Thursday, December 23, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Hope and Faith
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Hope and Faith: "Good morning to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! What a beautiful morning here in the sandhills of Nebraska! This will be my la..."
Hope and Faith
Good morning to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! What a beautiful morning here in the sandhills of Nebraska!
This will be my last blog until after Christmas. I will be computer free for about three days!
Yesterday, I wrote about my new life resolutions. This is how I plan on taking back my world from satan. It's my choice to live or die. I choose to live.
I am choosing to live a honorable and righteous life. One that is full of patience, kindness, love, grace, gratitude, forgiveness, and most of all, repentance.
And I'll do this knowing that it is God working in my life.
He has made the changes that needed to be changed. He is the One working and stirring in me, wanting me to keep pursuing Him.
It's not me.
And so, in order for these spiritual qualities to take root in my soul and heart, I must have confidence and faith.
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see" Hebrews 11:1.
How can we be confident that something we want is going to happen, especially if all of our hopes have been dashed?
How can we risk believing that the life we hope for is waiting for us around the bend?
the Bible tells us that the key is in the nature of the who we look to.
We are told that "anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him" Hebrews 11:6.
If we see God as One Who is reaching out to help us, we will be more eager to look for Him. If our faith has not matured to that point yet, we can ask for help.
One man came to Jesus asking Him to help his young son who was afflicted by a demon. He said to Jesus, "Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.' 'What do you mean, "If I can"?' Jesus asked. 'anything is possible if a person believes.' The father instantly cried out, 'I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:22-24). We can start by asking God to help us have more faith. Then we can ask Him for the courage to hope for a better future.
Jesus was sent to give us a future.
The new year has almost arrived. Many of us in the past have made countless new years resolutions and have failed.
So how do we keep our hopes up that we can be successful?
By faith and trust. Remember God has a plan for us.
His plan is more than our usual new year resolutions. His involves real character changes as well as life style changes.
He's not concerned with our pant size. But why we can't love ourselves and be healthy and happy with this wonderful and beautiful body He has given us.
He's not really concerned with our dreams of owning a new car. But as to why we are in financial ruin and have not been faithful with the money He has given to us.
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see" Hebrews 11:1.
Our faith and trust comes from a process of learning and spending time with our Lord.
And in that process we learn that true freedom and happiness is in obeying God.
When we admit our ways are not working and let God take charge, we come in alignment with Him and His ways.
That's the beauty of it.
Obeying and receiving, they go hand in hand.
Also, when we follow His plan for our lives, we realize what is actually important. We realize that God knows what we need and what we can handle, and takes care of us.
He is such a wonderful and beautiful God!
So as you enjoy your family gatherings and all the wonders of Christmas, don't forget to celebrate your opportunity to take back your life from satan.
God sent His only begotten son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins.
To give us the chance to reclaim our world!
And as you make your new year resolutions, keep in mind the end. Keep in mind what's really important and what you plan on explaining to our Father when the time comes when He asks, "What did you do with the life My Son died to give you?"
Choose to live, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
God bless you and keep you as you travel here and there. Peace be to you in what ever comes your way!
Merry Christmas!
Blessing and love to you, my friends ~ Becca
This will be my last blog until after Christmas. I will be computer free for about three days!
Yesterday, I wrote about my new life resolutions. This is how I plan on taking back my world from satan. It's my choice to live or die. I choose to live.
I am choosing to live a honorable and righteous life. One that is full of patience, kindness, love, grace, gratitude, forgiveness, and most of all, repentance.
And I'll do this knowing that it is God working in my life.
He has made the changes that needed to be changed. He is the One working and stirring in me, wanting me to keep pursuing Him.
It's not me.
And so, in order for these spiritual qualities to take root in my soul and heart, I must have confidence and faith.
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see" Hebrews 11:1.
How can we be confident that something we want is going to happen, especially if all of our hopes have been dashed?
How can we risk believing that the life we hope for is waiting for us around the bend?
the Bible tells us that the key is in the nature of the who we look to.
We are told that "anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him" Hebrews 11:6.
If we see God as One Who is reaching out to help us, we will be more eager to look for Him. If our faith has not matured to that point yet, we can ask for help.
One man came to Jesus asking Him to help his young son who was afflicted by a demon. He said to Jesus, "Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.' 'What do you mean, "If I can"?' Jesus asked. 'anything is possible if a person believes.' The father instantly cried out, 'I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:22-24). We can start by asking God to help us have more faith. Then we can ask Him for the courage to hope for a better future.
Jesus was sent to give us a future.
The new year has almost arrived. Many of us in the past have made countless new years resolutions and have failed.
So how do we keep our hopes up that we can be successful?
By faith and trust. Remember God has a plan for us.
His plan is more than our usual new year resolutions. His involves real character changes as well as life style changes.
He's not concerned with our pant size. But why we can't love ourselves and be healthy and happy with this wonderful and beautiful body He has given us.
He's not really concerned with our dreams of owning a new car. But as to why we are in financial ruin and have not been faithful with the money He has given to us.
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see" Hebrews 11:1.
Our faith and trust comes from a process of learning and spending time with our Lord.
And in that process we learn that true freedom and happiness is in obeying God.
When we admit our ways are not working and let God take charge, we come in alignment with Him and His ways.
That's the beauty of it.
Obeying and receiving, they go hand in hand.
Also, when we follow His plan for our lives, we realize what is actually important. We realize that God knows what we need and what we can handle, and takes care of us.
He is such a wonderful and beautiful God!
So as you enjoy your family gatherings and all the wonders of Christmas, don't forget to celebrate your opportunity to take back your life from satan.
God sent His only begotten son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins.
To give us the chance to reclaim our world!
And as you make your new year resolutions, keep in mind the end. Keep in mind what's really important and what you plan on explaining to our Father when the time comes when He asks, "What did you do with the life My Son died to give you?"
Choose to live, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
God bless you and keep you as you travel here and there. Peace be to you in what ever comes your way!
Merry Christmas!
Blessing and love to you, my friends ~ Becca
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Good day to you all, my brothers and sisters in Ch...
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Good day to you all, my brothers and sisters in Ch...: "Good day to you all, my brothers and sisters in Christ our King! I pray that peace and joy are with you today! Here we are. Thr..."
Good day to you all, my brothers and sisters in Christ our King! I pray that peace and joy are with you today!
Here we are. Three days away from Jesus' birthday. The day when God took power back from satan.
In the beginning, all was good. The Lord had made a wonderful world for us. We had everything we could ever need. But we strayed. We gave in to satan and gave him our world.
But God, who so loved the world (us), gave His only Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now, though we have sinned, we can repent and be forgiven. And even though satan still rules our world with all of his lies, our souls can be free. I say "can" because it's up to us.
It's up to us to receive this beautiful gift our Almighty God has given!
Blessed are we!
For we are saved!
Now, we are to shine for others!
Forgive those who have hurt you or done you wrong.
And ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt.
Love those who hurt you.
Pray for them.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Respect everyone and everything.
Love one another.
Be a blessing.
Have a thankful heart.
And ask for forgiveness.
Make knowing God and living for Him your first priority.
These are my resolutions for the rest of my life!
Let's take back the world together! We are so blessed! Let's not wait a moment more!
God has a plan for you and I. We are more then any addiction or label. We are His children.
That doesn't mean that our lives will be smooth and full of rainbows.
But, we are strong and we can to resist the temptations satan puts in our paths.
Although our world may seem bleak. And at times there may seem to be no end to misery or suffering. We can have thankful and hopeful hearts.
And we are always ready to praise the Lord!
We understand that, as we are not perfect, neither is the world. We understand that bad things will happen. But as believers in our powerful Lord, we will come through them wiser and stronger. And through these things our faith grows also.
Because, satan, you see, we are believers.
It is already written. God wins. We win.
Hold on to that, my brothers and sisters. We win!
What ever is holding you back, let it go! We win!
Let it go! We win!
Stop living in the past. We win!
Stop waiting for tomorrow. Do not be afraid for the future. We win!
We win! And we have already received the prize.
Praise be to God!
Happy Birthday, Jesus! Thank you for what you have done for me. You lived so I could learn. You then died for me, so, being a no body, waste of space, not worthy, always thinking of myself, taking for granted the wondrous things I have been given - could live.
Oh, my heart aches. I have done you so wrong, my Prince. And You love me still.
How my eyes tear knowing that I can never repay you.
I fall to my knees, with my face on the floor, knowing that there is such evil around me but you, My Lord and Savior, reign!
Thank you, Jesus! Thank you!
Let us be so thankful!
My brothers and sisters, let us be so thankful!
Our savior reigns!
Peace be to you all!
Be a light this Christmas!
Blessing ~ Becca
Here we are. Three days away from Jesus' birthday. The day when God took power back from satan.
In the beginning, all was good. The Lord had made a wonderful world for us. We had everything we could ever need. But we strayed. We gave in to satan and gave him our world.
But God, who so loved the world (us), gave His only Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now, though we have sinned, we can repent and be forgiven. And even though satan still rules our world with all of his lies, our souls can be free. I say "can" because it's up to us.
It's up to us to receive this beautiful gift our Almighty God has given!
Blessed are we!
For we are saved!
Now, we are to shine for others!
Forgive those who have hurt you or done you wrong.
And ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt.
Love those who hurt you.
Pray for them.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Respect everyone and everything.
Love one another.
Be a blessing.
Have a thankful heart.
And ask for forgiveness.
Make knowing God and living for Him your first priority.
These are my resolutions for the rest of my life!
Let's take back the world together! We are so blessed! Let's not wait a moment more!
God has a plan for you and I. We are more then any addiction or label. We are His children.
That doesn't mean that our lives will be smooth and full of rainbows.
But, we are strong and we can to resist the temptations satan puts in our paths.
Although our world may seem bleak. And at times there may seem to be no end to misery or suffering. We can have thankful and hopeful hearts.
And we are always ready to praise the Lord!
We understand that, as we are not perfect, neither is the world. We understand that bad things will happen. But as believers in our powerful Lord, we will come through them wiser and stronger. And through these things our faith grows also.
Because, satan, you see, we are believers.
It is already written. God wins. We win.
Hold on to that, my brothers and sisters. We win!
What ever is holding you back, let it go! We win!
Let it go! We win!
Stop living in the past. We win!
Stop waiting for tomorrow. Do not be afraid for the future. We win!
We win! And we have already received the prize.
Praise be to God!
Happy Birthday, Jesus! Thank you for what you have done for me. You lived so I could learn. You then died for me, so, being a no body, waste of space, not worthy, always thinking of myself, taking for granted the wondrous things I have been given - could live.
Oh, my heart aches. I have done you so wrong, my Prince. And You love me still.
How my eyes tear knowing that I can never repay you.
I fall to my knees, with my face on the floor, knowing that there is such evil around me but you, My Lord and Savior, reign!
Thank you, Jesus! Thank you!
Let us be so thankful!
My brothers and sisters, let us be so thankful!
Our savior reigns!
Peace be to you all!
Be a light this Christmas!
Blessing ~ Becca
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Good morning to all my Brothers and Sisters in Chr...
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Good morning to all my Brothers and Sisters in Chr...: "Good morning to all my Brothers and Sisters in Christ! It's such a beautiful Tuesday! I hope you all are doing well! I would li..."
Good morning to all my Brothers and Sisters in Christ! It's such a beautiful Tuesday! I hope you all are doing well!
I would like to apologize for not keeping up with our daily discussions. Man, my schedule has really been thrown off here lately! I'm almost done with my school stuff and soon the holidays will be over and I'll get back on track!
Getting back on track!
I'm a very black and white person when it comes to myself. I give others a break, but for myself I'm like a cruel boss with a wipe! If things don't go exactly the way I have planned, I fall apart. It's the truth. I'm not good at rolling with my punches. But with others I am. Weird, huh?
My husband can come home and totally change our plans and I'm okay. But if I don't get everything done the way I have planned, I, not as much as I used to, through up my hands and give up. I'm still struggling with following my dreams and following through with the things that I think God wants. My kids, the dog, anything really that interrupts what I'm doing will soon take precedents.
I don't want to seem selfish. But maybe I am.
You know, I don't know my place in the world yet. My place with God and what He wants me to be. I'm getting there but still being held back by stuff. I don't know if it was the sexual abuse, but at times I feel trapped as a child kind of. Let me explain. I feel like everyone has authority over me. Or that everyone else is more important. Or maybe I just need more backbone!
I'm a person who wants everyone to be happy. If my husband comes home and is uptight or grumpy, you know what, I think it's because of me. I did something. And that's a very selfish way to live. Thinking that everything revolves around ME! Not that I want it to revolve around me, but I feel like I'm always doing things wrong. Everyone else has life in order. Except me. Is that a childish attitude?. I'm not sure but I am rewiring my brain, heart, and soul to be in tune with God. So this too shell pass!
I am getting better. The reading I've done, the messages I've heard, the love of God shining through others has made such an enormous impact on me! I feel that I am truly blessed! But I realize that I have a long ways to go.
But God loves me now and I know that others do also!
I love reading Hosea 11:1-11 - The Lord's love for Israel!
God asks, "Oh, how can I give you up. . . ? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you. . . . ? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. . . For I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One Living among you,(love that!) and I will not come to destroy"
I love that scripture because I know now that He doesn't want me to be perfect. He knows that I can't. But, man, He's still giving me the chances to improve! He loves me and wants whats best for me!
I started out, around Thanksgiving, with a great attitude about the upcoming holidays. I had these wonderful thoughts of being in control and even though I didn't think that they were expectations, I did make expectations for myself. And, around the mountain I went again. Things started getting away from me. My beautiful and wonderful children got sick with this or that, and I smiled and comforted them. Because I love them and want them to be better and all this other stuff is just that, other stuff.
But soon I was only smiling on the outside. Dishes piled up. The dog went through the trash. My stinking sink got plugged up and after several bottles of draino, we finally got rid of the clog. Okay, so I'm a little behind on my baking, it's okay. Oh, you need me to sew your slipper, okay, I'll do it tonight. Sorry I forgot about your slipper. And you need cookies for class tomorrow!? Mom, where is that paper I sat on the table, I need it for class! I'm sorry, I haven't seen a paper. Oh you sat it there last week. . . great! I'm not sure where it's at but we'll find it. Oh, I mean I'll find it!
My smile, gone! LOL! That's life! I had forgotten what the most important things were. God was showing me once again that He's in control and I am not!
Things will happen. Good, bad, and very, very ugly! But it doesn't matter. What does matter is our discipline and self-control to stay on God's path.
The cookie idea was awesome, but worldly. God wants me to give to others, which includes my family! Let things fall where they may. If I'm doing what I feel is right to God and being moved by God, then how can I go wrong!
It's important for me to make priorities. It's great for me to set boundaries. It's even okay to put myself first, if I do it God's way.
I guess what I'm getting at is that, although, those things that I had romantically set up in my mind were not bad and that I had wanted to do them for others, I should not have gotten so bent out of shape when other things came up! I forgot to breath. I skipped my walks with God because I felt I had to much to do. See, I changed my relationship with God by putting these other things first.
LOL!
That's the secret! Learning the balance! Discipline, respect, self-control, responsibility, love. If God is in all that, then watch out world! Here we come!
I have a ton of stuff to do! And I might get it all done and I might not! But the most important things are taken care of! My heart is at peace and God is stirring in it!! My smile is back, and I can't help it!
My Brothers and Sisters, have peace. The Good Lord is here and will take care of us!
Part of Hosea 11:9, "I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy." I love that! He is here!
God bless and keep you my friends! Let yourselves be a light to others in this present darkness!
Love, Peace, and Blessings ~ Becca
I would like to apologize for not keeping up with our daily discussions. Man, my schedule has really been thrown off here lately! I'm almost done with my school stuff and soon the holidays will be over and I'll get back on track!
Getting back on track!
I'm a very black and white person when it comes to myself. I give others a break, but for myself I'm like a cruel boss with a wipe! If things don't go exactly the way I have planned, I fall apart. It's the truth. I'm not good at rolling with my punches. But with others I am. Weird, huh?
My husband can come home and totally change our plans and I'm okay. But if I don't get everything done the way I have planned, I, not as much as I used to, through up my hands and give up. I'm still struggling with following my dreams and following through with the things that I think God wants. My kids, the dog, anything really that interrupts what I'm doing will soon take precedents.
I don't want to seem selfish. But maybe I am.
You know, I don't know my place in the world yet. My place with God and what He wants me to be. I'm getting there but still being held back by stuff. I don't know if it was the sexual abuse, but at times I feel trapped as a child kind of. Let me explain. I feel like everyone has authority over me. Or that everyone else is more important. Or maybe I just need more backbone!
I'm a person who wants everyone to be happy. If my husband comes home and is uptight or grumpy, you know what, I think it's because of me. I did something. And that's a very selfish way to live. Thinking that everything revolves around ME! Not that I want it to revolve around me, but I feel like I'm always doing things wrong. Everyone else has life in order. Except me. Is that a childish attitude?. I'm not sure but I am rewiring my brain, heart, and soul to be in tune with God. So this too shell pass!
I am getting better. The reading I've done, the messages I've heard, the love of God shining through others has made such an enormous impact on me! I feel that I am truly blessed! But I realize that I have a long ways to go.
But God loves me now and I know that others do also!
I love reading Hosea 11:1-11 - The Lord's love for Israel!
God asks, "Oh, how can I give you up. . . ? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you. . . . ? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. . . For I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One Living among you,(love that!) and I will not come to destroy"
I love that scripture because I know now that He doesn't want me to be perfect. He knows that I can't. But, man, He's still giving me the chances to improve! He loves me and wants whats best for me!
I started out, around Thanksgiving, with a great attitude about the upcoming holidays. I had these wonderful thoughts of being in control and even though I didn't think that they were expectations, I did make expectations for myself. And, around the mountain I went again. Things started getting away from me. My beautiful and wonderful children got sick with this or that, and I smiled and comforted them. Because I love them and want them to be better and all this other stuff is just that, other stuff.
But soon I was only smiling on the outside. Dishes piled up. The dog went through the trash. My stinking sink got plugged up and after several bottles of draino, we finally got rid of the clog. Okay, so I'm a little behind on my baking, it's okay. Oh, you need me to sew your slipper, okay, I'll do it tonight. Sorry I forgot about your slipper. And you need cookies for class tomorrow!? Mom, where is that paper I sat on the table, I need it for class! I'm sorry, I haven't seen a paper. Oh you sat it there last week. . . great! I'm not sure where it's at but we'll find it. Oh, I mean I'll find it!
My smile, gone! LOL! That's life! I had forgotten what the most important things were. God was showing me once again that He's in control and I am not!
Things will happen. Good, bad, and very, very ugly! But it doesn't matter. What does matter is our discipline and self-control to stay on God's path.
The cookie idea was awesome, but worldly. God wants me to give to others, which includes my family! Let things fall where they may. If I'm doing what I feel is right to God and being moved by God, then how can I go wrong!
It's important for me to make priorities. It's great for me to set boundaries. It's even okay to put myself first, if I do it God's way.
I guess what I'm getting at is that, although, those things that I had romantically set up in my mind were not bad and that I had wanted to do them for others, I should not have gotten so bent out of shape when other things came up! I forgot to breath. I skipped my walks with God because I felt I had to much to do. See, I changed my relationship with God by putting these other things first.
LOL!
That's the secret! Learning the balance! Discipline, respect, self-control, responsibility, love. If God is in all that, then watch out world! Here we come!
I have a ton of stuff to do! And I might get it all done and I might not! But the most important things are taken care of! My heart is at peace and God is stirring in it!! My smile is back, and I can't help it!
My Brothers and Sisters, have peace. The Good Lord is here and will take care of us!
Part of Hosea 11:9, "I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy." I love that! He is here!
God bless and keep you my friends! Let yourselves be a light to others in this present darkness!
Love, Peace, and Blessings ~ Becca
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Okay, I'll wait.
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Okay, I'll wait.: "Good afternoon to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! Oh how blessed we are! Well, today I'm thinking about delayed gratification...."
Okay, I'll wait.
Good afternoon to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! Oh how blessed we are!
Well, today I'm thinking about delayed gratification.
I'm Becca. I am impatient.
I am. We just got a new computer so I can't complain about that anymore. But let me tell you, I had really bad computer rage! Oh yes! I would click, on let's say Word, and it would take so long! I bet it took about 10 seconds to load or whatever! And don't get me started on trying to get on the 'net!
How crazy is that?
And, luckily, I don't have to drive to Rushville, Haysprings, Chadron, or Martin, on a daily basis because I would be a raging alcoholic!
I know, it's terrible.
But humor aside, the world is like that. I have a phone, well not me personally, that I can get emails and facebook stuff, tweeter, etc, whenever, where ever! Anyone can reach me and I can reach them. I'll try their home phone, if no answer, I'll try their cell. And if I still can't get an answer, I'll try both home and the cell until I have figured that they are not in the bathroom or have just stepped outside. I will then leave a message wanting an immediate call back, pronto!
And look at all the convenience food! When you're changing your eating habits it can really be hard to wrap your head around the planning of each healthy meal. There is prep work. Meat to be thawed out if frozen. You have to keep up on the fresh fruits and veggies. Plan your budget accordingly. In a world of "give it to me now," it's hard to go against the grain.
The apostle Paul said, "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up"(Galatians 6:9) Weeds grow quickly. Good crops grow more slowly and must be tended steadily, even before we can see anything sprout. It's only in time that we will enjoy the fruit.
You know Jesus tried to get His disciples to expand their perspectives also. "Jesus said to his disciples, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?'" (Matthew 16:24-26).
It's more than getting that great deal at Walmart. It's more than eating that whole chocolate cake. Life is much more than those instant pleasures that are just that, instant and that's it.
Whether you're saving for your retirement. Or deciding to skip the fad diets and go for the long haul of eating right and exercising. Maybe putting off that career so that you can stay home with the kids, even when more money would seem to make things easier. Or giving your life to Christ and slowly but steadily reading and studying the scriptures everyday, not demanding perfection but working to perfect one's life - that's delayed gratification.
It is God's will for us to have a rewarding and fulfilled life. It may be easier to adjust to our new way of life if we remember that denying our self immediate pleasures will bring a harvest of rich rewards in this life and in the life to come.
It's about giving up the world and saving our souls.
Delayed Gratification.
Remember my brothers and sisters in Christ that the Good Lord has an excellent plan for us.
It will require us taking a leap of faith and just being. But while waiting, we can love, work, and share the Good news with others. And because we have faith, we will finally know what peace is!
It's starting to snow outside. My kids are laughing and playing. I didn't get everything that I had wanted to this morning as far as presents for family and friends. I was sticking to my budget. But, I'm not worried. Life is good and our Great and Gracious Lord will provide. Let there be peace.
I pray that you all will have peace this season of celebrating our Lord, Jesus Christ. May you enjoy your time with family and friends. And remember how blessed we are! Good things are yet to come!
Merry Christmas to you all! Peace and everlasting joy to you and yours.
Be a light!
Blessings ~ Becca
Well, today I'm thinking about delayed gratification.
I'm Becca. I am impatient.
I am. We just got a new computer so I can't complain about that anymore. But let me tell you, I had really bad computer rage! Oh yes! I would click, on let's say Word, and it would take so long! I bet it took about 10 seconds to load or whatever! And don't get me started on trying to get on the 'net!
How crazy is that?
And, luckily, I don't have to drive to Rushville, Haysprings, Chadron, or Martin, on a daily basis because I would be a raging alcoholic!
I know, it's terrible.
But humor aside, the world is like that. I have a phone, well not me personally, that I can get emails and facebook stuff, tweeter, etc, whenever, where ever! Anyone can reach me and I can reach them. I'll try their home phone, if no answer, I'll try their cell. And if I still can't get an answer, I'll try both home and the cell until I have figured that they are not in the bathroom or have just stepped outside. I will then leave a message wanting an immediate call back, pronto!
And look at all the convenience food! When you're changing your eating habits it can really be hard to wrap your head around the planning of each healthy meal. There is prep work. Meat to be thawed out if frozen. You have to keep up on the fresh fruits and veggies. Plan your budget accordingly. In a world of "give it to me now," it's hard to go against the grain.
The apostle Paul said, "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up"(Galatians 6:9) Weeds grow quickly. Good crops grow more slowly and must be tended steadily, even before we can see anything sprout. It's only in time that we will enjoy the fruit.
You know Jesus tried to get His disciples to expand their perspectives also. "Jesus said to his disciples, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?'" (Matthew 16:24-26).
It's more than getting that great deal at Walmart. It's more than eating that whole chocolate cake. Life is much more than those instant pleasures that are just that, instant and that's it.
Whether you're saving for your retirement. Or deciding to skip the fad diets and go for the long haul of eating right and exercising. Maybe putting off that career so that you can stay home with the kids, even when more money would seem to make things easier. Or giving your life to Christ and slowly but steadily reading and studying the scriptures everyday, not demanding perfection but working to perfect one's life - that's delayed gratification.
It is God's will for us to have a rewarding and fulfilled life. It may be easier to adjust to our new way of life if we remember that denying our self immediate pleasures will bring a harvest of rich rewards in this life and in the life to come.
It's about giving up the world and saving our souls.
Delayed Gratification.
Remember my brothers and sisters in Christ that the Good Lord has an excellent plan for us.
It will require us taking a leap of faith and just being. But while waiting, we can love, work, and share the Good news with others. And because we have faith, we will finally know what peace is!
It's starting to snow outside. My kids are laughing and playing. I didn't get everything that I had wanted to this morning as far as presents for family and friends. I was sticking to my budget. But, I'm not worried. Life is good and our Great and Gracious Lord will provide. Let there be peace.
I pray that you all will have peace this season of celebrating our Lord, Jesus Christ. May you enjoy your time with family and friends. And remember how blessed we are! Good things are yet to come!
Merry Christmas to you all! Peace and everlasting joy to you and yours.
Be a light!
Blessings ~ Becca
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: What have I done?
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: What have I done?: "Good day to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! It's Thursday! We are getting so close to Christmas! I'm so excited, I ..."
What have I done?
Good day to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! It's Thursday! We are getting so close to Christmas! I'm so excited, I feel like a kid!
Along with all the excitement I've been feeling, I've also been overwhelmed with my past failures. Not as a "feel sorry for myself" kind of thing. I'm just sad that it took so long for me to understand this very special and true Gift that I have received. And sad about the things that are still holding me up.
I read about Paul's letter to the church in Corinth and how his letter had made them very sad. See Paul was confronting them about something they were doing wrong. At first, Paul felt very bad that his letter had hurt them so. But then he was glad because it woke them up. He wasn't happy that they were hurt. He was happy the letter had caused a kind of pain that made them repent and change their ways.
See, it was the kind of sorrow that God wants his people to have because this experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. Paul had no regrets for sending the letter. God also doesn't regret this kind of pain. Paul was happy with what this godly sorrow produced in them and God would be so happy to see that in us. Paul wrote, "You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right" (2Corinthians 7:9-11)
Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:32-33, "Though God brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow."
It's like as a parent. We don't like the disciplining part. It's the hardest part of parenting to see hurt in a child's eyes. But we know that it is necessary for them to grow up and understand right from wrong.
My grief is good. It comes from way down deep. It's from self-evaluation, not a morbid, self-hatred, self-condemnation. See this kinda of work is due to our excepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. And when we choose to live for Him, we receive the Holy Spirit, our conscience.
It's taken me a long, long time to learn this, but we have to learn to accept this sorrow as a positive part of renewing our lives and living for God. It is not a punishment.
And with that, people have hurt us. People will hurt us. Let's not forget the love the Good Lord has shown us at our worst. Let's not punish those for their inadequacies, we have them also and always will! Let's pray that God will show us how we can change and be better for those who need us.
We have been so blessed! Look at where we are today! And pause for a minute to remember where we once were! What a blessed difference! Thanks be to God our loving Father!
Merry Christmas to you my brothers and sisters! May God bless and keep you all this week!
Love and Blessings ~ Becca
Along with all the excitement I've been feeling, I've also been overwhelmed with my past failures. Not as a "feel sorry for myself" kind of thing. I'm just sad that it took so long for me to understand this very special and true Gift that I have received. And sad about the things that are still holding me up.
I read about Paul's letter to the church in Corinth and how his letter had made them very sad. See Paul was confronting them about something they were doing wrong. At first, Paul felt very bad that his letter had hurt them so. But then he was glad because it woke them up. He wasn't happy that they were hurt. He was happy the letter had caused a kind of pain that made them repent and change their ways.
See, it was the kind of sorrow that God wants his people to have because this experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. Paul had no regrets for sending the letter. God also doesn't regret this kind of pain. Paul was happy with what this godly sorrow produced in them and God would be so happy to see that in us. Paul wrote, "You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right" (2Corinthians 7:9-11)
Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:32-33, "Though God brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow."
It's like as a parent. We don't like the disciplining part. It's the hardest part of parenting to see hurt in a child's eyes. But we know that it is necessary for them to grow up and understand right from wrong.
My grief is good. It comes from way down deep. It's from self-evaluation, not a morbid, self-hatred, self-condemnation. See this kinda of work is due to our excepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. And when we choose to live for Him, we receive the Holy Spirit, our conscience.
It's taken me a long, long time to learn this, but we have to learn to accept this sorrow as a positive part of renewing our lives and living for God. It is not a punishment.
And with that, people have hurt us. People will hurt us. Let's not forget the love the Good Lord has shown us at our worst. Let's not punish those for their inadequacies, we have them also and always will! Let's pray that God will show us how we can change and be better for those who need us.
We have been so blessed! Look at where we are today! And pause for a minute to remember where we once were! What a blessed difference! Thanks be to God our loving Father!
Merry Christmas to you my brothers and sisters! May God bless and keep you all this week!
Love and Blessings ~ Becca
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Walk a mile in my shoes
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Walk a mile in my shoes: "Wonderful Wednesday to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! I'm getting to this a little late because. . . . I got to go shopping w..."
Walk a mile in my shoes
Wonderful Wednesday to all my brothers and sisters in Christ!
I'm getting to this a little late because. . . . I got to go shopping with my husband! And we had a great time! By we I truly do mean we!
So here I am.
This morning I read Matthew 7:1-6 and it reminded me of my life before I had found the Truth.
"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearl's to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you."
You know a lot of times in order to make myself feel better, I would point my finger at someone else who was gossiping, using drugs, not wiping their kids nose just right, drinking on a week night, wearing too short of a skirt, etc. It made me feel better about my own problems and sins.
Then at times I would blame others for my bad decisions. If they would have loved me enough I wouldn't have to __________. If they told me things like I was _________ then I wouldn't __________. If they hadn't done __________ then I wouldn't ______________. It was never my fault.
Just like Adam and Eve in the very beginning.
When God asked Adam, "Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat:" The man replied, "It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it." Then the Lord God asked the woman, "What have you done?" She replied, "The serpent deceived me." It seems to be human nature to blame others as our first line of defense.
We also may avoid our own problems by evaluating and criticizing others. Jesus tells us, "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?. . . .Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye."
While going through this process of cleaning up our life styles and getting healthy on all sorts of levels, we must remember that this is a season of self-examination. It's been an exciting journey, learning about the Lord's love, kindness, grace, patience, and strength. We're learning from the good book about what is right and what is wrong. And it is easy to criticize others for their decisions. We must guard against blaming and examining the lives of others as we learn to walk the narrow path.
There will be a time in the future, which will be awesome, where we can help others in a constructive and loving manner. We will be able to relate to other's sadness and pain. And because we have made progress, we can share with them our experiences and the good news of our Lord and Savior and how they too can overcome these problems. But that will only be after we have taken responsibility for our own actions.
Take time this Christmas season to remember where you have once been and where you are now! Celebrate your success, because you deserve it! But be sympathetic of others who may still be struggling. They may not speak up about the things that are bothering or haunting them. And remember to not boast and be prideful. Your success is due to our gracious God.
Remember you can be a light for someone who at this point only sees darkness. Let God's love and grace shine through you. You will feel it also!
My friends we are blessed! Remember the simple things this season. Remember what we're celebrating for!
My the Good Lord Bless and Keep today, and be with you as we go our separate ways!
Blessings to you ~ Becca
I'm getting to this a little late because. . . . I got to go shopping with my husband! And we had a great time! By we I truly do mean we!
So here I am.
This morning I read Matthew 7:1-6 and it reminded me of my life before I had found the Truth.
"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearl's to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you."
You know a lot of times in order to make myself feel better, I would point my finger at someone else who was gossiping, using drugs, not wiping their kids nose just right, drinking on a week night, wearing too short of a skirt, etc. It made me feel better about my own problems and sins.
Then at times I would blame others for my bad decisions. If they would have loved me enough I wouldn't have to __________. If they told me things like I was _________ then I wouldn't __________. If they hadn't done __________ then I wouldn't ______________. It was never my fault.
Just like Adam and Eve in the very beginning.
When God asked Adam, "Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat:" The man replied, "It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it." Then the Lord God asked the woman, "What have you done?" She replied, "The serpent deceived me." It seems to be human nature to blame others as our first line of defense.
We also may avoid our own problems by evaluating and criticizing others. Jesus tells us, "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?. . . .Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye."
While going through this process of cleaning up our life styles and getting healthy on all sorts of levels, we must remember that this is a season of self-examination. It's been an exciting journey, learning about the Lord's love, kindness, grace, patience, and strength. We're learning from the good book about what is right and what is wrong. And it is easy to criticize others for their decisions. We must guard against blaming and examining the lives of others as we learn to walk the narrow path.
There will be a time in the future, which will be awesome, where we can help others in a constructive and loving manner. We will be able to relate to other's sadness and pain. And because we have made progress, we can share with them our experiences and the good news of our Lord and Savior and how they too can overcome these problems. But that will only be after we have taken responsibility for our own actions.
Take time this Christmas season to remember where you have once been and where you are now! Celebrate your success, because you deserve it! But be sympathetic of others who may still be struggling. They may not speak up about the things that are bothering or haunting them. And remember to not boast and be prideful. Your success is due to our gracious God.
Remember you can be a light for someone who at this point only sees darkness. Let God's love and grace shine through you. You will feel it also!
My friends we are blessed! Remember the simple things this season. Remember what we're celebrating for!
My the Good Lord Bless and Keep today, and be with you as we go our separate ways!
Blessings to you ~ Becca
Monday, December 13, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Your mission, if you choose to except it. . . . . ...
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Your mission, if you choose to except it. . . . . ...: "Good morning, good morning! It's a beautiful Monday morning! Did you all get to see that sunrise? Wow, it was pretty! An..."
Your mission, if you choose to except it. . . . . .
Good morning, good morning! It's a beautiful Monday morning!
Did you all get to see that sunrise? Wow, it was pretty!
And by the way, do you happen to see that beautiful reflection in the mirror? Wow, nice!
Okay, it's time! We read the good book. We've prayed. God has shown us His glory. We've seen His miracles. It's time.
There are no more excuses. No one else to blame. It's time.
It's time to take back what is yours! Satan has no power here, anymore.
The Good Lord has blessed us with this earth. He has taken care of our needs by providing food, water, companionship, and His love. We have been given life. Air fills our lungs and our hearts beat strong. We live.
It's time to take back what is ours! Satan has no power here, anymore.
We are not falling for his lies anymore! My weight is not where I want it to be but I am on my way. His lies about needing to lose weight quickly with out regard for my health no longer affect me. His lies about beauty will not shake me. His lies about what I should be will not rule me.
It's time to take back what is mine!
This life!
Even though my sins have given satan a foot hold into my life, he has no control! I ask my Gracious Lord and Father for forgiveness and I am saved! And I shut that door on the devil! I ask the Lord for guidance in my turbulent life, and He takes me by that hand and gives me hope. The devil gets mad! I pray to the Lord, "cover my family with the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ and keep them safe" and He does! Satan is homeless. My God is my life and satan is powerless!
God has given me the power to choose between life and death. My God has given me love, peace, security, hope, grace, and the strength to resist the temptations of the devil. It is my God alone that can give these gifts. And though I gave them to the devil by believing his lies before I knew better, I am taken them back!
I will resist him! I will have victory! And my brothers and sisters you can also!
Today is the day we take back what the Good Lord has blessed us with! Today!
Go out into the world today and tomorrow and the next, and be a light.
Satan's power here on earth is coming to a close. Do you choose life or death?
Take a stand and take back what is ours! Take back what Jesus died to give us!
Let's celebrate Jesus' birth with our love and loyalty! Let us take back what is ours, so His life and death were not in vein.
Take back what is ours and share this Good News with others! God bless and keep you today!
Blessings ~ Becca
Did you all get to see that sunrise? Wow, it was pretty!
And by the way, do you happen to see that beautiful reflection in the mirror? Wow, nice!
Okay, it's time! We read the good book. We've prayed. God has shown us His glory. We've seen His miracles. It's time.
There are no more excuses. No one else to blame. It's time.
It's time to take back what is yours! Satan has no power here, anymore.
The Good Lord has blessed us with this earth. He has taken care of our needs by providing food, water, companionship, and His love. We have been given life. Air fills our lungs and our hearts beat strong. We live.
It's time to take back what is ours! Satan has no power here, anymore.
We are not falling for his lies anymore! My weight is not where I want it to be but I am on my way. His lies about needing to lose weight quickly with out regard for my health no longer affect me. His lies about beauty will not shake me. His lies about what I should be will not rule me.
It's time to take back what is mine!
This life!
Even though my sins have given satan a foot hold into my life, he has no control! I ask my Gracious Lord and Father for forgiveness and I am saved! And I shut that door on the devil! I ask the Lord for guidance in my turbulent life, and He takes me by that hand and gives me hope. The devil gets mad! I pray to the Lord, "cover my family with the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ and keep them safe" and He does! Satan is homeless. My God is my life and satan is powerless!
God has given me the power to choose between life and death. My God has given me love, peace, security, hope, grace, and the strength to resist the temptations of the devil. It is my God alone that can give these gifts. And though I gave them to the devil by believing his lies before I knew better, I am taken them back!
I will resist him! I will have victory! And my brothers and sisters you can also!
Today is the day we take back what the Good Lord has blessed us with! Today!
Go out into the world today and tomorrow and the next, and be a light.
Satan's power here on earth is coming to a close. Do you choose life or death?
Take a stand and take back what is ours! Take back what Jesus died to give us!
Let's celebrate Jesus' birth with our love and loyalty! Let us take back what is ours, so His life and death were not in vein.
Take back what is ours and share this Good News with others! God bless and keep you today!
Blessings ~ Becca
Friday, December 10, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Are we worth it?
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Are we worth it?: "Good morning to you all! It's F-r-i-d-a-y! (Imagine me doing the happy dance!) Woohoo! God is good! I want to sing from ..."
Are we worth it?
Good morning to you all! It's F-r-i-d-a-y! (Imagine me doing the happy dance!)
Woohoo! God is good!
I want to sing from the mountain tops or the highest hill in our area! I have sinned but now I am free! The Good and Gracious Lord loves me!
I know that I am not where I want to be or where God wants me to be. But I am so excited to not be where I was! Woohoo! I can change! It's a miracle! And I want to be even better! I want to be godly, to serve as Jesus does. To go the distance! To fight the good fight! Come with me on this journey!
Woohoo! God is good!
I want to sing from the mountain tops or the highest hill in our area! I have sinned but now I am free! The Good and Gracious Lord loves me!
I know that I am not where I want to be or where God wants me to be. But I am so excited to not be where I was! Woohoo! I can change! It's a miracle! And I want to be even better! I want to be godly, to serve as Jesus does. To go the distance! To fight the good fight! Come with me on this journey!
"take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you." (Ephesians 4:22 Msg)
This is what God has wanted for us since time began. Along the way, we became twisted and distorted. But the Lord loving us so, sent His Son! Jesus was born a human. He lived with us, lived through all the same temptations, tribulations, and tragedies. The good and the bad. He lived for His Father and that was it.
He could have taken a short-cut, bi-passed all the misery of being brutally beaten, hung on a cross and crucified. But He didn't.
"The devil. . . .showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 'I will give it all to you,' he said, 'if you will kneel down and worship me.' 'Get out of here, Satan,' Jesus told him. 'For the Scriptures say, "You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him"'"(Matthew 4:8-10). If Jesus had fallen for this trick, he would have sinned and lost everything.
God wants more from us. He knows we can do it. But because He gave us free will, we must decide.
We need to beware of "shortcuts" that take us even one step outside of God's will. We are warned: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"(James 4:7). We can show this resistance by ignoring offers that are "too good to be true." And there are a lot of them. Lose 10 lbs in one week. Make money instantly! Be your own boss. Get the picture. There are really no quick fixes in life. The path of losing weight and being healthy, getting out of debt, making more money, quitting drugs and alcohol can be long and hard. But many have gone before us and have succeeded. Just look at Jesus!
Keep on keeping on! As we stay on this healthy path, taking one day at a time, one step at a time, we'll find the good things in life that God has intended for us!
Celebrate your success! Really! We've come a long way baby!
Lift yourself up today by reading the Word. By surrounding yourself with devotions that tell of the promises the Good Lord has made to us! Oh, it's wonderful to read and the meditate on the love the Lord has for us.
Then, go out and lift some one else up! Be that smiling person to some one who is having a terrible day. Be that door holder when some one has their hands full. Be compassionate to those who are struggling and give a hug. Give because you have been blessed. You have the ultimate gift. Knowing the love of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Pass it on!
May the Good Lord Bless and keep you close! May your heart be filled with love. And may the strength of the Lord lead you through all temptations, all tribulations, and all tragedies today!
And smile! You're on God's camera!
I love you and God Bless~ Becca
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: How Great Thou Art
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: How Great Thou Art: "Good morning, good morning to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! It's Wednesday! And what a beautiful Wednesday it is! We'r..."
How Great Thou Art
Good morning, good morning to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! It's Wednesday! And what a beautiful Wednesday it is!
We're getting closer to Christmas! I'm so excited! When I get done chatting with you all, I'm making my list and checking it twice and hope that God will use me to be a blessing to others. Tis the season for love, laughter, giving, kissing, decorating, and celebrating the birth of the One.
My heart wants to burst as I think of the beautiful gift Jesus gave to you and I. He lived so we might learn. And He died so we might live!
This morning I got up and felt the warmth of being content. I don't want anything. My heart is full of love for my God. My house was warm. My children were safe and sleeping like angels. My husband was safe and well, and left the house by hugging me and kissing my cheek. I don't wont him to get sick, so the cheek will do for now!
My house is not as tidy as I would like, but I'm not letting it get me down. I have today to shape things up. Yes, today is a new day with new grace, forgiveness, love, patience - all from our loving Father.
Yes, today is a new day!
I wont let my house get me down. And my past preoccupation with weight and calories, they are going by the way side. I'm going to strive to be a better wife, mother, and friend. My failures are in the past. Today is my new day. To be what the Good Lord wants me to be.
At this point, I feel like there is nothing that can get me down! I'm so in love with God and this new life that the bad stuff (and there will be bad stuff) is just a blip on the radar!
These lessons have been hard. And I know that there is still so much that I need to learn and change to be what God wants me to be. But He is here in me, working, stirring, showing me the answers to past problems and how to handle problems in the future.
Oh, the Lord has blessed me so! I am made new! I can leave that insecurities behind me. I am new! I can let go of the sins that have plagued me for so long. I am new! I am not my past! I am new!
How gracious Thou are! I look back on the pain and suffering I have felt. The feelings of being alone. The feeling that I could handle these situations on my own and then failing. Using food, the approval from others, giving sex for love, hiding from the world, hating myself - all in a feeble attempt to just feel a little relief from the pain in my heart that longed for the Lord. And through all that wasted time and sin, HE STILL LOVES ME! The Lord still loves me and has forgiven me! And He has promised to be here for me forever!
And what little does He want in return! He wants my faith. He wants my love.
He has given me everything! And just wants ME in return!
He says to forget about that other stuff, it's not you. That He knows who we really are! And He wants so much good for us! And. . . ..
All we have to do is ask!
Oh, my brothers and sisters! We are blessed! Let us forget the stupid worries of the world! Forget the getting and remember the giving! Show your neighbor you love them! Make peace with yourself and those who have done you wrong. Make peace with living in moderation. And rejoice for the simple things that mean so much!
My brothers and sisters in Christ, take care of yourselves. Be good to that temple that holds your heart, soul, and spirit! Again, make peace with yourself. Let's be better than we have been. Let's strive to be all that God wants us to be!
I believe I can change the world. You can also! Let not waste a single second more.
Go out into the world today. Let the light of our great and loving Lord shine through you! Be a blessing because you and I have so truly been blessed!
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you! Keep up the good fight! I love you!
Blessings ~ Becca
We're getting closer to Christmas! I'm so excited! When I get done chatting with you all, I'm making my list and checking it twice and hope that God will use me to be a blessing to others. Tis the season for love, laughter, giving, kissing, decorating, and celebrating the birth of the One.
My heart wants to burst as I think of the beautiful gift Jesus gave to you and I. He lived so we might learn. And He died so we might live!
This morning I got up and felt the warmth of being content. I don't want anything. My heart is full of love for my God. My house was warm. My children were safe and sleeping like angels. My husband was safe and well, and left the house by hugging me and kissing my cheek. I don't wont him to get sick, so the cheek will do for now!
My house is not as tidy as I would like, but I'm not letting it get me down. I have today to shape things up. Yes, today is a new day with new grace, forgiveness, love, patience - all from our loving Father.
Yes, today is a new day!
I wont let my house get me down. And my past preoccupation with weight and calories, they are going by the way side. I'm going to strive to be a better wife, mother, and friend. My failures are in the past. Today is my new day. To be what the Good Lord wants me to be.
At this point, I feel like there is nothing that can get me down! I'm so in love with God and this new life that the bad stuff (and there will be bad stuff) is just a blip on the radar!
These lessons have been hard. And I know that there is still so much that I need to learn and change to be what God wants me to be. But He is here in me, working, stirring, showing me the answers to past problems and how to handle problems in the future.
Oh, the Lord has blessed me so! I am made new! I can leave that insecurities behind me. I am new! I can let go of the sins that have plagued me for so long. I am new! I am not my past! I am new!
How gracious Thou are! I look back on the pain and suffering I have felt. The feelings of being alone. The feeling that I could handle these situations on my own and then failing. Using food, the approval from others, giving sex for love, hiding from the world, hating myself - all in a feeble attempt to just feel a little relief from the pain in my heart that longed for the Lord. And through all that wasted time and sin, HE STILL LOVES ME! The Lord still loves me and has forgiven me! And He has promised to be here for me forever!
And what little does He want in return! He wants my faith. He wants my love.
He has given me everything! And just wants ME in return!
He says to forget about that other stuff, it's not you. That He knows who we really are! And He wants so much good for us! And. . . ..
All we have to do is ask!
Oh, my brothers and sisters! We are blessed! Let us forget the stupid worries of the world! Forget the getting and remember the giving! Show your neighbor you love them! Make peace with yourself and those who have done you wrong. Make peace with living in moderation. And rejoice for the simple things that mean so much!
My brothers and sisters in Christ, take care of yourselves. Be good to that temple that holds your heart, soul, and spirit! Again, make peace with yourself. Let's be better than we have been. Let's strive to be all that God wants us to be!
I believe I can change the world. You can also! Let not waste a single second more.
Go out into the world today. Let the light of our great and loving Lord shine through you! Be a blessing because you and I have so truly been blessed!
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you! Keep up the good fight! I love you!
Blessings ~ Becca
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Oh, the Lord is Good!
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: Oh, the Lord is Good!: "Good day my brothers and sisters in Christ! It has been a beautiful Tuesday! I'm writing this afternoon due to a tooth malfunction. But a..."
Oh, the Lord is Good!
Good day my brothers and sisters in Christ! It has been a beautiful Tuesday!
I'm writing this afternoon due to a tooth malfunction. But all is taken care of and so life is great!
This may seem like a silly blog today!
I'm focusing on how magnificent our bodies are!
For instance the mouth. I haven't been able to chew or swallow for two weeks now. And I have come to really appreciate all the mouth has to offer!
I also have had a hard time speaking! Which brings me to the subject of speech.
Through this debacle, I have had to really think about what I have wanted to say and to make the most out of everything I needed to express. Example, instead of giving a long lecture on why the kids needed to pick-up their room, I bluntly told them to get the job done right. I was not mean. But the kids knew what I wanted them to do and they did it! Maybe frills and fluff are not needed when trying to get someone to do something for me. Well, at least with my family!
Hmmmm, thinking about what I say before I actually do say it?! What a deal!
Now, like I said, I'm being silly! But in this season of loving, caring, and thankfulness - thinking about what we say and how we say it is just as important as what we give. Wow, what?
Yes, a loving response can warm the soul! For the both of you!
I've been cleaning up myself inside and out. I've been learning different ways of helping to strengthen my insides by what I do on the outside - mentally and physically. And vice verse.
It's very simple, or it should be!
Eat what the Good Lord has intended us to eat: fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains and beans, meat, cheese, and milk. Not alot of fluff! Seasons from the earth, herbs and spices. Simple. Drink water. Save the fluff for special occasions!
Live a life that is driven by our love for our Father. In no matter what we are doing, work like we're working for God. Embrace the bible and all that it has to offer. Surround yourself with God's word and people who live for God also!
Simple.
The heart is strong. The soul and spirit are in tune with God's plan. So now what?
It's the inside out show! Sorry, being silly again!
But really, the inside shines through! The goodness of the Lord is now able to come through you in what ever situation your in! Work, school, church, the store, the table. Awesome! It's a circle of life thing!:)
The Lord has provided us with everything we will need now and in the future. Amazing!
Everything we need to be strong, healthy, loving, and wise! Everything we need to be successful!
But along with that love from our Lord, we need to be responsible for our actions. Oh, that responsible thing again. Yes, it's our job! God gave it to us, so we can do it! I'm putting my bets on the Big Guy! He's made things happen from the beginning of time!
So, what are we going to do! Well, I'll tell ya!
We're going to get out of bed tomorrow, knowing that we are blessed! We're going to put on our fighting faces and be determined to do every single job, task, honey do, the very best we can - we're doing it for God! And we are going to be determined not to fall for those gimmicks that lead us to believe that we deserve what ever it is right now! No, we're going to eat healthy, laugh, not charge up our credit cards, smile, give a hug, plan a party with friends, tell our loved ones that we love them, and thank God for every minute of it!
Back to our mouths. We can use them for good or evil! Inside or out! Use yours wisely.
They're good for kissing too! A kiss never hurt anybody!
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you tonight! I love you and you are beautiful! So go on with your amazing self!
Blessings~ Becca
I'm writing this afternoon due to a tooth malfunction. But all is taken care of and so life is great!
This may seem like a silly blog today!
I'm focusing on how magnificent our bodies are!
For instance the mouth. I haven't been able to chew or swallow for two weeks now. And I have come to really appreciate all the mouth has to offer!
I also have had a hard time speaking! Which brings me to the subject of speech.
Through this debacle, I have had to really think about what I have wanted to say and to make the most out of everything I needed to express. Example, instead of giving a long lecture on why the kids needed to pick-up their room, I bluntly told them to get the job done right. I was not mean. But the kids knew what I wanted them to do and they did it! Maybe frills and fluff are not needed when trying to get someone to do something for me. Well, at least with my family!
Hmmmm, thinking about what I say before I actually do say it?! What a deal!
Now, like I said, I'm being silly! But in this season of loving, caring, and thankfulness - thinking about what we say and how we say it is just as important as what we give. Wow, what?
Yes, a loving response can warm the soul! For the both of you!
I've been cleaning up myself inside and out. I've been learning different ways of helping to strengthen my insides by what I do on the outside - mentally and physically. And vice verse.
It's very simple, or it should be!
Eat what the Good Lord has intended us to eat: fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains and beans, meat, cheese, and milk. Not alot of fluff! Seasons from the earth, herbs and spices. Simple. Drink water. Save the fluff for special occasions!
Live a life that is driven by our love for our Father. In no matter what we are doing, work like we're working for God. Embrace the bible and all that it has to offer. Surround yourself with God's word and people who live for God also!
Simple.
The heart is strong. The soul and spirit are in tune with God's plan. So now what?
It's the inside out show! Sorry, being silly again!
But really, the inside shines through! The goodness of the Lord is now able to come through you in what ever situation your in! Work, school, church, the store, the table. Awesome! It's a circle of life thing!:)
The Lord has provided us with everything we will need now and in the future. Amazing!
Everything we need to be strong, healthy, loving, and wise! Everything we need to be successful!
But along with that love from our Lord, we need to be responsible for our actions. Oh, that responsible thing again. Yes, it's our job! God gave it to us, so we can do it! I'm putting my bets on the Big Guy! He's made things happen from the beginning of time!
So, what are we going to do! Well, I'll tell ya!
We're going to get out of bed tomorrow, knowing that we are blessed! We're going to put on our fighting faces and be determined to do every single job, task, honey do, the very best we can - we're doing it for God! And we are going to be determined not to fall for those gimmicks that lead us to believe that we deserve what ever it is right now! No, we're going to eat healthy, laugh, not charge up our credit cards, smile, give a hug, plan a party with friends, tell our loved ones that we love them, and thank God for every minute of it!
Back to our mouths. We can use them for good or evil! Inside or out! Use yours wisely.
They're good for kissing too! A kiss never hurt anybody!
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you tonight! I love you and you are beautiful! So go on with your amazing self!
Blessings~ Becca
Monday, December 6, 2010
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: The Goodness of the Lord
Healthy Soul, Healthy Heart: The Goodness of the Lord: "Good morning to all my brothers and sisters in Christ! Woohoo, it's almost Christmas time! My family and I spent the Thanksgiving holid..."
The Goodness of the Lord
Good morning to all my brothers and sisters in Christ!
Woohoo, it's almost Christmas time!
My family and I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with family in Lincoln and Omaha. We had a blast! We visited the zoo and spent time laughing and catching up. Good for the heart, good for the soul.
Now, after a week of sinus infection misery and a surprise visit from my very unwelcomed wisdom tooth, I'm back in action!
God is good!
God is Good! Have you ever thought about what you have? Have you ever thought about the luxuries we have? A hot bath when ever we'd like. An indoor toilet. A fridge, and maybe a freezer, full of food. The socks that we pull from the drawer each day, the cereal we have each morning, the paper we buy with coffee, the list is long. Our lives are so good, why do we need to worry about the clothes we will wear. The size of the clothes we will wear. Why do we waste this precious time that we have been allowed by the Good Lord on meaningless things like what we will eat, one more doughnut please!
It all seems so clear when you take the world out of our lives and focus on working for God. We live in a time of convenience, don't we?
We're not out in the field each day growing and tending to our only source of food. We're not cleaning our clothes on a board in a boiling pot of water. We're not out a the crack of dawn milking our milk cows or drawing water from the well on the hill. We can hop in our car in a moment and head to the store. We can wash clothes and dishes while surfing on the net. We can dry our clothes while drying our hair. Oh man, things our good!
We have all of this extra time for God, right?! Was it easier in the quietness of turning the dirt and smelling the earth to talk to Him? Or when our cell phones are constintly ringing, the kids need dropped off to the next after school activity, at the next committee meeting, etc. Do we even hear Him?
I guess what I'm getting at is my frustration with myself, maybe you feel this way also, for letting such unimportant things get in the way of what God has called me to do! I have it made here. Food in the kitchen, my house is warm without having to worry about chopping wood, I have clothes to wear, the ability to read what ever I want, go where ever I want (church) and yet, I have wasted time worrying about weight! Worrying about what others think of me! What people will say! Or if I will fail!
OMG! We do have it so good! Praise God for His blessings on us!
Praise God that He hasn't pulled the rug out from under us! It could all be gone, you know. And then where would we be? Probably praying! Oh, then we would have time!
I don't know about you but I'm done. This world does not hold me anymore! My job is the work for the Lord. To do the best I can. The best!
He gets me first!
He put me first when His only Son, Jesus Christ died for me!
It's almost Christmas! He gets me first! The ways of the world will be put aside. I will celebrate Him!
Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, may you all know the wonder of our dear Lord. My heart fills with pride to know that JESUS LOVES ME! Man, my eyes are tearing knowing that His love is forever and ever, and I missed understanding that for so long.
Let's not waste any more time. Let's fight this great fight! We are more than what we have thought! We are God's beautiful creation. Let's act like it!
My love to you, my friends! And God's blessings to you I pray! Let the Good Lord bless and keep you in all your days!
Blessings ~ Becca
Woohoo, it's almost Christmas time!
My family and I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with family in Lincoln and Omaha. We had a blast! We visited the zoo and spent time laughing and catching up. Good for the heart, good for the soul.
Now, after a week of sinus infection misery and a surprise visit from my very unwelcomed wisdom tooth, I'm back in action!
God is good!
God is Good! Have you ever thought about what you have? Have you ever thought about the luxuries we have? A hot bath when ever we'd like. An indoor toilet. A fridge, and maybe a freezer, full of food. The socks that we pull from the drawer each day, the cereal we have each morning, the paper we buy with coffee, the list is long. Our lives are so good, why do we need to worry about the clothes we will wear. The size of the clothes we will wear. Why do we waste this precious time that we have been allowed by the Good Lord on meaningless things like what we will eat, one more doughnut please!
It all seems so clear when you take the world out of our lives and focus on working for God. We live in a time of convenience, don't we?
We're not out in the field each day growing and tending to our only source of food. We're not cleaning our clothes on a board in a boiling pot of water. We're not out a the crack of dawn milking our milk cows or drawing water from the well on the hill. We can hop in our car in a moment and head to the store. We can wash clothes and dishes while surfing on the net. We can dry our clothes while drying our hair. Oh man, things our good!
We have all of this extra time for God, right?! Was it easier in the quietness of turning the dirt and smelling the earth to talk to Him? Or when our cell phones are constintly ringing, the kids need dropped off to the next after school activity, at the next committee meeting, etc. Do we even hear Him?
I guess what I'm getting at is my frustration with myself, maybe you feel this way also, for letting such unimportant things get in the way of what God has called me to do! I have it made here. Food in the kitchen, my house is warm without having to worry about chopping wood, I have clothes to wear, the ability to read what ever I want, go where ever I want (church) and yet, I have wasted time worrying about weight! Worrying about what others think of me! What people will say! Or if I will fail!
OMG! We do have it so good! Praise God for His blessings on us!
Praise God that He hasn't pulled the rug out from under us! It could all be gone, you know. And then where would we be? Probably praying! Oh, then we would have time!
I don't know about you but I'm done. This world does not hold me anymore! My job is the work for the Lord. To do the best I can. The best!
He gets me first!
He put me first when His only Son, Jesus Christ died for me!
It's almost Christmas! He gets me first! The ways of the world will be put aside. I will celebrate Him!
Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, may you all know the wonder of our dear Lord. My heart fills with pride to know that JESUS LOVES ME! Man, my eyes are tearing knowing that His love is forever and ever, and I missed understanding that for so long.
Let's not waste any more time. Let's fight this great fight! We are more than what we have thought! We are God's beautiful creation. Let's act like it!
My love to you, my friends! And God's blessings to you I pray! Let the Good Lord bless and keep you in all your days!
Blessings ~ Becca
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