Is That You, Lord?

"We constantly overhear in Christian circles that someone is looking for the will of God for his life. He is most likely speaking of the major decisions - who to marry, where to attend school, what vocation to follow, etc. Others are seeking God's will for slightly lesser concerns: what car or house to buy, church to attend, vacation to take. We have been taught that the will of God can be ascertained through divinely prompted feelings, hunches, impressions or dreams. If these fail we can turn to fleeces, fasting, flipping coins or opening the Bible randomly and following the first verse that makes sense. To be sure, these methods are usually coupled with analysis of circumstances, wise counsel, and the peace of God. But here a serious question arises - does the Bible prescribe such methods? Is this how God says we are to discern his will?" Is that You, Lord? by Gary E. Gilley

Are you constantly struggling to hear the voice of God? Do you constantly question if your decisions are what God wants you to do?  If this resonates with you, I would highly recommend this book.

 

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, The Bible)

Love Is Still A Worthy Cause

have you listed all the times you've tried
do you call on all your alibis
when somebody asks the question why are you hiding

did you feel the pull, did you hear the call
did you take a chance and lose it all
do you fear there's no collateral left for trying

friend i know your heart is raw
but love is still a worthy cause
picking up and pressing on
oh love is still a worthy cause
like the touch that starts the thaw
oh, love is such a worthy cause
or the word that breaks the pause

in the midst of passing bravery
in the face of our own injuries
is the constant generosity of grace
it's the beauty in the tales we tell
it's the pressing on and ending well
it's the joy that comes when we give our self away

chorus
i love because he loved me when i had nothing
i love because you loved me when i had nothing
i love because he loved me when i had nothing
i had nothing

when you count the cost and all seems lost
love is still a worthy cause
when you're pressing on though your strength is gone
love is still a worthy cause

oh, love is still a worthy cause
oh, love is still a worthy cause
oh, love

by Sara Groves, Tell Me What You Know

MMEL Update

As you guys know from previous posts, one of my goals for 2011 is to move more and eat less junk (MMEL). I admit, partially for vain reasons, but mostly for health reasons. I haven't been doing so hot with the move more part, because my foot has been bothering me from over exertion. I wasn't patient running with my Merrell Pace Gloves and over did it. Now I'm paying for it by having to wait for my foot to heal. I'm dying to go for a run outside in this new spring weather. But, it will have to wait. Anyway, I'm very excited to report that I'm starting to see some teeny tiny results.

Last week I bought a digital scale so that I can get an accurate reading. My old scale is difficult to read in between the 5 lb increments.But after comparing my weight on both scales, I realized I have lost 3.5 lbs this past month.  I probably owe a huge thanks to the Sugar Smackdown regimen I have been following for the past week. It played a huge role in those numbers. I also took my measurements (chest, waist, hips, arms, thighs) and have positive results. After last month's 1 lb gain, I'm glad to see these new numbers.

Day 6 Sugar Smackdown

Today is the start of day 6 of my Sugar Detox.  It's honestly been pretty easy so far. Not that I haven't thought of soda, chocolate or other sweets. But, I'm very good at sticking to rules once I've committed to something.  I am having a difficult time being creative with what I eat. So far, I've been eating pretty much the same thing every day. Maybe this weekend I will have time to plan some more interesting meals.

My usual foods:
breakfast: apple, banana, and/or oatmeal
lunch: salad, veggies or cottage cheese, wasa crackers with meat and cheese
dinner: milk, chicken, brown rice and veggies
snack: veggies or wasa crackers with cream cheese

I have also been eating considerably less because I would normally have a sweet snack and dessert after dinner.  I wake up with a grumbling tummy. For this reason, I have been a little tired. (I think next week I need to ramp up my protein intake and probably my grains too. I've been eating a little high on the fat grams.) The funny thing is, if I can't oblige my sweet tooth, then I'm not all that interested in snacking. I might have had a breakthrough.

On another note, I spent the last two afternoons reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I hope to spend the weekend reading book #2, Catching Fire. So good!