Well, things so far have been going great (see Down Nine Pounds). So this week I decided to get adventurous. I'm not a foodie, I spend as little time in the kitchen as possible, but this week I saw a recipe for Keto Cheesecake Fat Bombs. Wow! Does that mean I could have my cheesecake (my favorite dessert) and keep to the Keto way of eating too? I was so excited to have dessert!
I got busy mixing up the ingredients. The sweetener I used was Pure Stevia. I thought that would not cause me any problems, but I was wrong! My blood sugar was okay, but something went crazy in my head as well as taste buds. The craving for sweetness knocked me against the head like a baseball bat.
I was crazy dizzy with cravings for anything, everything, sweet. What in the world happened!
Within 24 hours, I had eaten every bite, and I wanted to make more! It's was so scary to have the cravings. I hadn't had any cravings since starting the Keto way of eating. I hope to never feel like that again. So far, five weeks in, I have been delighted, not hungry, not feeling deprived, and enjoying my meals.
I have determined that it is in my best interest to keep my meals and snacks simple. I decided not to make sweet treats again. I was doing fine without them. So. I fell back on the age-old adage. If it's not broke, don't fix it!
I don't consider times like this to mean I've failed, but that I've learned more about how to reach the goal set before me. What ever your goals are never give up. This journey is a learning process so "if at first you don't succeed try try again."
New Year New Beginnings
Well, here we are 2018, a new day, a new year! It's an excellent time for a new beginning! We may have found ourselves looking around at the difficult times we are living in, but today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
Today we can choose to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. Ephesians 4:23 We can see the transformation we are looking for by changing our mindset so we can prove what is the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God in our lives. Romans 12:2 We can keep our minds on God and his word and trust in him so that he can keep us in his perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3
When negative thoughts bombard our minds and try to tear us down, let's use them as an alarm to remind us of Gods great love and his plans for our good. 1 Peter 1:13, Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 8:28
Let's make this the day, the year of celebration, a time of letting go of old things and embracing the new things that are in store for us.
If any is in Christ we are new creations; the old person is being transformed day by day into who we were created to become.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Today we can choose to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. Ephesians 4:23 We can see the transformation we are looking for by changing our mindset so we can prove what is the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God in our lives. Romans 12:2 We can keep our minds on God and his word and trust in him so that he can keep us in his perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3
When negative thoughts bombard our minds and try to tear us down, let's use them as an alarm to remind us of Gods great love and his plans for our good. 1 Peter 1:13, Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 8:28
Let's make this the day, the year of celebration, a time of letting go of old things and embracing the new things that are in store for us.
If any is in Christ we are new creations; the old person is being transformed day by day into who we were created to become.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Getting Back On Track After Troublesome Times
Wow! The last few months has been unbelievably challenging. Most of us know that troubles are just part of life. My family recently suffered a missing loved one. Our loved one was recovered with no evidence of foul play. It was a terrible loss just the same. The not knowing was the most difficult thing. I couldn't even have imagined just how difficult when seeing other families in the news who were experiencing this kind of trauma and always saying a prayer for them.
I usually have a rough schedule planed for each year, month, week and day. I understand that things come up and I have learned to be flexible and not put myself down if everything doesn't go as planned. I try hard to meet as many of my small goals as possible so as not to get completely off track. Needless to say This time of trouble unraveled most of my day to day things to do lists.
So what now? Our loved one has been laid to rest. Our family is trying to move forward into our "new normal."
Personally, I began deep cleaning my home getting rid of old unused items, wiping out drawers and shelves etcetera. Recommitting to exercise tweaking my food choices, working on my book (I hope to have completed by July.)
I've also been drawing closer to God in prayer, praise and thanksgiving especially that our loved one was found and laid to rest which does bring us peace of mind. In general I'm starting to get back on the track living, making the most of each day .
My heart and prayers are with all of you who have experienced or are experiencing times of trouble in your lives.
I usually have a rough schedule planed for each year, month, week and day. I understand that things come up and I have learned to be flexible and not put myself down if everything doesn't go as planned. I try hard to meet as many of my small goals as possible so as not to get completely off track. Needless to say This time of trouble unraveled most of my day to day things to do lists.
So what now? Our loved one has been laid to rest. Our family is trying to move forward into our "new normal."
Personally, I began deep cleaning my home getting rid of old unused items, wiping out drawers and shelves etcetera. Recommitting to exercise tweaking my food choices, working on my book (I hope to have completed by July.)
I've also been drawing closer to God in prayer, praise and thanksgiving especially that our loved one was found and laid to rest which does bring us peace of mind. In general I'm starting to get back on the track living, making the most of each day .
My heart and prayers are with all of you who have experienced or are experiencing times of trouble in your lives.
Moving Past The Pain
Life is full of ups and downs, hard times and times of ease.
Since childhood, I've experienced many kinds of physical and emotional pain. This past week I experienced a little of both.
One of my loved ones needed a lot of help. She was moving back home after an extended stay in a health facility, and her home was in the process of being remodeled. Lifting and hauling stuff from storage and putting everything back in its place was so challenging and satisfying to know things were getting back to "normal"(as close to normal as it could be). We are not spring chickens, and we both have some physical limitations.
Besides that there was SHOPPING! She had to restock the cupboards and fridge, as well as buy new clothes (she lost several pounds and nothing she had fit anymore.) Exhausting!
Having lost her husband a few months before her accident, it was also a very emotional time moving back into her home without him. It was emotionaly trying for us both. He was a real brother to me, the "man" of our family since I was a pre-teen.
By the end of the day, we were exhausted, physically and emotionally. I plopped on the sofa and crashed with barely a thought of prayer before I was asleep.
The time we spent together, was a time of reconnecting. The close bond we've shared since childhood, strengthened, for that, I am so grateful.
I am thankful that I took the time to pray each morning. It reminded me that God's grace is sufficient for me throughout each day.
Since childhood, I've experienced many kinds of physical and emotional pain. This past week I experienced a little of both.
One of my loved ones needed a lot of help. She was moving back home after an extended stay in a health facility, and her home was in the process of being remodeled. Lifting and hauling stuff from storage and putting everything back in its place was so challenging and satisfying to know things were getting back to "normal"(as close to normal as it could be). We are not spring chickens, and we both have some physical limitations.
Besides that there was SHOPPING! She had to restock the cupboards and fridge, as well as buy new clothes (she lost several pounds and nothing she had fit anymore.) Exhausting!
Having lost her husband a few months before her accident, it was also a very emotional time moving back into her home without him. It was emotionaly trying for us both. He was a real brother to me, the "man" of our family since I was a pre-teen.
By the end of the day, we were exhausted, physically and emotionally. I plopped on the sofa and crashed with barely a thought of prayer before I was asleep.
The time we spent together, was a time of reconnecting. The close bond we've shared since childhood, strengthened, for that, I am so grateful.
I am thankful that I took the time to pray each morning. It reminded me that God's grace is sufficient for me throughout each day.
What To Do With The Things We Can't Change
If we have ever prayed the "Serenity Prayer" we come to know that there are things in our lives that we just have no control over. Disasters crash in, loved ones pass on, relationships end, without notice jobs are gone as if a rug was pulled right out from under our feet. Life happens to us all. (Matthew 5:45)
When life throws us a curve ball, we can handle it. (Psalm 55:22) God will sustain us when we cast our burden on him. But how do we do that we might ask?
Well, first of all, we can pray for wisdom to deal with that burden in a godly manner. (James 1: 2-5) Know that Jesus took not only our sin but all off our troubles upon himself while he was hanging up on the cross.(Isaiah 55:4-5) Also, hope God will bring us through our problems and have faith he will work things out for our good. (Hebrews 11:1)
Sometimes it may happen instantly, and sometimes it may take just a short while. Abraham and Sarah waited many years before receiving their child. (Hebrews 6;12-15) It is was written in (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) there is a time for everything in this life.
After we pray for wisdom, we need to listen and follow what God puts on our heart. Maybe we need to pray for God to open up doors for us. Paul and Silas were praising God at midnight while they were in prison when suddenly the walls fell, and they were set free. We can pray for God to bring us into contact with the right people who will help us. Maybe we need to receive the witty ideas /inventions God wants to give us and use them as a ladder to climb out of the miry clay in which we find ourselves.
Sometimes, even when we've done everything we think should be done, we don't see the results as we were hoping. Then what? We are at the end of our rope!
Well, there are times we must quietly wait patiently on the Lord. (Psalm 40;1-3) Stand steadfast in the whole armor God has given us, (Ephesians 6:10-18) Trust God. Thank him for bringing us through. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is Hope for our future.(Jeremiah 29:11-13)
We may not be able to change a thing but, with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) If we love God and He has called us according to his purpose, He will cause all things to work together for our good, in His time. (Romans 8:28) He who started a good work in us is faithful; He will finish what he started. (Philippians 1:6)
When life throws us a curve ball, we can handle it. (Psalm 55:22) God will sustain us when we cast our burden on him. But how do we do that we might ask?
Well, first of all, we can pray for wisdom to deal with that burden in a godly manner. (James 1: 2-5) Know that Jesus took not only our sin but all off our troubles upon himself while he was hanging up on the cross.(Isaiah 55:4-5) Also, hope God will bring us through our problems and have faith he will work things out for our good. (Hebrews 11:1)
Sometimes it may happen instantly, and sometimes it may take just a short while. Abraham and Sarah waited many years before receiving their child. (Hebrews 6;12-15) It is was written in (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) there is a time for everything in this life.
After we pray for wisdom, we need to listen and follow what God puts on our heart. Maybe we need to pray for God to open up doors for us. Paul and Silas were praising God at midnight while they were in prison when suddenly the walls fell, and they were set free. We can pray for God to bring us into contact with the right people who will help us. Maybe we need to receive the witty ideas /inventions God wants to give us and use them as a ladder to climb out of the miry clay in which we find ourselves.
Sometimes, even when we've done everything we think should be done, we don't see the results as we were hoping. Then what? We are at the end of our rope!
Well, there are times we must quietly wait patiently on the Lord. (Psalm 40;1-3) Stand steadfast in the whole armor God has given us, (Ephesians 6:10-18) Trust God. Thank him for bringing us through. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is Hope for our future.(Jeremiah 29:11-13)
We may not be able to change a thing but, with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) If we love God and He has called us according to his purpose, He will cause all things to work together for our good, in His time. (Romans 8:28) He who started a good work in us is faithful; He will finish what he started. (Philippians 1:6)
How To Heal A Broken Heart
Have you ever suffered from a broken heart? Many of us have. One thing I have realized is that those I love most, are the same ones I am susceptible to being hurt the most by.
Matthew 26 :21 Jesus himself was hurt. He was grieved in his spirit as he sat with his closest companions. He announced to his disciples that one of them would betray him.
In Matthew 5:44 "The Beatitudes" Jesus teaches us to pray for those who persecute us.
At first reaction that's not what I feel like doing when I feel hurt but if I chose to live in the spirit I will not give into my fleshy reactions and I will pray for the one who has hurt me.
This new year I commit to pray whole heartily for those who have hurt me in the past.
When I pray for those, God is able to help me to forgive, and bring healing to my broken heart.
May God bless you and keep you, and make his face to shine upon you, all the days of your lives.
Matthew 26 :21 Jesus himself was hurt. He was grieved in his spirit as he sat with his closest companions. He announced to his disciples that one of them would betray him.
In Matthew 5:44 "The Beatitudes" Jesus teaches us to pray for those who persecute us.
At first reaction that's not what I feel like doing when I feel hurt but if I chose to live in the spirit I will not give into my fleshy reactions and I will pray for the one who has hurt me.
This new year I commit to pray whole heartily for those who have hurt me in the past.
When I pray for those, God is able to help me to forgive, and bring healing to my broken heart.
May God bless you and keep you, and make his face to shine upon you, all the days of your lives.
New Beginings
Well, here we are
2018, a new day, a new year! It's an excellent time for a new beginning! We may
have found ourselves looking around at the difficult times we are living in,
but today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
Today we can choose to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. Ephesians 4:23 We can see the transformation we are looking for by changing our mindset so we can prove what is the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God in our lives. Romans 12:2 We can keep our minds on God and his word and trust in him so that he can keep us in his perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3
When negative thoughts bombard our minds and try to tear us down, let's use them as an alarm to remind us of Gods great love and his plans for our good. 1 Peter 1:13, Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 8:28
Let's make this the day, the year of celebration, a time of letting go of old things and embracing the new things that are in store for us.
If any is in Christ we are new creations; the old person is being transformed day by day into who we were created to become.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Today we can choose to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. Ephesians 4:23 We can see the transformation we are looking for by changing our mindset so we can prove what is the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God in our lives. Romans 12:2 We can keep our minds on God and his word and trust in him so that he can keep us in his perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3
When negative thoughts bombard our minds and try to tear us down, let's use them as an alarm to remind us of Gods great love and his plans for our good. 1 Peter 1:13, Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 8:28
Let's make this the day, the year of celebration, a time of letting go of old things and embracing the new things that are in store for us.
If any is in Christ we are new creations; the old person is being transformed day by day into who we were created to become.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Give Thanks
Dear Readers,
I give thanks in every remembrance of you today and always.
Although I am not always on the grid and hooked up to the wifi, you continue to check back to see if there is something new to encourage you.
I am so thankful to God my Savior, even thru the difficulties of lost loved ones, cut in pay and many other kinds of loss, he has been with me. He has comforted me and has supplied for my needs in a variety of ways.
The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:7 "What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."
I remember a ministry trip to the ranches outside of San Carlos, Mexico. The group I was with spent the mornings packing beans and rice and other staple food items as well as clothes and shoes for all ages and sizes. In the afternoons we drove out the dirt roads two to three hours to ranch after ranch delivering the much-needed goods.
People gathered at the local church. We joined together to praise God in song and minister his words of truth. It was a touching experience to stand together in worship one people by Gods' spirit. " Gods' Children." I met such loving and giving women every where we went.
After one of those times of worship, the pastor's wife invited us into her kitchen. It was dark. The only light came from the hot coals of the cooking pit that wound around in a horseshoe along the stick and mud built room. We lined line the walls as well filing in through the little door. My heart swelled with gratitude when we held hands and prayed.
I was so humbled as she passed out the demitasse of coffee and small sugar cookies. I was amazed by the generosity and hospitality of these people who had so little in material things. Even though we were there to bless them, they gave so much to bless us.
I pray I never forget the kindness shown. I pray I'll be satisfied and thankful whether thriving or lacking. The Apostle Paul gives this example, Learn to be content whether living with abundance or abased. Philippians 4:11-12. After seeing this pattern lived out before my eyes, in the Mexican ranches, I decided, I too will endeavor to heed this instruction.
Stepping Stones
I love stepping stones winding a path through the garden at the park leading the way from one beautiful flower or bush to the next.
Years ago I had a dream; I was walking through a beautiful forest, the sun filtering through the enormous evergreens. As I walked deeper and deeper into the woods it began to get dark it is hard to see. I came up to a large stream, but with the darkness and not being an excellent swimmer, I froze in fear. I stood on the bank trembling and began to cry. I felt so lost, alone and hopeless with no way to get out of the forest.
Then suddenly, I felt a presence standing behind me. I turned and saw my Savior; Jesus, his light shining brightly through the darkness. My body stopped its trembling, tears their flow. He spoke quietly, calmly. He said, "don't be afraid even when you can't see me I am with you everywhere you go." "You are not alone." "Go ahead step out onto the stones; they are the path I planned for you ." "They will help you to reach the other side."
As I stepped out, I saw his bright eyes smiling with pride. Encouraged I stepped onto one then another until I felt the rocky ground beneath my feet and realized I had made it across the river one stone at a time. Then Jesus lit the path before my feet, though darkness enveloped the forest all around, step by step I followed the path until I was home safe and sound.
I am reminded of this dream whenever my journey seems too dark and difficult to continue, and I know I can make it because I am not alone. God is with me everywhere I go.
Joshua 1:9
Years ago I had a dream; I was walking through a beautiful forest, the sun filtering through the enormous evergreens. As I walked deeper and deeper into the woods it began to get dark it is hard to see. I came up to a large stream, but with the darkness and not being an excellent swimmer, I froze in fear. I stood on the bank trembling and began to cry. I felt so lost, alone and hopeless with no way to get out of the forest.
Then suddenly, I felt a presence standing behind me. I turned and saw my Savior; Jesus, his light shining brightly through the darkness. My body stopped its trembling, tears their flow. He spoke quietly, calmly. He said, "don't be afraid even when you can't see me I am with you everywhere you go." "You are not alone." "Go ahead step out onto the stones; they are the path I planned for you ." "They will help you to reach the other side."
As I stepped out, I saw his bright eyes smiling with pride. Encouraged I stepped onto one then another until I felt the rocky ground beneath my feet and realized I had made it across the river one stone at a time. Then Jesus lit the path before my feet, though darkness enveloped the forest all around, step by step I followed the path until I was home safe and sound.
I am reminded of this dream whenever my journey seems too dark and difficult to continue, and I know I can make it because I am not alone. God is with me everywhere I go.
Joshua 1:9
Why?
In tribute to all of our loved ones who have gone on before us. To those who have loved and lost. For all of us who have shed too many tears. For all of us who pose the overwhelming question "why?" do bad things happen if God is good?
I don't think anyone on earth could have the whole answer to this question. We see through the glass darkly, we know in part. When we see God face to face, then these things will be revealed. 1 Corinthians 13:12
Through many troublesome times, I have cried out to God for answers. He did provide me with scriptures to help comfort me, and I hope if you need comfort today you will be comforted and encouraged by these as well; John 14:18 Jesus tells us he will not leave us without support. Psalm 91:15 Call on me I will answer. Philippians 4:19 God will supply all of our need... (spiritually, emotionally, physically, financially.... ) He will work things out with our best interest at heart. No matter what He will see us through every kind of trouble we face.
Now all that doesn't mean everything will line up with what we see as "perfect" because God sees the bigger picture he knows what we need most to become the person he created us to be and what he created is good. Like the master painter or sculptress, he uses the elements at his disposal to form the creation. Even though there may be flaws, they only enhance the beauty.
These are my paraphrases of these scriptures.
I am comforted and encouraged by these scriptures. I understand the scripture in; Romans 8:28 God works everything out for the best according to his plan for us. I thank God for sunshine and rain. We need both to grow.
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