PROGRESS

I have made progress in the: Setting Captives Free: The Lord's Table. YAY! I am not as tempted everyday as I have been. Sometimes I slip and eat too much, but for the most part I am learning to discipline myself.
I am learning to discipline myself to perform other tasks instead of reaching for the snacks in the evening. I crochet, read a good book about the scriptures or the scriptures themselves.
Funny think happened today. In WMU (Women's Missionary Union) we studied II Samuel 12:1-4.
In Setting Captives Free we studied the same scripture.
David and Bethsheba, how many lessons cover this one sin. A multitude of lessons, believe it or not. Even overeating can bring out the lust of the flesh, as in this story.
This story brings out Psalm 51, which was David's cry when he had realized what he had done. How many times have I read this scripture and asked God to forgive me my sin. We can see the injustices of others but are lacking in our estimates of our own sin just as David didn't realize his sin until Nathan pointed it out.
Do you have a "Nathan" that can make you realize you have sinned? We all need a "Nathan" in our lives. Mine happens to be this month in Setting Captives Free. The mentor is ever mindful of my sinful behavior of over eating and does not hesitate to let me know. On the other hand the mentor is also ever mindful of encouraging me to do better, with God's help.

Victory or Not

"The first ad best victory is to conquer self." Plato.
Can I conquer this habitual drive to that leads me to fail in this task I have set before me? That's the question I ask myself this evening.

Will I do as Esau and sell my birthright for a few spoonfuls of porridge? Sell my birthright for a few moments of pleasure that will only end in disaster? My birthright being God has put this on my heart to do this task of eating properly. My birthright being, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 KJV)

In my attempt to search the scripture, I think, "Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23) KJV. My heart becomes troubled because I cannot discipline myself to accomplish that which The Lord has put on my heart to do. My heart becomes troubled because the doctor is troubled for the large number on the scale. Then I tell myself, "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4 NIV)

From what I gather the "victory" can be ours! It's there for the asking. We must depend on God in every aspect of life. May God grant you the victory when you seek his word and his will in your life's challenges.

Life-Saving, Life-Giving

     A rose bush that had grown "out of control" had been a burden to me the past few years. I took some advice and pruned it this year, cutting it back to a little nub of a thing. That was February 12, 2013. It now it is sprouting new limbs and I have hope that it will survive and replenish itself.

     That's how I feel sometimes about this weight loss journey. Cutting back, pruning the unhealthy habits of a few years gone bad. God will show me the way to see things differently as I continue this journey. How to stay fit and trim is a goal with which I'm looking forward.  
      "The Rest of the Story" is: I haven't lost but one pound on this "diet" but, I have lost inches. Now a size lower than when I started, feeling good again is a something that makes me happy.  I am not "starving" myself to oblivion and back and feel good physically and mentally.
       Learning to exercise and not being a "couch-potato" is a joyous experience. When the sun is shining down on my being, a whole new world is opening up to me, as I walk in the park. It can open up to you as well. God is ever present in His creation. "Spring has sprung!" is an old saying, that warms the heart. Grass and flowers grow to a new depth in our hearts as we observe them.
         Learning to walk daily with the Savior is life-saving, life-giving experience. Keeping His word close at hand is a life-saver also. "Keeping his Word in my heart is an ever present help in trouble." (paraphrased Psalm 119:11) I praise God every day for being by my side. Without Him I am nothing. Keep trying, keep the faith and a whole new world will open unto you.

My Journey Can Be Yours

Today I have decided to write my weight loss journey. Some will come, some will get lost but please follow me on my journey. March 9, 2013.
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Today I decide I can eat less. Sounds noble, yes? It's not as tough as it sounds. Relying on God for reassurance, "You can do this, I promise" (Philippians 4:13 Paraphrased by me.)
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13b NIV).
"Therefore lets look forward and forget all that lay behind, pressing on toward the mark God is leading me to accomplish." More Philippians.
I eat because the clock on the wall tells me it's time. I must stop this rhetoric with my self. I must say the "right' things, "think" the right things and change old habitual thoughts to  new.
Most people know the do's and don't of good eating habits. It is just a matter of following them. Most people can lose a few pounds only to regain them. Keeping it off is another matter. And that is my strategy today. Learning to walk the walk and talk the talk of good eating habits and sticking with it.
I am also reading a devotional book, "Unglued" by Lysa Terkeurst. Follow me on my journey:

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right, hand and sys to you, Do not fear; I will help you." ISAIAH 41:13.
Like Lysa, "I feel broken. I vow to do better at 8:14 a.m. and 3:37p.m. and 9:04 p.m." Various times of the day we are worn down from daily activities. We may think this is not the right time. It's now or never. Jesus promised to remove our sins as far as the east is from the west. And we CAN say now is the time.
Please help me, Lord be lifted up in my hour of need. I'm reminded of the hymn, "Lord Lift Me Up To Higher Ground."

Poems by Lanell

STANDING IN THE GAP                                  SITTING AT JESUS FEET

Standing in the gap,                                               Sitting at Jesus feet
Jesus on the cross did say,                                     I wonder who I am.
"forgive them this day",                                        Will I set out to trust Him
To enter life's gate                                                 Just as Job and Abraham
as they go along their way.

Standing in the gap                                               He feeds His sheep
Between what's right and what's wrong               even when they stray.
to save us from our sin                                         He brings us back to a steady gait.
To live in freedom from now on.                         When we sit at His feet.

Standing in the gap                                              We find the rest we need
So innocent and strong                                         when torn between earth and sky.
He gave us freedom                                             When He decides to meet our needs,
to enter Heavens gate alone.                                 as we sit at Jesus feet.


ON A HILL

On a hill three crosses did appear,
One a saint and
to God did adhere.

Two were sinners.
One turned to Christ
that day on a hill
And in Heaven did appear.

The other chose
to pass that day
To enter Heaven
That day on a hill

Take My Yoke Upon You

Take My Yoke Upon You

In August 2012 we visited the George Ranch and I found this display of a yoke used for oxen and cattle. There was the explanation that the yoke was not to bind the cattle but that in order for them to work as one. That made them stronger and more durable. Two could do the work as one entity working together for a common cause.

They were better synchronized. When we work in sync with one another we become stronger and can work longer and more efficiently.

When we take the Savior’s yoke upon us he can help us work as one stronger in spirit. We do not veer too much to the left or to the right but go straight. We don’t lose our focus on where we are going. We are stronger together.

I want the yoke of the Lord on me to guide me in trying times. I want the yoke of the Lord to strengthen me in my work as well as in my pleasure. I want the yoke of the lord upon me to guide me and help me. I want to have the restfulness He promises in his yoke.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt.11:29 NIV)

JOYCE MILES TRIBUTE

Joyce Miles is a faithful Sunday School/Bible Study student. Recently she sold her house and is leaving the Port Arthur, Groves area. We wish her well. I wrote this tribute to her as a friend, and as a class member/leader.

Joyce Miles Farewell Address

Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you embark on a new journey in your life.

Abraham set out in faith to a land unknown and unfamiliar to him. He left the familiar hustle and bustle of a city life to become a great herdsman. He made some twists and turns during his lifetime but was always blessed by our heavenly Father.

His faith kept him going. May you find the faith and belief that God will be with you as you travel to the unfamiliar surroundings. May God show you all that you are to accomplish in his name. May God show you all that the blessings of a faithful servant that you are just as was Abraham.

As I thought about Joyce the word came to my mind faithful.

I looked up faithful in the dictionary. It is described as: Firmly and devoutly supportive. Worthy of trust and belief.

The word fits Joyce perfectly. She is faithful to her friends and to her church. She will be sorely missed by friends and church members.

Go in Peace with the Lord at your side.

We love you, faithful friend.

The “Martha” class of First Baptist Church Groves.

Lanell Stuart, author.

Flo Brokaw, president.