chandelier

This is one of our latest project. We have wanted a chandelier for the dining room. We had taken down the old fan-light and it was just waiting for a new light.

Tom and I had looked at a couple of places that had chandeliers. Mostly what we saw was too ornate, large, and costly. Then I saw a post of someone who had ordered on line from herehttp://www.gallery802.com/productlist.aspx?Category=2, it wasn't expensive, the order came quickly, and she was pleased with her chandelier. Sounded perfect to me. The dining room isn't very big and has only an 8 feet ceiling so I went on line and found what we were looking for. We ordered it on Monday and it arrived on Thursday.

The only downside is that we needed to do some assembling(which we knew before hand) and of course wiring to hang it up. There were instructions, but they didn't have a lot of detail on them. Love that they included a glove, so that you wouldn't get fingerprints on the crystal...too funny!

We did figure it all out and got it hung up in less than 2 hours. The hardest part was for me to hold it up while Tom did the wiring!

Our dining room furniture is large, so now we are trying to decide if we needed a bigger chandelier. We will live with this for a while and see what we think. If we do decide to go bigger on the chandelier, we will just move this one some place else... because I love it!

today

"I want you to live this day abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. Don't be distracted by future concerns. Leave them to Me. Each day is a glorious gift..." Jesus Calling

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

John 10:10 The thief comes to kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life

and to the full.

*****

Live this day abundantly, to the full. Webster says abound means to be plentiful, to be rich in, to teem with and that abundance means a great supply, more than enough. There is abundance in our lives--an abundance of God's love, His care, His provision, and His gifts to us.

I want to live this one day to the full...basking in all of God's love, resting in His care,

partaking of His provision, and opening every gift He has for me.

How about you?

one thousand gifts

189. sunrise and sunset, moments of absolute beauty and peace

190. light from our new chandelier

191. abundant life

Thursday's Totals

pounds lost this week 3

equivalent to 2 pounds of hamburger and 8 hot dogs

pounds lost previously 12

total pounds lost 15

equivalent to:

2 lbs ribs

3 lbs sirloin

1.5 lbs sausage patties

1.5 hamburger

1 lb steak

1 lb Italian sausage

2 lbs hamburger

1 lb hot dogs

week 1 week 4

Obviously Tom and I will have to get better at standing the same distance for each picture, but we are new to this and will hopefully get better over time. I should at least comb out my bed head before we take pictures. I also decided to not measure inches because it is so hard to measure from the same places for accurate measurements.

I am thrilled with the loss of 15 pounds in this first 4 weeks. I know that the weight loss in

week 1 of 10 pounds is a one time thing and the weight loss will slow down.

pounds to lose 97

radiance

"I am with you and all around you, encircling you in golden rays of Light. I always behold you Face to face. Not one of your thoughts escape My notice. Because, I am infinite, I am able to love you as if you and I are the only ones in the universe." from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Psalm 34:7 Those who look to Him are radiant; their face is never covered with shame.

*****

God's radiance--when I spend time with God His radiance is mirrored on my face. I pray that others will see this radiance and be drawn to God the source of Light.

one thousand gifts

184. spicy chicken soup

185. laughter with Amelia

186. lessening of dizziness

187. more fresh fall air

188. God's Majestic Glory

Jesus' love

"Open your mind and heart--your entire being--to receive My love in full measure. So many of My children limp through their lives starved for Love because they haven't learned the art of receiving." from Jesus Calling

Ephesians 3:14-19 For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom His whole family in heaven and earth derives its name. I pray out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

*****

Oh, to know and grasp how wide, long, high, and deep Jesus loves me... and you!

one, thousand gifts

181. working cable

182. Matt and Mom checking to see how I am doing

183. how wide, long, high, deep Jesus loves me

picture from http://www.freefoto.com/images/9911/02/9911_02_2905_prev.jpg

friendship

It’s in a sanctuary of grace, relationships near extinction can revive.

I copied that from a blog called {in}courage. It really stuck me as beautiful.

my weakness

"Relax in My everlasting arms. Your weakness is an opportunity to grow strong in awareness of My Almighty Presence. When energy fails you do not look inward and lament the lack you find there. Look to Me and My sufficiency; rejoice in My radiant riches that are abundantly available to help you.

Deuteronomy 33:27 The Eternal God is you refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

*****

How appropriate and timely today's reading is for me-- I am still struggling with being still and listening for God's gentle whisper. I need to use my "bed time" during my vertigo spells to pray and listen for God's voice. And instead of complaining about the down time, I need to thank God for this special time to meet with Him.

Where is God allowing you weakness, so that you can depend on Him more?

One thousand gifts

179. freshly laundered sheets

180. father and son breakfasts

face to Face

"Though I am King of the universe, I am totally accessible to you... When I cried out from the cross, "It is finished!" the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This opened the way for you to meet Me face to Face, with no need for protocol or priests. I the King of kings am your constant Companion." From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Matthew 27:50-51 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His Spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.

*****

What an incredible privilege you and I have to be able to speak with Jesus and be His companion. Wheat does the King of the Universe have to say to us today?

one thousand gifts

#177 direct access to Jesus

#178 fresh air after the rain

stop judging

"Each of My children is a unique blend of temperament, giftedness, and life experience. If each of My children would seek to please Me above all else, fear of others' judgments would vanish, as would attempts to impress others." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Matthew 7:1-2 Do not judge or you will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use it will be measured you. [by others not by God]

Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

*****

When I keep my eyes on Jesus, I keep them off others and myself. Jesus gives me love, grace, and mercy. That allows me to give love, grace, and mercy to myself and others.

my focal point

"Live first and foremost in My Presence. The awareness (of God) will not detract from your relationship with others. Instead, it will increase your ability to give love and

encouragement to them." Jesus Calling

Psalm 89:15-16 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in Your name all day long;

they exult in Your righteousness.

II Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God

and of Jesus our Lord.

*****

Keeping God as my focal point--everything else becomes clearer!

one thousand gifts:

#172 Andy giving Amelia a bath, lots of splashing fun

#173 flowers from Tom and Amelia when I was sick

#174 Oshkosh bib overalls with pink hearts!!

Amelia's Day at Mimi and Papa, day 4

Amelia's schedule

7:45am wake up (Papa must be influencing her)

7:50am breakfast: waffle and blueberries

8:40am Papa and Amelia with flowers for Mimi

9:00am leave for school

1:30pm Papa picks up from school

2:00pm nap

4:00pm wake up

4:15pm snack: banana, cheese

4:30pm play: buttons, balancing box, tv

6:00pm dinner: pizza

7:00pm go home with Daddy

Bye, Bye!

Love You!

Thursday's Totals on Friday

I'm sorry about posting this a day late. This dizziness thing has me whipped. I can only sit up

for a few minutes, before the vertigo comes back. I'm hoping I am better today,

but I will try to get this posted fast--just in case.

I din't post last week because I was in Chicago on Thursday and there really wasn't anything to post. I had not lost any additional weight since the first week. That is always demoralizing to go a whole week and not lose any weight, but after losing the 10 pounds the first week, it was somewhat expected.

I have been sticking closely to the high protein, low carbohydrate eating plan. This week I did get to add fruit to my diet. Who would ever have expected me to be so excited about fruit, but after no sugar for 2 weeks the fruit tastes really sweet. I am still limiting how much fruit I eat, making sure that I keep eating all my meat and vegetables, too!

This week I lost 2 pounds. This is equivalent to two one pound weights (no I didn't get to exercise with them--maybe when this vertigo thing goes away!--just using them as a visual.)

total pounds to lose

weight loss this week 2 pounds

previous weight loss 10 pounds

total 12 pounds

pounds: to lose 112

lost 12

still to lose 100

Amelia's Day at Mimi and Papa, day 3

Amelia's Day

8:00am wake up, breakfast of waffles

8:30am watch Dora

9:00am help Papa in the garage

12:00pm lunch: peanut butter sandwich, fruit

1:00pm nap

2:00pm wake up, Papa puts back to sleep

3:30pm wake up

4:00pm go to grocery store with Papa, get new Dora cup

5:00pm play and watch cartoons

7:00pm eat supper, drink from new Dora cup

7:30pm bath time

8:00pm talk to Mommy

Go night night

Amelia's Day at Mimi and Papa, day 2

Amelia's schedule

8:00am wakes up

8:05am watching Dora and eating breakfast

9:00am playing in the garage while Papa is working

11:00am watching Dora with Mimi

11:30am out back with Papa

12:00pm lunch: a little hamburger, cheese, peaches, and oranges

12:30 pm play with Papa

1:00pm nap time--she is now sleeping on her stomach?!?

2:20pm woke up, couldn't find pacifier, Mimi found, went back to sleep

5:00pm woke up

5:30pm dinner: chicken, cheese, crackers, peaches

6:00pm fun with Daddy, Papa, and Cocoa

playing with Cocoa

reading with Papa

Dancing with Daddy to Double Rainbows

8:15 teeth brushed, rocked, sang to,

good night!

God's Gentle Whisper

"Wait quietly in My Presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being...Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear My still, small voice. I am speaking to you continually: words of Life...Peace...Love." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I Kings 19:11-12 ...Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire came a gentle whisper.

*****

When God speaks in His gentle whisper, I have to be quietly listening or the noise of the world or the whirring of my mind will drowned out His voice. Lately, I have noticed that I have spent more time blogging about my devotion that I have spent listening to God. So, I plan to shorten my blog (which you are probably happy about) and lengthen my time waiting to hear His gentle whispers of life, peace, and love.

Why don't you join me today by setting aside your computer and listen to hear God's gentle whisper to you.

one thousand gifts

#169 Tom's strength

#170 Kelly being with Keri

#171 Papa teaching Amelia the hand signs to the wheels on the bus

Amelia's Day at Mimi and Papa, day 1

Amelia's schedule

10:30am arrive at Mimi and Papa's house from taking Mommy to airport

watches 1 Dora, while Papa is outside, and Mimi writes her blog

11:00am plays with inside toys

11:30am goes outside with Papa and rides her bike and plays in the garage, finds Mimi's

boots and tries on...see picture

12:00pm eats lunch: mandarin oranges and macaroni and beef

12:30pm plays with Papa (Mimi still not feeling very good), finds Mimi's phone and keeps opening to see Cocoa, hold to her ear, and says "Hello"

1:00pm takes nap

3:50pm wakes up and goes to grocery store with Papa

6:00pm dinner: mac and cheese, grapes, hamburger

6:30pm play with Daddy

8:00pm bedtime

Amelia in Mimi's boots:

How Mimi was seeing Amelia with her dizziness:

oh, well

"Try to see things more and more from My perspective. Let the Light of My Presence so fully fill your mind that you view the world through Me. When little things don't go as you had hoped, look to Me lightheartedly and say "Oh, well." This simple discipline can protect you from being burdened with an accumulation of petty cares and frustrations. If you practice this diligently, you will make a life changing discovery: you will realize that most of the things that worry you are not important." ***** today's devotion was so good, I wanted to copy it in its entirety, but instead I will use this opportunity to encourage you to buy your own copy of Jesus Calling.

It is one of the best daily devotionals I have read!

Proverbs 20:24 A man steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way.

II Corinthians 4: 17-18 So our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far out weights them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporal, but what is unseen is eternal.

*****

God's perspective, we need to see through His perspective rather than our own.

How do we do that?

We need to know God is God. He is our God and Father, but He has absolute authority to do as He pleases. He is also omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (present everywhere), omnipotent (all powerful). There is nothing He can't do. There is nothing that God will do outside of His Character: loving, true, just, faithful...

We need to know God's heart for us. God loves us, with a love that is eternal. He only wants for us the very best, what will help us to become who we were meant to be. He would never intentionally hurt us. He will allow things to hurt us, because it is often through pain that we learn to be more Christlike.

We need to know that God is interested in all of our lives. There is nothing in our lives that He

doesn't care about. He isn't just orchestrating the "big" things that happen to us, but He knows that even "small" things are important to the whole picture of our lives.

We need to know that God sees our heart. He knows what we want and why. He is the good Father who gives good gifts, but also with holds what is not good for us.

So when things do not go as we had hoped, we know that God is God, he loves us, and is interested in every aspect of our lives, and He must have a better plan at work!

That makes it much easier to say, "Oh, well."

one thousand gifts

#166 raindrops bouncing of the leaves

#167 a warm comforter on a rainy day

what to think about

"There is a mighty battle going on for the control of your mind. Heaven and earth intersect in our mind; the tugs of both spheres influence your thinking...The world exerts a downward pull on your thoughts...Stay alert..." Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Romans 8:6 The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.

I John 2:15-16 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him. For everything in the world--the cravings of a sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father, but from the world.

*****

There is a battle going on in your mind, but this battle you get to decide who is winning. That doesn't meant it's an easy choice or that you just have to choose once. You must constantly decide whether to think on God's excellent things (Philippians 4:8, Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, what ever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.) or the world's sinful things ( Ephesians 4:25 - 5:7 ...falsehoods, bitterness, rage, malice, impurity, greed, idolatry...)

Let's choose well today.

one thousand gifts

#163 the aroma of chicken and noodles cooking on the stove,

bringing memories of childhood

#164 Amelia's smiles

#165 the caring hearts of Kelly and Andy

Amelia's 2nd birthday

Amelia opening one of her presents,

looking at one of her cards,

standing in front of a growth ruler

that papa made,

riding in her new car,

trying to figure out why everyone

is looking at her and singing,

ready to blow out the candles,

needing a little help from Mommy,

and enjoying her cherry chip cupcake!

What a great birthday!

God, our focal point

"Seek to please Me above all else. Let that goal be your focal point as you go through this day. Such a mind-set will protect you from scattering your energy to the winds. The free will I bestowed on you comes with awesome responsibility. Each day presents you with choice after choice....Without a focal point to guide you, you can easily lose your way."

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.

John 8:29 The One who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him.

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the LORD as a reward.

*****

With out focus, we are running around like a chicken with it's head chopped off (not a pretty picture!) We are pulled at from many directions, but we must choose the best way to go. That is always the path that God is calling us to. If we keep our eyes on Him, we don't have to worry about stumbling.

Hope you are having a blessed Sunday.

one thousand gifts

#161 Excedrin extra strength

#162 God focusing my life

stop excessive planning

It was Amelia's 2nd birthday yesterday. I was busy cleaning and then celebrating with her, Andy, Kelly, Grandma Lin, and Tom; and didn't get my devotion time in. So this is yesterdays:

From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

devotion for September 17

"You will not find My peace by engaging in excessive planning: attempting to control what will happen to you in the future... Commit everything into My care. Turn from the path of planning to the path of peace."

I Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all you anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Psalm 37:5 Commit all your way to the LORD; trust Him and He will do this: (verse 6, your righteousness will shine and your cause of justice will be strong.)

*****

We can try to control our lives by planning out each moment of our lives, but this really is a waste of time. Sarah Young even goes as far as calling it a "commonly practiced form of unbelief." Only God knows our future. Our lives are full of the "unexpected", things that we had no idea were going to be part of the path on our journey.

This does not mean that we are to make no plans. Notice the word "excessive" in her first sentence. We are not to go through this life willy nilly, just waiting to see what will happen next. There are many things that we do need to plan for. There are big events in our lives that certainly need planning for: getting our drivers licence, weddings, babies births, careers, special holidays, etc. Then there are everyday things that have to be planned for: meetings, doctors appointments, children's events, etc.

The important idea today is that we keep in constant communion with God, letting Him guide our decisions about our future. We are not to get so caught up in planning the future or our day that we leave no time for God or the "God moments" that He has planned for us.

Today, let's ask God whether we have been guilty of trying to control our lives through excessive planning? Let's again commit our way to wherever God wants us to go

one thousand gifts

#157 the sweet smell of Allysum

#158 Amelia's 2nd birthday

#159 Tom making Amelia's growth ruler

#160 cherry chip cupcakes

designed by God

"I designed you to live in union with Me. This union does not negate who you are; it actually makes you more fully yourself....In union with Me, you are complete. In closeness to Me, you are transformed more and more into the one I designed you to be." Jesus Calling

Psalm 139:13-17 For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

*****

We were designed to live in union to God. Man really isn't an island to himself. We were meant to have an abiding relationship with God. Although in this relationship we do grow to have more of His characteristics: love, mercy, truth, peace, patience, grace, etc.; we do not become cookie cutter people who lose their personality. We become more and more our true self. God loves your personality, after all He made you!

Today let's celebrate who we are: awesomely and wonderfully made!

one thousand gifts

#153 my crystal heart sparkling in the sun

#154 a beautiful fall day

#155 spending time with Matt at Uncommon Ground

#156 a great Chicago trip

peaceful rest

"Rest in Me, My child. This time devoted to Me is meant to be peaceful, not stressful. You don't have to perform in order to receive My love. I have boundless unconditional love for you. How it grieves Me to see My children working for love: trying harder and harder, yet never feeling good enough to be loved." Jesus Calling

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

II Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. 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 Spirit.

*****

Our time that we spend with God should feel restful. Even if we are dealing with a sin issue with God, what we should be feeling is God's forgiveness and His love. Guilt feelings and low self esteem feelings do not come from God. God has sacrificial love for us, is with us, is mighty to save us, quiets us, rejoices over us, gives us freedom, let's us reflect His glory, and transforms us into His glory.

Spend some restful time with God today!

judging

"Come to Me and rest. Give your mind a break from its habitual judging. You form judgments...as if judging were your main function in life. But I created you first and

foremost to know Me and live in rich communication with Me."

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Matthew 7:1 Do not judge or you too will be judged.

*****

There was much more that Sarah wrote in today's devotional. She went on to tell us that as part of not judging was to accept our place before God--created to Creator, clay to Potter, subject to King.

We are all of those things, but we are also child to Father. This is an intimate relationship. Connected by God's love for us and our love for Him.

This doesn't give us the right to judge others or situations, but it does let us go to our Father and ask for His perspective on what is going on and why someone is acting the way they are.

Today, let's give our habit of judging over to God, asking Him to reveal to us when we are judging, to repent, begin seeing others through His eyes--with mercy and grace, and then give thanks to God. Let's also, stop judging ourselves so harshly and see God's love and mercy for us. That will definitely lead us to thanksgiving.

one thousand gifts:

#150 papa playing with Amelia

#151 mercy and grace

peace and quiet

"Receive My peace. It is My continual gift to you. The best way to receive this gift is to sit quietly in My presence trusting Me in every area of your life. Quietness and trust accomplish far more that you can imagine..."

Jesus Calling

John 14:27 Peace I leave to you, My peace I give to you. I don't give what the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Isaiah 30:15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is you strength...

*****

Peace and quietness are gifts from God. How often do we unwrap these gift? I'm not talking about relaxing with a good book or watching TV or listening to music. I am talking about peace and quietness. Quietness, in our busy loud world, this is almost a foreign word to us. Today let's try to sit in quietness with God. Peace will surely also be present. We might even be able to hear God speak in the quietness.

one thousand gifts

#146 sunshine and rain

#147 Matt and Hardware stores

#148 peace and quiet

#149 God's voice in the silence

contentment

'Jesus Calling' to us:

"Rejoice in Me always! No matter what is going on, you can rejoice in your love-relationship with Me. This is the secret of being content in all circumstances. So many people dream of the day when they will finally be happy...Fantasizing about future happiness will never bring fulfillment, because fantasy is unreality. My reality is eternal and unchanging. Bring your moments to Me and I will fill them with vibrant joy. Now is the time to rejoice in My presence!"

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.

Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Psalm 102:27 But You (God) remain the same and Your years will never end.

*****

Contentment, what everyone is seeking, but few find. We are looking in all the wrong places--in money, jobs, our looks, houses, clothes, things, and even other people. But those things may bring temporary happiness, but not contentment. True contentment comes only in our everyday loving relationship with God. We will never be content if we are living in the past or future,

Let's commit to staying in this moment enjoying God and all that He has given us.

one thousand gifts

#142 Mr and Mrs Luke Nelson

#143 okra in vegetable soup, who knew?!

#144 living in the moment

#145 contentment

#146 those who died in tragically on 9-11-01

#147 those who have died protecting our freedom

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

I love how God always meets our needs. I love how He makes all things work together in His timing. Last winter, spring, and the beginning of this summer I had been experiencing a deeper depression. When I feel depressed it is feelings of sadness and hopelessness. God works in many ways to help me through these times... medication, prayer, family, friends, and He often leads me to just the right book to read at the right time.

This time it was "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. "One Thousand Gifts" is Ann's story of discovering what it means to live fully. Her childhood was shattered by the accidental death of her younger sister, Aimee. Her family would spend years in the blackness of grief. Anne accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was sixteen, but she would continue to struggle with fear, stress, depression, anxiety attacks, and agoraphobia. Then a friend of her dared her to write down one thousand gifts that God gives her. Ways that He blesses her and shows He loves her. "Sometimes you don't know when you're taking the first step through a door until you're already through it" stated Ann. This listing of gifts started Ann on a journey. This journey took her to eucharisteo, giving thanks. Then to on to grace, God's favor for her. Then to a sanctuary of time, learning to live in the moment. And on the journey went on and still goes on.

There are books that are good to read and then there are important books to read. "One Thousand Gifts" is a must read for everyone who is wanting more out of their life. Her life, woven in a tapestry of words, will teach you, bless you, and dare I say change you. I know reading this book and listing my one thousand gifts has blessed me is already changing me!

Jesus always with us

Jesus Calling to us-

"I am always available to you. Sometimes you may feel distant from Me. Recognize that as feeling; do not confuse it with reality. The Bible is full of My promises to be with you always. Let these assurances of My continual Presence full you with joy and peace."

Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountain be shaken and the hills removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, My covenant of peace removed," says the LORD who has compassion on you.

Genesis 28:15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land and will not leave you until I have done what I promised.

Matthew 28:20 ...And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.

*****

Jesus is always with us because His Spirit lives in us! Notice the difference between the promises in the Old Testament and the New Testament. God has always loved man, but before Jesus' death and coming of the Holy Spirit God did not stay with man always. He had a covenant to be Israel's God, but they did not have God living in them. How blessed we are to have Jesus with us always in our hearts!

When we feel like Jesus isn't with us, we need to stop and address this lie. We are not to just ignore the feeling. Feelings are like smoke that tells us there is a fire, they tell us what we are believing in our heart, no matter what we know in our head. The best way to address the feeling is to take it to Jesus. Ask Him to help you explore why you are feeling distant from Him. Let Him reassure you of His constant Presence and love for you!

one thousand gifts

#139 geese making their formations

#140 Jesus always in my heart

#141 Feelings, smoke leading to my heart fire

the path

"Jesus Calling" to you,

"Walk with Me along paths of trust. The most direct route between point A and point B on your life-journey is the path of unwavering trust in Me. When your faith falters, you choose a trail that meanders and takes you well out of your way."

Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock Eternal.

Psalm 25:4-6 Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths and guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not upon your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

*****

From these verses we learn about our God and what He does:

is the God=El

is LORD, I Am, Yahweh

is the Rock Eternal= stable, dependable, strong, eternal

He has a way for us to go

He teaches us His path

He guides us in truth

He is our Savior

He is our Hope

What we learn about us and what we should do:

need to trust God

be shown His ways

be guided by His truth

God is our Savior

God is our hope

need to trust God with all our hearts

don't lean upon our understanding

acknowledge God

*****

How often do I find myself straying off God's path and have ended up taking the long way to where God wanted me. This reminds me of some of Tom's short cuts when we are driving. Unfortunately, they often take us way off the direct route. One time when we were living in Colorado, Tom took us on a short cut from Colorado Springs to Denver. The normal time to get home was around 1 hour. On this short cut it took us 2 and a half hours. At least the scenery was beautiful on that short cut. When we take short cuts in life they often look beautiful to begin with, but the scenery will not be what God wants us to see. It may even be quite disturbing.

Where are you walking today? Are you walking on God's path or one of your own short cuts? Thankfully, He is walking with us where ever we are

and is waiting to give us directions to get us home!

the path photo was downloaded from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Thursday's Totals

As you may have read in my prior post, I have started a low carbohydrate diet. I hate to use

the word diet because if this way off eating helps me take of the weight, it will have to become

a lifestyle change. I hate to use the phrase "lifestyle change" because it sounds like I may be leaving Tom or having a sex change or joining the circus or something else that I am not going

to do! So I guess I'll stick with diet until another word or phrase makes more sense.

I chose the low carbohydrate diet for a couple of reasons. First, it is the diet that the doctors have suggested to my friend Robin who is a cancer survivor. I figured if it was good for her--it would be good for me. Second, I have been on this diet before and lost weight. Third, it is a food plan that Tom will agree to and since he usually cooks, he needs to be on board.

The diet consists of eating a lot of protein and a low amount of carbohydrates. I'm sure you already see the problem in this diet for me. I love bread, potatoes, pasta, candy, cookies, etc. But I am going to have to retrain my body to enjoy vegetables and some fruit. After a week, I can say that it is working some. We had plain old green beans from the can--no bacon grease in sight--and I thought they tasted wonderful. Even had a second helping.

I will be giving weekly updates (figure that will make me more accountable) about weight loss, inches lost, and exercise. I will probably also post when I've had bad days and good days. I thought about how to report my weight loss--by actual weight that I am each week

or by the pounds lost. I decided that both you and I would be more comfortable

with the pounds lost and the same with inches.

Usually, with most diets one of the hardest weeks is the first. Thursday and Friday I was feeling really good and wasn't even hungry. Unfortunately, the hunger set in on Saturday. Tuesday through today I have felt weak--like I mentioned in prior post. I believe it is just because my body is trying to figure out where all those fast energy carbs went. Hopefully my body gets the message that it will need to get the energy from the protein and all that lovely stored fat!!

I need to lose 112 pounds all together. I know that is the weight of a lot of models or big dogs,

but that's the facts!

Pounds to lose 112

pounds lost this week 10

pounds yet to lose 102

before pictures:

Boy, posting this is harder than I thought it would be. Please pray that I will be successful and have a healthier and happier life.

weak and weary

"Jesus Calling" to you:

"Accept each day exactly as it comes to you. By that, I mean not only the circumstance of your day, but also the condition of your body. Your assignment is to trust Me absolutely,

resting in My sovereignty and faithfulness."

Psalm 42:5 Why be so downcast O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

II Corinthians 13:4 ...likewise, we are weak in Him, yet by God's power we will live with Him to serve you.

Jeremiah 31:25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.

*****

This is one of those moments when I just have to chuckle. I have started a low carbohydrate diet and the early days while my body is still adjusting, I feel weak! It is easy to give up a diet when I am feeling fine, but it is especially easy for me to quit when I am feeling weak like I have the flu. But here is God to encourage me on by using my daily devotional to speak to me,

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Thank You God!

How about you? Are you feeling weary, weak, downcast, or are there other ailments that you are experiencing? Don't give up! Ask God to give you the strength to finish whatever tasks He has given you to do today. Just make sure that you are not using your energy on worthless projects, or even worthwhile projects, if He has not ask you to do them. God is not telling us to ignore our pain, but to try to understand what is causing it and to act accordingly.

For me, on this chilly rainy day, that means accepting that I am weak because of dieting. But instead of eating the wrong things "to give me strength", I am to go take a nap and get replenished. God is good.

one thousand gifts

#132 letters if thanks

#133 re-connecting with Matt

#134 sharing life with my Mom

#135 God meeting me right where I am!

God approves of you

If you read no other of my blogs, please read this one!

Jesus Calling, to you:

"I delight in you more than you can imagine. I approve of you continuously, for I see you cloaked in my Light, arrayed in My righteousness. There is no condemnation

for those who are clothed in Me! That is why I abhor the use of guilt as a means of motivation among Christians... Guilt evoking messages can undermine the very foundation of grace in a believers heart. I grieve when I see grace eroding, with weeds of anxious works creeping in. I want you to relax in the assurance of My perfect love. The law of My Spirit of life has freed you

from the law of sin and death."

Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me in garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.

Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit has set me

free from the law of sin and death.

righteousness #6662 tsaddiyq (from just) = lawful, just, righteous

salvation #3468 yesha = to be safe, delivered, rescue

condemnation #2631 katakaina (from an adverse sentence) = condemnation

law #3551 nomos = law, regulation, Mosaic law

sin #266 harmartia = (from to miss the mark) = offense, sin

death #2288 thanatos = death

Spirit #4151 pneuma (from current of air, breath) = spirit, life, ghost

*****

The law of sin and death was the rules and their consequences that were handed down from God to Moses. They included the ten commandments in Exodus 20 and all the other laws in Leviticus.

The law of the Spirit comes through Jesus who was sinless, took on our sin, died on the cross, fulfilled the righteous requirement of death. He exchanged

His righteousness for our sinfulness. Now, if we wear the garment of salvation (having been saved through belief in Jesus),

we also wear the robe of Jesus' righteousness.

The bottom line to all of this: God loves, approves, and delights in us!

Don't accept Satan's lie that you are still a rotten sinner,

you are a righteous child of God.

one thousand gifts

#132 letters of thanks

#133 reconnecting with Matt

#134 sharing life with Mom

dependence on Jesus

"Do everything in dependence on Me. The desire to act independently- apart from Me- springs from the root of pride. Self-sufficiency is subtle, insinuating its way into your thoughts and actions with out you realizing it. But apart from Me, you can do nothing; that is, nothing of eternal value." Jesus Calling

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His image, in the image of God, He created them.

***********

I don't know about you but I often have trouble with the words pride, self-sufficiency, and self-control. So as usual, I looked up the words in the Strong's Concordance. Here are their Biblical meanings from Hebrew and Greek.

pride

(had more than 4 definitions in the Old Testament and 3 in the New Testament)

Old Testament

#1347 ga' own (From to rise up)= arrogance, pomp, pride, majestic

#2087 zadowm= presumptuous, proud

#1466 gevah= pride

#7830 shachats (from to strut)= lion, pride, haughtiness

New Testament:

#5243 huperecho (from hold yourself above)= higher, supreme

#5187 tuphoo (from envelop in smoke)= lifted up by pride, high minded

#212 Alazoneia (from braggart)= boasting pride

self-willed

Old Testament

#7522 ratsan (from delight)= be acceptable, desire, will

New Testament

#829 authadeo (from self pleasing)= self-willed

self control, temperance

New Testament

#1466 (from self-control)= temperance

#1468 (from a strong thing)= self control

I then looked up the words in Webster' Dictionary

pride= unduly high opinion of one's self, dignity and self respect,

satisfaction in something done or owned

temperance= self restraint in conduct

self-control= control of ones own emotions, desires, actions

control= to exercise authority over, to restrain

self-sufficient= to get along with no help, independent

We are to depend on God for everything. He has given us the ability to self control what we do, it is a fruit of the Spirit that we get at salvation. We must use this control under God's authority, doing what He says is right and not doing what He says is wrong. To believe that we are self-sufficient is saying that we don't need God, which is obviously a lie. There are several definitions for pride. Because God is the Creator, it is good for Him to take pride in Himself. For us to have pride (think more highly of one's self) is a sin because we can do nothing outside of God. Who are we to take credit for God's work. But we can take satisfaction with something that we have done well or own, appreciating what God has given us.

one thousand gifts

#130 the smell of fall in the air

#131 yellow clouds floating through the blue sky