained too I am sure.
Another thing we know is that Jesus carried His cross, after He had been beaten almost to the point of death. He must have had a very strong fit body to withstand all of that, and then carry His cross up the hill to Golgotha!
Jesus calls us to follow His example! Are we willing to deny our flesh, are we willing to take the best possible care of these bodies that God has given us so we can serve Him to the best of our ability every day for the rest of our lives?
One big physical difference we should be seeing is that hopefully, we are learning to eat differently. Every weight loss program that I have ever gone on before, I could hardly wait to give up and start eating everything I wanted to again. That was my mind-set. It was always a temporary thing, maybe to lose weight for an event, or something. That's why I was always destined to gain the weight back again. I never really changed my lifestyle!
Only with a lifestyle change will we ever be able to get this weight off, and keep it off and quit the yo-yoing back and forth!
The other physical change of course is the changes that will take place as we exercise. I wrote more about that in the blog that follows this one.
Expect some physical changes Beloved! Embrace the changes, and see how good it is! However small the changes may be at first, keep doing it, it will become a habit, and you will see the benefits from your faithfulness and obedience to what God is calling you to. God will bless your efforts and multiply them back to you in a way you never dreamed possible.
With God's help we will never go back to our old ways again. Will we make mistakes, of course, I am black and blue from beating myself up over my failures. But we are not giving up! We are getting up, no matter how many times we fall down!
Please, take the time to memorize the scripture for this week. Maybe it is very familiar to you. Then go over it every chance you get, dwell on it, let it become part of the fabric of your soul. God's word brings change! Yes, to our physical body as well as every other part of us!
I love you all very much!
Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
Jul 29, 2008
Week Three-Exercise!
Hi Everyone!
This week we talk about exercise, no, it is not a dirty word! These bodies were made to move! No more excuses! Let's get started, if you haven't already done so.
This has been a most incredible summer in Michigan, no kidding! I can't remember a morning that I haven't been able to walk in the neighborhood. And I love that! Walking on the tread mill just is so boring! I love getting outside and seeing all of God's beauty around me.
7.30am, and I am walking. 2 miles, in 30 minutes, 5 times a week. Then 10 minutes on the rowing machine each day. It has become a habit that I look forward to every day.
I know I have more time than most of you, but you can do it. Start small, just a minute or two, and gradually build up to a longer time. Your body will thank you!
I love you all! I am cheering for you!
Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
This week we talk about exercise, no, it is not a dirty word! These bodies were made to move! No more excuses! Let's get started, if you haven't already done so.
This has been a most incredible summer in Michigan, no kidding! I can't remember a morning that I haven't been able to walk in the neighborhood. And I love that! Walking on the tread mill just is so boring! I love getting outside and seeing all of God's beauty around me.
7.30am, and I am walking. 2 miles, in 30 minutes, 5 times a week. Then 10 minutes on the rowing machine each day. It has become a habit that I look forward to every day.
I know I have more time than most of you, but you can do it. Start small, just a minute or two, and gradually build up to a longer time. Your body will thank you!
I love you all! I am cheering for you!
Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
Jul 23, 2008
Memory Verse Week Two
Philippians 4:8
Finally brothers, (sisters) whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things!
Finally brothers, (sisters) whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things!
Devotion for Week Two
Beloved!
Last week I spoke to you about balance, I want to continue along that line again today.
Balance is only possible in a life where Jesus Christ is at the center!
Let's talk about the renewing of our minds, bringing our minds into proper balance. I wonder if any of you are like me, sometimes it seems my mind is just going in so many different directions at once. The question is, how do we make Him Lord of our minds?
Nothing will transform our minds like God's Word! Each week I give you a scripture to memorize. I hope you are writing it out and memorizing it. Then go one step further and meditate on it. Take that verse apart word by word until it becomes part of you! Fill your mind with scripture in every way that you can. There are scripture memorization CD's and tapes that you can listen to as you drive or while you exercise.
We have all heard the expression "garbage in, garbage out." Let's begin to replace those things that are not beneficial in our lives with God's Word, the difference will be significant.
We all have "dead time." Mine is when I find myself wide awake when I should be sleeping, (like right now, it is 3am) your's may be on that long commute to work. The important thing is to identify your "dead time" (any time your mind is in neutral) and begin to fill it with the Word of God!
You can only meditate on scripture that you have already put to memory. So, as I lay awake at night, instead of allowing worrisome thoughts (things always look worse in the night) I begin to meditate on our memory verse for the week. As you do this, eventually, it will become a habit, a really good one!
We will find ourselves changing! The process will be gradual, but mentally, we will begin to find balance in our lives we have never had before!
Random thoughts from my journals:
"God always provides a chariot for us if we are looking for it! "
"Prayer is stroking the face of God"
God didn't say, "Run around and know that I am God" He said, "Be Still"
Jesus told Mary, "Only one thing is necessary"
"Even when you can't find a bright example of faithfulness, you can still be one!"
Adversity drives us into the presence of the Lord from whence comes our help. We see His face, He manifests Himself to us, we behold His beauty. The result is, we have fullness of joy, our fear is gone, and we are strengthened!
Mom, when your child is sick or hurting, what do you do? You don't go off and leave them, no, you pamper them, and cuddle them, and spoil them. That's how our Heavenly Father is with us when we are hurting! He never leaves our side! Psalm 34:18
Remember, He is initiating this relationship, He is wooing us!
I love you all so much!
This is Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt signing off until next time. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Last week I spoke to you about balance, I want to continue along that line again today.
Balance is only possible in a life where Jesus Christ is at the center!
Let's talk about the renewing of our minds, bringing our minds into proper balance. I wonder if any of you are like me, sometimes it seems my mind is just going in so many different directions at once. The question is, how do we make Him Lord of our minds?
Nothing will transform our minds like God's Word! Each week I give you a scripture to memorize. I hope you are writing it out and memorizing it. Then go one step further and meditate on it. Take that verse apart word by word until it becomes part of you! Fill your mind with scripture in every way that you can. There are scripture memorization CD's and tapes that you can listen to as you drive or while you exercise.
We have all heard the expression "garbage in, garbage out." Let's begin to replace those things that are not beneficial in our lives with God's Word, the difference will be significant.
We all have "dead time." Mine is when I find myself wide awake when I should be sleeping, (like right now, it is 3am) your's may be on that long commute to work. The important thing is to identify your "dead time" (any time your mind is in neutral) and begin to fill it with the Word of God!
You can only meditate on scripture that you have already put to memory. So, as I lay awake at night, instead of allowing worrisome thoughts (things always look worse in the night) I begin to meditate on our memory verse for the week. As you do this, eventually, it will become a habit, a really good one!
We will find ourselves changing! The process will be gradual, but mentally, we will begin to find balance in our lives we have never had before!
Random thoughts from my journals:
"God always provides a chariot for us if we are looking for it! "
"Prayer is stroking the face of God"
God didn't say, "Run around and know that I am God" He said, "Be Still"
Jesus told Mary, "Only one thing is necessary"
"Even when you can't find a bright example of faithfulness, you can still be one!"
Adversity drives us into the presence of the Lord from whence comes our help. We see His face, He manifests Himself to us, we behold His beauty. The result is, we have fullness of joy, our fear is gone, and we are strengthened!
Mom, when your child is sick or hurting, what do you do? You don't go off and leave them, no, you pamper them, and cuddle them, and spoil them. That's how our Heavenly Father is with us when we are hurting! He never leaves our side! Psalm 34:18
Remember, He is initiating this relationship, He is wooing us!
I love you all so much!
This is Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt signing off until next time. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Week Two
Good Morning Everyone!
Can you believe it's Wednesday again! The week sure flies by doesn't it?
We have just completed week 2! How are you doing? I hope and pray that you are doing well, and enjoying this beautiful summer weather. At least here in Michigan, this is a great time of the year! Summer will be over before we know it.
How am I doing? Thanks for asking, (smile) Well, I am not breaking any records with my weight loss, but I feel that I am in control once again, and not feeling driven to food, and my food cravings are not there anymore, and that feels good! In trying to follow the diet to cure sugar addiction, I am eating a lot more protein than I am used to eating, so my calories are higher than before. But the benefits are worth it, even though the weight loss is slower.
This is the week we talk about tracking our calories. I know I may sound like a broken record, but for me, this is something I cannot avoid if I want to be successful. Otherwise, I tend to fool myself into thinking I didn't do that bad. That extra pat of butter, those bites we pop in our mouth, all these things add up by the end of the day.
So, whether you are doing Weight Watchers and counting your points, or keeping a running count of your calories, or whatever works for you, just do it, and do it faithfully, keeping track makes a difference! Eventually it becomes a habit, and it won't seem like such a chore.
I have spoken about this before, and some of you are doing it. www.sparkspeople.com is a great way to keep track of what you are eating, how much, and what kind of exercise, and your weight and measurements also. This is just another tool to help us along the way to a healthier body. You can also join our sparks team, 5 Steps to Freedom, it's great fun. Colleen has joined me, I hope you will also!
I love you all, this is Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt
Can you believe it's Wednesday again! The week sure flies by doesn't it?
We have just completed week 2! How are you doing? I hope and pray that you are doing well, and enjoying this beautiful summer weather. At least here in Michigan, this is a great time of the year! Summer will be over before we know it.
How am I doing? Thanks for asking, (smile) Well, I am not breaking any records with my weight loss, but I feel that I am in control once again, and not feeling driven to food, and my food cravings are not there anymore, and that feels good! In trying to follow the diet to cure sugar addiction, I am eating a lot more protein than I am used to eating, so my calories are higher than before. But the benefits are worth it, even though the weight loss is slower.
This is the week we talk about tracking our calories. I know I may sound like a broken record, but for me, this is something I cannot avoid if I want to be successful. Otherwise, I tend to fool myself into thinking I didn't do that bad. That extra pat of butter, those bites we pop in our mouth, all these things add up by the end of the day.
So, whether you are doing Weight Watchers and counting your points, or keeping a running count of your calories, or whatever works for you, just do it, and do it faithfully, keeping track makes a difference! Eventually it becomes a habit, and it won't seem like such a chore.
I have spoken about this before, and some of you are doing it. www.sparkspeople.com is a great way to keep track of what you are eating, how much, and what kind of exercise, and your weight and measurements also. This is just another tool to help us along the way to a healthier body. You can also join our sparks team, 5 Steps to Freedom, it's great fun. Colleen has joined me, I hope you will also!
I love you all, this is Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt
Jul 16, 2008
Memory Verse Week One!
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another....and all the more as you see the Day approaching!"
Hebrews 10:24-25
Hebrews 10:24-25
Week One Devotions
Beloved!
As I have been thinking about S.T.E.P.S. and what that stands for, I realized that what will happen as we follow this path is "balance" in each of our lives. If any of you are like me, balance is one thing my life has always lacked. You who know me know that I am always off on some kind of tangent. Diet, has always been a roller coaster ride for me. Even, I think, spiritually, I am not as balanced as I would like to be. I don't know if any of you relate to me here, but for me, I am tired of it, I am ready for some balance in my life.
When I was reflecting back on the first session, I realized that there have been some positive changes that have occurred in my life because of my commitment to S.T.E.P.S. The most important one has been more consistency in the area of my "Secret Time" spent with Jesus!
I don't know if you are strong willed like me, but sometimes God has to hit me over the head with a 2x4 to get my attention. I think S.T.E.P.S. has been that 2x4 for me. It's like, if I am going to teach, or lead you guys, then I must live it myself! That is why I was so upset with myself when I failed so miserably during the break. (no break next time)
We read in Luke 2:52 that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Imagine that Jesus had to grow in favor with God! How much more do we have to grow in our relationship to our Heavenly Father! Jesus spent much time in prayer and communion with His Father! He got up early, apparently He felt that alone time with His Father was a priority!
It is this first step in S.T.E.P.S. that will bring balance to us in all the other areas of our lives! He is teaching us to wait on Him, to follow His lead, to make decisions based on His will, not ours! Jesus said in John 8:28 "I do nothing on my own, but speak just what the Father has taught me" He is teaching us to trust Him, to depend on Him, because He is totally dependable! He always does more than we could ever ask or think!
We are not going to change overnight! Change doesn't come easily to any of us! But as we make the choice to spend time in prayer and reading His Word, He will manifest Himself to us!
Hopefully, in time, we will all lose all the weight we need to lose. But more importantly, we will be changed from glory to glory in the process, and we won't be the same people we were when we started.
I am excited to see what God will do as we seek to please Him and grow closer to Him each day.
I love you all! Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
As I have been thinking about S.T.E.P.S. and what that stands for, I realized that what will happen as we follow this path is "balance" in each of our lives. If any of you are like me, balance is one thing my life has always lacked. You who know me know that I am always off on some kind of tangent. Diet, has always been a roller coaster ride for me. Even, I think, spiritually, I am not as balanced as I would like to be. I don't know if any of you relate to me here, but for me, I am tired of it, I am ready for some balance in my life.
When I was reflecting back on the first session, I realized that there have been some positive changes that have occurred in my life because of my commitment to S.T.E.P.S. The most important one has been more consistency in the area of my "Secret Time" spent with Jesus!
I don't know if you are strong willed like me, but sometimes God has to hit me over the head with a 2x4 to get my attention. I think S.T.E.P.S. has been that 2x4 for me. It's like, if I am going to teach, or lead you guys, then I must live it myself! That is why I was so upset with myself when I failed so miserably during the break. (no break next time)
We read in Luke 2:52 that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Imagine that Jesus had to grow in favor with God! How much more do we have to grow in our relationship to our Heavenly Father! Jesus spent much time in prayer and communion with His Father! He got up early, apparently He felt that alone time with His Father was a priority!
It is this first step in S.T.E.P.S. that will bring balance to us in all the other areas of our lives! He is teaching us to wait on Him, to follow His lead, to make decisions based on His will, not ours! Jesus said in John 8:28 "I do nothing on my own, but speak just what the Father has taught me" He is teaching us to trust Him, to depend on Him, because He is totally dependable! He always does more than we could ever ask or think!
We are not going to change overnight! Change doesn't come easily to any of us! But as we make the choice to spend time in prayer and reading His Word, He will manifest Himself to us!
Hopefully, in time, we will all lose all the weight we need to lose. But more importantly, we will be changed from glory to glory in the process, and we won't be the same people we were when we started.
I am excited to see what God will do as we seek to please Him and grow closer to Him each day.
I love you all! Mary/Mom/Grams/Aunt
Week One
Beloved!
Well, I am happy to say that I have been back on track this week! Thanks for your prayers! I had one really bad day, (eating everything in sight) other than that it was a good week.
I am reading a book that my daughter Sandy told me about, "Sugar Addict Total Recovery Program" by Kathleen DesMaisons. I found out what I already knew, that I am a sugar addict that's for sure. I saw myself on the pages immediately! It is a good book, if you suspect that this may be your problem, then you might want to read it. I am learning that if I eat enough protein, especially for breakfast, I am not so driven by food all day long. I feel much more stable, and in control. It is not a high protein diet, it is balanced, but it recommends about 28 grams of protein for my weight and height per meal.
As a typical sugar addict, I could skip breakfast, and not eat until noon or 1pm. So I am learning to eat within one hour of rising, eating my protein and a good carb each morning, and the rest of the day goes much better.
This may not be your problem at all, but whatever reason we have struggled with our weight, I know that God will help us to find the answer. We know that the answer is ultimately in Him, but I believe that He will also lead us to resources that will help us along the way.
Let's encourage each other, and as we find books, or other things that are helping us, let's share it with each other. This is a community, and working together we will do this, we will succeed!
I created a S.T.E.P.S. team on www.sparkspeople.com It is a place where we can each keep track of our calories, our exercise, and also communicate with each other. We can post recipes, and other items of interest. If you wish, you can go there, click on community, and then sparks teams and type in 5 steps to freedom on the search button, scroll through the teams until you find 5 steps to freedom's, there you can join us. I will be looking for you there.
I love you all, and look forward to hearing from you with any suggestions, or words of encouragement!
I am so glad to be back with you all once again! I hope you feel the same way!
With love, Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt
Well, I am happy to say that I have been back on track this week! Thanks for your prayers! I had one really bad day, (eating everything in sight) other than that it was a good week.
I am reading a book that my daughter Sandy told me about, "Sugar Addict Total Recovery Program" by Kathleen DesMaisons. I found out what I already knew, that I am a sugar addict that's for sure. I saw myself on the pages immediately! It is a good book, if you suspect that this may be your problem, then you might want to read it. I am learning that if I eat enough protein, especially for breakfast, I am not so driven by food all day long. I feel much more stable, and in control. It is not a high protein diet, it is balanced, but it recommends about 28 grams of protein for my weight and height per meal.
As a typical sugar addict, I could skip breakfast, and not eat until noon or 1pm. So I am learning to eat within one hour of rising, eating my protein and a good carb each morning, and the rest of the day goes much better.
This may not be your problem at all, but whatever reason we have struggled with our weight, I know that God will help us to find the answer. We know that the answer is ultimately in Him, but I believe that He will also lead us to resources that will help us along the way.
Let's encourage each other, and as we find books, or other things that are helping us, let's share it with each other. This is a community, and working together we will do this, we will succeed!
I created a S.T.E.P.S. team on www.sparkspeople.com It is a place where we can each keep track of our calories, our exercise, and also communicate with each other. We can post recipes, and other items of interest. If you wish, you can go there, click on community, and then sparks teams and type in 5 steps to freedom on the search button, scroll through the teams until you find 5 steps to freedom's, there you can join us. I will be looking for you there.
I love you all, and look forward to hearing from you with any suggestions, or words of encouragement!
I am so glad to be back with you all once again! I hope you feel the same way!
With love, Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt
Jul 10, 2008
Things I learned in Session One
Beloved!
After that last post telling of my failure and discouragement, I thought I would like to write something on a more positive note.
Here are some things I learned in Session One.
1. I learned that I really need the support of others who are going through the same struggles I am in order to successfully change my lifestyle.
2.I learned that I need to keep reminding myself that this is a
journey not a destination. There are no failures in life, just
stumbling blocks which give me the opportunity to learn more about
myself so that I can continue to allow God to mold me into the person He want me to be. It is so much easier for me to enjoy the journey when I remember this.
3. I learned that I could find hope that one day with God's help I will be able to put this behind me and move on to more important things in life.
4. I learned that God's Word is so powerful to help me day to day to walk in obedience.
5. I learned that I love you all so much, and I am so blessed to have you in my life!
If you feel so inclined, please write and tell us what Session One meant to you. It would mean so much to all of us!
I love you all, Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt
After that last post telling of my failure and discouragement, I thought I would like to write something on a more positive note.
Here are some things I learned in Session One.
1. I learned that I really need the support of others who are going through the same struggles I am in order to successfully change my lifestyle.
2.I learned that I need to keep reminding myself that this is a
journey not a destination. There are no failures in life, just
stumbling blocks which give me the opportunity to learn more about
myself so that I can continue to allow God to mold me into the person He want me to be. It is so much easier for me to enjoy the journey when I remember this.
3. I learned that I could find hope that one day with God's help I will be able to put this behind me and move on to more important things in life.
4. I learned that God's Word is so powerful to help me day to day to walk in obedience.
5. I learned that I love you all so much, and I am so blessed to have you in my life!
If you feel so inclined, please write and tell us what Session One meant to you. It would mean so much to all of us!
I love you all, Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt
Jul 8, 2008
"Let's Get Started"
Hi there everyone!
I don't know about you, but for me, this three weeks went by like a flash!
In fact I can hardly believe it is July 9th already!
Confession time for me! I have not done well since we concluded our last S.T.E.P.S. session and took this three week break! As you will see by the first chart when it goes out, I have gained weight, and I am embarrassed and ashamed!
One thing I realized even more fully is that I need the accountability that this program gives me. I really need you guys!!
I could go on and on about how many graduations, bbq's, church functions, etc. that I have been to in the past three weeks, and all the parties and family get-togethers I have had at my house, and that is all true. But the fact of the matter is that I have to come to the place where it doesn't matter where I am or how many parties or functions I go to, I am obedient to what I know I need to be doing.
I feel like screaming HELP!!!! I HAVE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GET UP!!!!
I actually thought of not doing this program anymore, because I feel like such a failure. I feel like I have failed you guys, myself, but most of all my Lord, whose I am, and whom I serve! If any of you have a word of encouragement for me, I could sure use it right now.
I am so sorry that I have to start this session like this, but this is how it is.
Obviously, I don't have anything very spiritual to say to you all right now. With God's help, I will overcome, and I will have a better report next week.
Your friend and struggling leader, Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt
I don't know about you, but for me, this three weeks went by like a flash!
In fact I can hardly believe it is July 9th already!
Confession time for me! I have not done well since we concluded our last S.T.E.P.S. session and took this three week break! As you will see by the first chart when it goes out, I have gained weight, and I am embarrassed and ashamed!
One thing I realized even more fully is that I need the accountability that this program gives me. I really need you guys!!
I could go on and on about how many graduations, bbq's, church functions, etc. that I have been to in the past three weeks, and all the parties and family get-togethers I have had at my house, and that is all true. But the fact of the matter is that I have to come to the place where it doesn't matter where I am or how many parties or functions I go to, I am obedient to what I know I need to be doing.
I feel like screaming HELP!!!! I HAVE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GET UP!!!!
I actually thought of not doing this program anymore, because I feel like such a failure. I feel like I have failed you guys, myself, but most of all my Lord, whose I am, and whom I serve! If any of you have a word of encouragement for me, I could sure use it right now.
I am so sorry that I have to start this session like this, but this is how it is.
Obviously, I don't have anything very spiritual to say to you all right now. With God's help, I will overcome, and I will have a better report next week.
Your friend and struggling leader, Mary/Mom/Grandma/Aunt
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