Friday, February 20, 2009
My Rock
God thank you for being my rock. Thank you for being my shield. I know that all things are possible with you, thank you! Thank you is such a powerful little phrase when you mean it! Those two little words are so small but mean so MUCH! I am going to make sure that i focus on making it a point to REALLY mean the words Thank You when I say it. God, we owe you so much, and I know that Thank You is not always enough - living my life for you is what you want from us. "Actions speak louder than words" - So as I continue to work at living my life for you, God I pray that you will continue to give me the strength I need, the wisdom and knowledge. I want my life to be yours, not mine. 'I don't want to gain the whole world to lose my soul" (toby mac) - thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for always listening to me. God, I sincerely Thank You for all that you do in my life. I love you and strive to for you everyday. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Another Devotional that hits the nail on the head!
I was reading through today devotional and it's so fitting. A friend of mine had called me yesterday and wanted to talk to me about somethings that were going on in her life and she was seeking counsel and prayer. I was beyond moved that she would even think of me - but I really felt God leading me in all that I was saying. I practiced really listening to what she was saying, and in the end it all came down to one thing for me, obedience to God.
I was a little concerned after leaving there, "God did I do what I was suppose to?" "Did I do too much talking?" "Did I express what you were telling me?" I was so honored to have been called upon, but was I going to do all the right things? After reading through today's devotional, I know that I did the right thing. I have such a peace over me and I feel God speaking directly to me through these devotionals. Something just kept pushing me to come and reads today's word, and look what I found! Thank you God for using me as an instrument in your kingdom, Lord help me to always turn toward you for guidance, give me strength God to get through whatever the day hands me and always help me keep my faith and trust in you stronger than ever! I pray for complete obedience Lord - I want to follow your path for me, not MY path for me. I pray this in Jesus, mighty, powerful name, Amen.
Take a look at what it said.
Our Daily Devotional:
Unchained Obedience
Romans 6:16 NIV: Don´t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey�whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Many well-intentioned Christians have accomplished much while being more obedient to their own leadership than to God´s. Many, as well, have failed to be obedient to God for reasons of feeling ill-equipped, or second-guessing their understanding of the will of God, or refusing to do God´s will for the wrong reasons. The commonality in all of these things is that human reasoning is being heard above the voice of God. If I feel God directing me to do something but I fear I will seek glory for myself, the command of God has not changed. If I talk myself in circles, expecting to reason out God´s direction, His will does not wait for my nod of agreement. Our obedience is not to be chained to our ability to understand, but to our faith to follow. In all I can muster, I will never be ready to do God´s will�yet God´s will can be accomplished through me, when I faithfully obey and trust Him with every part of the outcome.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Daily Devotional - Misunderstanding God Direction
Wow, you have to read this devotional, in fact I had to read it twice. It's rather exciting to me. I had been praying on my way into work and I don't know about you, but if you set out to pray about a couple things, you end up praying for a whole lot more! I was having a hard time with some things in my life, past and present, to the point I was broken down and crying to God about them. I know that He is a Loving and Forgiving God - but I was having a hard time with some things... And you know I prayed right up until I got to work this morning, so I didn't have time to quiet my heart and listen for God to speak back. Until, I checked todays devotional! You have to read this - I am coping and pasting it in for you....
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Misunderstanding God´s Direction
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
If you are like me, there are times that you pursue the path of God with sincerity, only to discover that you misunderstood His direction. It can be pretty disheartening to believe you are doing what God wants, only to realize along the way that you made a wrong turn. At such a time, it would be easy to get upset, or angry with yourself. You might begin questioning your decisions about many other things, or start thinking about the ´if onlys.´ "If only I would have�I would be�" here or there by now, etc. At such a time, take heart, and remember two of my favorite words: "But God." You may have made a mistake, but God is bigger. You may have misunderstood, but God knew your heart was in the right place. You may be off course�but God is able to bring good things out of bad, and always more than able to get you on the right path.
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I had a BAD case of the "if onlys" today - and I feel such a calm and peace in my heart that God is speaking back to me with - "But God" and it goes on to say "... but God is bigger", "...but God knew my heart", "...but God is able to bring good things out of bad..." I mean this is what I needed to hear. You can have all the faith and strength in the world, but reassurance never hurts. Thank you GOD for reassuring me today - I could burst into tears I am so happy. I feel your warm presence surround me today. Thank you God and help me to always follow YOUR direction in my life - NOT my own. It is so easy to confuse that and get on the wrong path. Thank you for you continuing love and GRACE!! In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
A Teenager's View of Heaven
I was sent this in an e-mail earlier today and it was amazing. I am never going to get rid of this!! It is SO REAL and SO TRUE!!! It brought tears to my eyes. I hope that you will share it too.... - Megan
A Teenager's View of Heaven
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a
class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told
his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I
ever wrote..' It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was
driving home from a friend's house=2 0when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road
in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck
unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family
portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I
think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore
said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of
life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven.. I know
I'll see him.'
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the
room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall
covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries
that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these
files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in
either direction,had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of
files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have
liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut
it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.
And then without being told, I knew exactly wh ere I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for
my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small,
in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity,
coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files
and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others
sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to
see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have
betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books
I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have
Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've
yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in
My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never
ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than
I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these
thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth.
Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signatu re.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I
realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed
tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the
file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by
the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run
through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test
its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost
animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever
see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!'
In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had
to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began
pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became
desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as s tee l when I
tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.
Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'P eople I Have Shared the Gospel
With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost
unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches
long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.
They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and
cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The
rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever,
ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I
pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched
helplessly as
He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch
His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face,
I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to
read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.
He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't
anger me.. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to
cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He coul d have said so
many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one
end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His
name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could
find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name
shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so
dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His
blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to
sign the cards.. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so
quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file
and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood
up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There
were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'
If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their
lives also. My 'People I shared the gospel with' file20just got bigger, how
about yours?
A Teenager's View of Heaven
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a
class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told
his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I
ever wrote..' It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was
driving home from a friend's house=2 0when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road
in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck
unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family
portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I
think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore
said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of
life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven.. I know
I'll see him.'
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the
room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall
covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries
that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these
files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in
either direction,had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of
files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have
liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut
it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.
And then without being told, I knew exactly wh ere I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for
my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small,
in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity,
coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files
and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others
sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to
see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have
betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books
I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have
Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've
yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in
My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never
ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than
I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these
thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth.
Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signatu re.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I
realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed
tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the
file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by
the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run
through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test
its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost
animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever
see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!'
In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had
to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began
pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became
desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as s tee l when I
tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.
Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'P eople I Have Shared the Gospel
With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost
unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches
long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.
They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and
cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The
rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever,
ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I
pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched
helplessly as
He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch
His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face,
I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to
read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.
He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't
anger me.. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to
cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He coul d have said so
many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one
end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His
name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could
find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name
shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so
dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His
blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to
sign the cards.. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so
quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file
and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood
up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There
were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'
If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their
lives also. My 'People I shared the gospel with' file20just got bigger, how
about yours?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Amen to today's devotional!
It's all about worry - it's off to the left. All I can say is AMEN! It's hard to not worry about something that is so important to you. But if your faith is strong, if you believe that God looks out for you, then you have to have control enough to give it over to him. It's not easy, and I am not trying to pretend that it is. It has taken me a long time to come to where I am and I am still climbing, but wow, what a relief when you can let it go and give it over to God and ask for his will. I think what is 2nd on the importance ranking is letting God's will happen. Just because you have a situation, and God's will is the answer to the situation that you were NOT hoping for, doesn't mean God doesn't love or care for you. He doesn't want to see us hurt, but sometimes, we have to hurt in order to make it to the big show - what God REALLY has in mind.
Our lives are a "Ginormous" maze, God gives us free will to make our own decisions, and when we take a wrong turn, it's not always going to be easy to get back over to the path that God has for us. But the amazing thing is Gods grace, he loves us no matter what, if we get off track we need to seek him to get right back on. He wants us to call on him! So no matter what the situation is, don't worry about it, because, once again, "father knows best" that's your father in heaven that is....
I know that I have another post that was posted just a couple ago about this, but I think this is something God is really trying to master in my life - I have come so far with him, and after reading todays devotional, I couldn't help but respond!! Thanks for listening again : )
Our lives are a "Ginormous" maze, God gives us free will to make our own decisions, and when we take a wrong turn, it's not always going to be easy to get back over to the path that God has for us. But the amazing thing is Gods grace, he loves us no matter what, if we get off track we need to seek him to get right back on. He wants us to call on him! So no matter what the situation is, don't worry about it, because, once again, "father knows best" that's your father in heaven that is....
I know that I have another post that was posted just a couple ago about this, but I think this is something God is really trying to master in my life - I have come so far with him, and after reading todays devotional, I couldn't help but respond!! Thanks for listening again : )
Friday, February 6, 2009
Teaming UP With God- ROCKS
As you may or may not notice, I have been on a weight loss journey since the beginning of the year, 2009! This time I decided to team up with none other than GOD himself! I have tried everything short of surgery and I have had short term success, but never long term... this time I am DETERMINED to make it work and with God on my side, how in the heck can I fail : )
One of the things that is really helping me, is remembering that my body is not my own - it, along with everything I have, belongs completely to God! So God has given me this body to barrow while I live on earth (can't wait to see what my body looks like in heaven.. just kidding..). Anyway, I realize that we only get one body and I have let my body slide for WAY TOO LONG!!! I am 30 now, and in the last 6.5 years, I had gained 80 pounds.
So starting with 2009 I decided to get my head out of the forest and get back on track for good!! But this time I was going to rely on God as my number one team mate. He has been helping me every step of the way!! Thank you Lord!!!
I have a huge testimony to give today - today was the end of week five for me, and guess what, I am doing is diet, exercise and GOD'S help!! I have lost a total of 10 pounds and 14 inches over all!! Amazing huh, I thought so.
Keep up the great work GOD, I know I'm not always the easiest person to get along with, but bare with me, only 90 pounds to go : ) Love Megan!
One of the things that is really helping me, is remembering that my body is not my own - it, along with everything I have, belongs completely to God! So God has given me this body to barrow while I live on earth (can't wait to see what my body looks like in heaven.. just kidding..). Anyway, I realize that we only get one body and I have let my body slide for WAY TOO LONG!!! I am 30 now, and in the last 6.5 years, I had gained 80 pounds.
So starting with 2009 I decided to get my head out of the forest and get back on track for good!! But this time I was going to rely on God as my number one team mate. He has been helping me every step of the way!! Thank you Lord!!!
I have a huge testimony to give today - today was the end of week five for me, and guess what, I am doing is diet, exercise and GOD'S help!! I have lost a total of 10 pounds and 14 inches over all!! Amazing huh, I thought so.
Keep up the great work GOD, I know I'm not always the easiest person to get along with, but bare with me, only 90 pounds to go : ) Love Megan!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Something has been bthering me...
Someone I know, who does not walk with God had posted something that I read yesterday. The post was so prideful and boastful about what she has and how great her life is. That she knows what she has and what she wants out of life... This all sounds good, but there was just something about the tone of her writing this. I mean, I was reading this thinking, how can everything be so great in your life when God is no where near?
My heart was disrupted after this for the rest of the day and even into today... I never want to have things going so well in my life that I stop needing or wanting God's direction and guidance in my life. I think that this was an eyeopener for me!!!
This person I speak about has life all figured out, you can't make suggestions, or comments, she knows it all. So to talk to her about needing God in her life is very hard, and I don't know how I would even start. She is very critical of a family member in her immediate family that has a relationship with God - I mean, she will always have something "smart" to say...
She is also someone who always has to keep up with the Jones, here see what I have.... Like I said, everything is just always so great for them. I hope this doesn't come off as I am jealous, I just see this as a very sad situation and I really need to pray for God's guidance on this.. Am I suppose to approach her, am I just suppose to pray for her... I don't know?? All I know is like I said earlier, how can everything be so great in your life when God is no where near?
God, please know my heart on this. I am NOT jealous of what she has, or what she says... I am actually saddened.. help me, help guide me, what am I suppose to do? I want to follow your lead in my life Lord.
It's funny, there are so many people that I think about that need the Lord who don't have him... and she has always been so low on my list, no reason, there just didn't seem to be a sense of urgency, with her. Well now, my eyes are open - I need to add her to the top pf my list! There is a need for urgency with her!! Imagine, if she thinks life rocks now, what it will be like when God is present!! Please be praying for me... I have no clue what God's will is on this. So I WILL be PRAYING!!
Thanks for listening to me - I hope that this post is taken in the right context.
My heart was disrupted after this for the rest of the day and even into today... I never want to have things going so well in my life that I stop needing or wanting God's direction and guidance in my life. I think that this was an eyeopener for me!!!
This person I speak about has life all figured out, you can't make suggestions, or comments, she knows it all. So to talk to her about needing God in her life is very hard, and I don't know how I would even start. She is very critical of a family member in her immediate family that has a relationship with God - I mean, she will always have something "smart" to say...
She is also someone who always has to keep up with the Jones, here see what I have.... Like I said, everything is just always so great for them. I hope this doesn't come off as I am jealous, I just see this as a very sad situation and I really need to pray for God's guidance on this.. Am I suppose to approach her, am I just suppose to pray for her... I don't know?? All I know is like I said earlier, how can everything be so great in your life when God is no where near?
God, please know my heart on this. I am NOT jealous of what she has, or what she says... I am actually saddened.. help me, help guide me, what am I suppose to do? I want to follow your lead in my life Lord.
It's funny, there are so many people that I think about that need the Lord who don't have him... and she has always been so low on my list, no reason, there just didn't seem to be a sense of urgency, with her. Well now, my eyes are open - I need to add her to the top pf my list! There is a need for urgency with her!! Imagine, if she thinks life rocks now, what it will be like when God is present!! Please be praying for me... I have no clue what God's will is on this. So I WILL be PRAYING!!
Thanks for listening to me - I hope that this post is taken in the right context.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Connecting With God
Our Daily Devotional:
Don´t Forget to Wash
2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV: And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord´s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
There are bath people, and there are shower people; I happen to be both. My favorite things about taking baths are that they are relaxing, and I enjoy the quiet time to sit, soak, and think. But my baths lose something when as a result of my reflection, I find myself toweling off before I have washed [absentmindedness is a funny thing]. Taking a bath and not washing seems kind of pointless--you just get wet, and once you dry off, you´re no different than before. That´s pretty much the way it is when you have a quiet time, but don´t really connect with God. You´re there�sort of. You may hear God´s voice, but you don´t hear what He says. You read your Bible but later remember nothing of what you read. You leave your time with God, the memory of it evaporates, and you are no different than before. We can´t be equipped, nourished, or changed by our time with God if we forget why we´re there. If it is hard to focus, we need only ask God to help us. He is more than able to give us what we need to draw our attentions back to the reason for our quiet times. (This was not written by Megan, it was taken from the box n the left - daily devotional. The man who wrote this is Randy, I only copied it in a post so that you could read this before reading what I was going to say.)
Megan' s Post:
I couldn't agree more with this. I think that there as so many times that this is me!! Not because I mean for it to be, but because it just is. Especially with reading my bible. WOW, it's so hard sometimes for me to grasp what God is really saying through his words. There are so many times that I feel dumb, why and I not getting this?? I feel like, oh what have I done, why is God not talking to me.... I start to have the worry factor set in. But you know what, that's not me, and that's not God, it's Satan!
I know that God speaks to me and I know that I understand his word and what I am suppose to do... but sometimes, like anything else, it will be harder than others. And I have also grown to learn that every sentence in the bible won't speak to me at that time, just because I am reading it! God will work on his time, God speaks on his time, and I need to have patience and understanding with that.
God wants us to seek his help, he wants us to call his name, he wants us to ask to bring us closer. Something we learned yesterday in church - if we want peace in our life, than we need to connect with God! We need to have an intimate relationship with - I need to lay it all out and say: "Here Am I".
Friday, January 30, 2009
Answer to prayer?
Sorry, it's been a while. So, if you were to check out my other blog: meganfrumpweightlossjourney.blogspop.com, you would see that I am on this journey with God to lose the extra weight and he is helping me every step of the way.... But let me tell you what's been going on.
I can to the conclusion that I was absolutely FED UP WITH MY WEIGHT! I am SO over weight and I have to do something about it, and don't misunderstand me, I have been fighting with my weight my whole life! And I have always tried to lose the extra pounds. Unfortunately, I have climbed up to where honestly, I need to lose a minimum of 80 pounds.... In the last 6 years, I have GAINED 70 pounds.. .can you believe what I am saying- 70 pounds in only 6 years, horrible!!!
So, I was going to try and join the Biggest Loser, I figured, I believe that I have what it takes to be a contestant on the show and do Really Good At It!! Then I thought more about it.... I KNOW what I am suppose to be doing, I have had trainers, and I know what to do about eating.... I just have to DO IT!!! These people on the show, don't know these things, and they need the show more than I probably do. I am not trying to sound conceited, just honest. I know what I need to do, I just need to do it!!! I decided that I was going to figure out my own plan and seek GOD to help me along this LONG journey.
So far, so good! In 4 weeks, I have lost 6.5 pounds and 5 inches so far. I am a little frustrated, because I feel like I should be losing more, but while I have been praying for God to help me with my weight loss, I have also been praying for patience, I have never had much of those. And I really believe that God is answering my prayers! I need to be patient, I have always heard that the slower you lose the weight, the easier it is to keep it off... so in this God is teaching me so much!!! He is helping me with losing weight through diet and lots of exercise, and then with the patience, because we are taking the weight off nice and slow.
But I am not losing faith- I am going to continue to put my trust in him, I know that he only has the best for me!! Thank you God for answering my prayers! Thank you for continuing to give me your strength to get through each day. Thank you for giving me the courage to stick with it no matter what.. even if I screw it up - I go right back at it - thank you!!!
I am so grateful that God is working with me, it's pretty cool to part of "Team God" : ) I love and trust you with all that I have. Thank you for never letting me go!!
Have a great day - and a wonderful weekend : )
I can to the conclusion that I was absolutely FED UP WITH MY WEIGHT! I am SO over weight and I have to do something about it, and don't misunderstand me, I have been fighting with my weight my whole life! And I have always tried to lose the extra pounds. Unfortunately, I have climbed up to where honestly, I need to lose a minimum of 80 pounds.... In the last 6 years, I have GAINED 70 pounds.. .can you believe what I am saying- 70 pounds in only 6 years, horrible!!!
So, I was going to try and join the Biggest Loser, I figured, I believe that I have what it takes to be a contestant on the show and do Really Good At It!! Then I thought more about it.... I KNOW what I am suppose to be doing, I have had trainers, and I know what to do about eating.... I just have to DO IT!!! These people on the show, don't know these things, and they need the show more than I probably do. I am not trying to sound conceited, just honest. I know what I need to do, I just need to do it!!! I decided that I was going to figure out my own plan and seek GOD to help me along this LONG journey.
So far, so good! In 4 weeks, I have lost 6.5 pounds and 5 inches so far. I am a little frustrated, because I feel like I should be losing more, but while I have been praying for God to help me with my weight loss, I have also been praying for patience, I have never had much of those. And I really believe that God is answering my prayers! I need to be patient, I have always heard that the slower you lose the weight, the easier it is to keep it off... so in this God is teaching me so much!!! He is helping me with losing weight through diet and lots of exercise, and then with the patience, because we are taking the weight off nice and slow.
But I am not losing faith- I am going to continue to put my trust in him, I know that he only has the best for me!! Thank you God for answering my prayers! Thank you for continuing to give me your strength to get through each day. Thank you for giving me the courage to stick with it no matter what.. even if I screw it up - I go right back at it - thank you!!!
I am so grateful that God is working with me, it's pretty cool to part of "Team God" : ) I love and trust you with all that I have. Thank you for never letting me go!!
Have a great day - and a wonderful weekend : )
Friday, January 16, 2009
Don't lose hope....
This goes in line with the daily devotional on my page. Today's is pretty simple, but oh so great!
No matter WHAT, no matter the struggles, the blessings, the illnesses, NO MATTER WHAT, it is part of GOD'S plan for you!! Isn't that cool??
When you think about it, it's pretty neat that he took all that time to plan out each minute of our days, of our lives. I mean everything happens to us for a reason, and they are God's reasons. Wouldn't it be cool to pray to God, and ask about revealing his path for out life - Ask to follow his plan. It lightens any mood when you realize and acknowledge that God is in the Driver Seat and he has control. It's just neat when we can really come to grips with that and watch life happen as it unfolds.
Don't misunderstand me, God wants us to follow him and make the right choices. But once I came to an understanding over this, it makes my struggles a whole lot easier to deal with - I just give them over to God.
I hope this is making sense - sometimes when you are trying to say something so simple, it doesn't come out that way. God please know my heart on this. Thank you for loving me - Love, one of your people who is so undeserving.
No matter WHAT, no matter the struggles, the blessings, the illnesses, NO MATTER WHAT, it is part of GOD'S plan for you!! Isn't that cool??
When you think about it, it's pretty neat that he took all that time to plan out each minute of our days, of our lives. I mean everything happens to us for a reason, and they are God's reasons. Wouldn't it be cool to pray to God, and ask about revealing his path for out life - Ask to follow his plan. It lightens any mood when you realize and acknowledge that God is in the Driver Seat and he has control. It's just neat when we can really come to grips with that and watch life happen as it unfolds.
Don't misunderstand me, God wants us to follow him and make the right choices. But once I came to an understanding over this, it makes my struggles a whole lot easier to deal with - I just give them over to God.
I hope this is making sense - sometimes when you are trying to say something so simple, it doesn't come out that way. God please know my heart on this. Thank you for loving me - Love, one of your people who is so undeserving.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
God is a Faithful GOD!
I could start crying right now, and actually, I already did a little! As you may or may not know. My husband, the 2nd love of my life, next to God, and I have been trying to have a baby now for the last 2 years! I can't believe it's already been that long~
We tried for almost a year on our own, and nothing. So we started seeing doctors and going through tests after tests - (oh it was rough!) and guess what? Yep, we were infertile. I mean there was stuff we could try to help us get pregnant, but getting pregnant on our own be nothing short of a miracle - Glad I believe in miracles : )
So in 2008, we went through a year of disappointments, drugs and inseminations and NOTHING. All of which cost us big bucks because our insurance, ya, they covered NOTHING. So let me tell you, while there was a lot of wonderful things that came out of 2008 - there was a TON of heartache! It really put a strain on Chris and I and thanks to GOD we have such a strong relationship/bond, it did NOT brake us, sorry Satan : )
The end of 2008 brought about other changes, we all know how bad the economy has been and companies doing all they can to save money! Well, besides us getting our pay cut at my job - we were switching payroll companies and health insurance. Come to find out our insurance was going up HUGE! So, I called Chris and said can you check again with your (new) company to see what their coverage is for Health care and he did. If your standing, please sit down for this - we found out that Chris's NEW company covers like 85% of their health care and it was only going to cost us about $150 to have better coverage, ya, I was paying OVER $400 a month!!!!! Yep, that's right!!! About a $250 savings. Thank you Jesus!!
Ok, I am getting to my point, bare with me : )
So, we started to look more closely at what this health care provider covers, and we saw a section infertility. I was thinking to myself, "is this some kine of sick joke, to tease people that they have coverage and then call to find out it's a front?" I was under the impression that NO ONE covers infertility.
GUESS what they actually do, can you believe it - 100% AND they cover th cost of in-vitro and inseminations too!!! OH my gosh, I about fell out of my seat with tears in my eyes, I had to have her keep repeating it to make sure I heard her right : )
See, we had decided early on that we would look at all our options - not just take and do everything we could to have our own biological child. We were exploring adoption and even fostering... in-fact, TODAY is our orientation for the infant foster program. I had decided that I was going to follow GOD'S plan for us and I wanted to be faithful to what he was showing us in order to start our family. I feel like GOD is saying thank you for staying faithful. I know adoption is something you can do right this minute, and you're just starting to look into fostering, but stay with me, stay faithful and I will show you the way - and he is!! He is showing us a way!!
We will have options coming out the ying-yang : ) Lord, can you bless us with a larger house so we can have a lot of babies : ) (he knows my heart on this, and I am smiling right now... in GOD'S time, not ours - his will, will be done!).
I had to share this - I don't think anyone can read this blog, but GOD - you can and I love being able to share not only my thoughts, but my words. You are a mighty GOD and you are so FAITHFUL! Thank you God for loving me an showing me your path for us.
We tried for almost a year on our own, and nothing. So we started seeing doctors and going through tests after tests - (oh it was rough!) and guess what? Yep, we were infertile. I mean there was stuff we could try to help us get pregnant, but getting pregnant on our own be nothing short of a miracle - Glad I believe in miracles : )
So in 2008, we went through a year of disappointments, drugs and inseminations and NOTHING. All of which cost us big bucks because our insurance, ya, they covered NOTHING. So let me tell you, while there was a lot of wonderful things that came out of 2008 - there was a TON of heartache! It really put a strain on Chris and I and thanks to GOD we have such a strong relationship/bond, it did NOT brake us, sorry Satan : )
The end of 2008 brought about other changes, we all know how bad the economy has been and companies doing all they can to save money! Well, besides us getting our pay cut at my job - we were switching payroll companies and health insurance. Come to find out our insurance was going up HUGE! So, I called Chris and said can you check again with your (new) company to see what their coverage is for Health care and he did. If your standing, please sit down for this - we found out that Chris's NEW company covers like 85% of their health care and it was only going to cost us about $150 to have better coverage, ya, I was paying OVER $400 a month!!!!! Yep, that's right!!! About a $250 savings. Thank you Jesus!!
Ok, I am getting to my point, bare with me : )
So, we started to look more closely at what this health care provider covers, and we saw a section infertility. I was thinking to myself, "is this some kine of sick joke, to tease people that they have coverage and then call to find out it's a front?" I was under the impression that NO ONE covers infertility.
GUESS what they actually do, can you believe it - 100% AND they cover th cost of in-vitro and inseminations too!!! OH my gosh, I about fell out of my seat with tears in my eyes, I had to have her keep repeating it to make sure I heard her right : )
See, we had decided early on that we would look at all our options - not just take and do everything we could to have our own biological child. We were exploring adoption and even fostering... in-fact, TODAY is our orientation for the infant foster program. I had decided that I was going to follow GOD'S plan for us and I wanted to be faithful to what he was showing us in order to start our family. I feel like GOD is saying thank you for staying faithful. I know adoption is something you can do right this minute, and you're just starting to look into fostering, but stay with me, stay faithful and I will show you the way - and he is!! He is showing us a way!!
We will have options coming out the ying-yang : ) Lord, can you bless us with a larger house so we can have a lot of babies : ) (he knows my heart on this, and I am smiling right now... in GOD'S time, not ours - his will, will be done!).
I had to share this - I don't think anyone can read this blog, but GOD - you can and I love being able to share not only my thoughts, but my words. You are a mighty GOD and you are so FAITHFUL! Thank you God for loving me an showing me your path for us.
Today's Devotional - I shall not want.
Wow - this is right up my alley. I know that I struggle with this, and I always have. I'm not sure why I have always been consumed by all the things I don't have! Well, about two years ago now, 1/7/07 - I started getting back on God's track. I had always knew there was something missing from my life and I felt God calling me back.
I was away from God for a good 10 years. Now, when I say away, I mean that I wasn't following his ways on a regular basis - I have always believed and I have always known that Jesus is my savior! I gave my heart to God when I was 13 years old and my Grandma prayed the Salvation prayer with me. I have always believed God was there, but while I was far away, I would only turn to him when I truly needed him. And when he wouldn't respond, I started to think that praying is a joke, ya right it works. Oh it works all right - when you know HOW to pray and what to pray for. Very important to remember "Prayers are NOT wishes!". Hard to grasp I know, but when we pray for selfish reasons, reasons that only consume us, God says, nope, sorry. Go back and try again - we can try 1,000 times until you get it right - and you know what, when you get it right it is amazing! Wow!
Like I mentioned, I have been back following God now and working on changing my worldly heart now for about 2 years and you know what, these two years have been LIFE CHANGING!! I am so excited and still so on fire!!! I still have so much to learn and to clean up in my life - but you want to know what, God loves me no matter what - he loves me just the way I am and he is going to help me with cleaning up my life as long as I continue to seek him, trust him and OBEY him!! It's hard a lot of the time, and I feel convicted often - but you know what, I love it, because I know that's GOD speaking to my heart and he is revealing what I need to change in my life!
OK, so this brings me to the devotional today - I shall not want. This is something that God is working on in me as we speak! I have always had the attitude that what I have isn't enough, instead of being grateful for what he has blessed me with. Especially when I look at others and see what they have and how they live their life - you know that whole comparing thing that we are NOT suppose to do!! Ya, I struggle with that. But I am changing that. God is working in me like you wouldn't believe and he is strengthening my faith and he is opening my eyes to all the beautiful and wonderful things that he has blessed me with. And I AM THANKFUL - God THANK YOU!!! I won't say that it's easy and that I am healed, not yet anyway :) but it's coming along. I am working on loving what I have and being thankful for them - not that we can't want better things for ourselves and our families, but our heart needs to be in the right place. We need to remember to ALWAYS put GOD first in our lives and when we do that he will bless us back! Remember, even though it's hard, sometimes the troubled times in our lives are our blessings - pray and seek God and ask him what you are to see through this.
There is a positive in all negatives. So, if you think about it, there really aren't negatives - ask GOD to reveal this to you and he will!
As I end this really long post - I want to close in a Prayer - God, please speak to my heart today Lord. As I go through the day God, please reveal to me the positives out of the negative Lord. I don't want to want what I don't God and I ask you to help me with that control God - with you I know ALL things are possible and that as long as I put my full FAITH and TRUST in you lord God - Thy will be done. Lord I pray this in your son Jesus' powerful name - amen.
I was away from God for a good 10 years. Now, when I say away, I mean that I wasn't following his ways on a regular basis - I have always believed and I have always known that Jesus is my savior! I gave my heart to God when I was 13 years old and my Grandma prayed the Salvation prayer with me. I have always believed God was there, but while I was far away, I would only turn to him when I truly needed him. And when he wouldn't respond, I started to think that praying is a joke, ya right it works. Oh it works all right - when you know HOW to pray and what to pray for. Very important to remember "Prayers are NOT wishes!". Hard to grasp I know, but when we pray for selfish reasons, reasons that only consume us, God says, nope, sorry. Go back and try again - we can try 1,000 times until you get it right - and you know what, when you get it right it is amazing! Wow!
Like I mentioned, I have been back following God now and working on changing my worldly heart now for about 2 years and you know what, these two years have been LIFE CHANGING!! I am so excited and still so on fire!!! I still have so much to learn and to clean up in my life - but you want to know what, God loves me no matter what - he loves me just the way I am and he is going to help me with cleaning up my life as long as I continue to seek him, trust him and OBEY him!! It's hard a lot of the time, and I feel convicted often - but you know what, I love it, because I know that's GOD speaking to my heart and he is revealing what I need to change in my life!
OK, so this brings me to the devotional today - I shall not want. This is something that God is working on in me as we speak! I have always had the attitude that what I have isn't enough, instead of being grateful for what he has blessed me with. Especially when I look at others and see what they have and how they live their life - you know that whole comparing thing that we are NOT suppose to do!! Ya, I struggle with that. But I am changing that. God is working in me like you wouldn't believe and he is strengthening my faith and he is opening my eyes to all the beautiful and wonderful things that he has blessed me with. And I AM THANKFUL - God THANK YOU!!! I won't say that it's easy and that I am healed, not yet anyway :) but it's coming along. I am working on loving what I have and being thankful for them - not that we can't want better things for ourselves and our families, but our heart needs to be in the right place. We need to remember to ALWAYS put GOD first in our lives and when we do that he will bless us back! Remember, even though it's hard, sometimes the troubled times in our lives are our blessings - pray and seek God and ask him what you are to see through this.
There is a positive in all negatives. So, if you think about it, there really aren't negatives - ask GOD to reveal this to you and he will!
As I end this really long post - I want to close in a Prayer - God, please speak to my heart today Lord. As I go through the day God, please reveal to me the positives out of the negative Lord. I don't want to want what I don't God and I ask you to help me with that control God - with you I know ALL things are possible and that as long as I put my full FAITH and TRUST in you lord God - Thy will be done. Lord I pray this in your son Jesus' powerful name - amen.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Answered Prayers!
I had an issue with my truck, it was starting to shake as I would drive and hit up to certain speed limits. I drive 35 miles one way to work everyday, so round trip, we're talking about 70 miles! So to say the least, I need my car and I need it to be healthy : )
I was starting to get really worried about it and panic about what it could cost!! I mean, we have a little set aside for emergencies, but I was needing it to be something not too serious...
So, I stopped my panic and said GOD, I am not going to worry about this, I am going to trust you fully with this and I ask that you will help me find an honest place that won't try and take for all I'm worth.... Lord you know our situation and you what we can afford, God, I trust and give this over to you!
I dropped off my car at 9:15, and I told him that I thought it might be tie rods (YIKES), told him what it was doing and he said he would call me as soon as he knew. This shop is a great spot!! I DID trust him!! He called me at 9:40AM - "Hi Megan, nope, it's not your tie rods...." (I could have started crying, I could hear in his voice that it wasn't going to be too big of a deal)... "I think that you need to have your tires rotated and I am going to tighten up the wheel bearings, because there is more give in the wheels than there should be.... all would cost $73.00. Can you believe it!! ONLY $73.00 - Are you kidding me - WOW, God you ROCK in so many ways, but answered prayers has got to be one of the greatest things you bless us with, besides your unconditional LOVE, of coarse.
I had to share this - GOD is amazing and this is why I need to blog about all of the wonderful things he does in our lives. This will also help me with reading my bible daily and help strengthen my relationship with our awesome and amazing MAKER!
I was starting to get really worried about it and panic about what it could cost!! I mean, we have a little set aside for emergencies, but I was needing it to be something not too serious...
So, I stopped my panic and said GOD, I am not going to worry about this, I am going to trust you fully with this and I ask that you will help me find an honest place that won't try and take for all I'm worth.... Lord you know our situation and you what we can afford, God, I trust and give this over to you!
I dropped off my car at 9:15, and I told him that I thought it might be tie rods (YIKES), told him what it was doing and he said he would call me as soon as he knew. This shop is a great spot!! I DID trust him!! He called me at 9:40AM - "Hi Megan, nope, it's not your tie rods...." (I could have started crying, I could hear in his voice that it wasn't going to be too big of a deal)... "I think that you need to have your tires rotated and I am going to tighten up the wheel bearings, because there is more give in the wheels than there should be.... all would cost $73.00. Can you believe it!! ONLY $73.00 - Are you kidding me - WOW, God you ROCK in so many ways, but answered prayers has got to be one of the greatest things you bless us with, besides your unconditional LOVE, of coarse.
I had to share this - GOD is amazing and this is why I need to blog about all of the wonderful things he does in our lives. This will also help me with reading my bible daily and help strengthen my relationship with our awesome and amazing MAKER!
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