Well, after getting up too late to read my Bible this morning I read my Streams in the Desert devotional which talked about how God places a hedge around us and that he knows every time we are hurting, every cruel word that is said, every instance our feelings are hurt. And how the hedge can be painful, but in the pain our faith grows. We grow stronger by leaning on God who gets the glory for taking care of our hurts and needs. And even sometimes our wants. Then, I prayed for someone who asked me to pray for them yesterday and it dawned on me that they really needed to read today's devotion even though I am not sure how deep their faith is, it will help to read this devotion. Since I feel like God is leading me to give it to them I will.
When I got on my blog the verse was "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4" And as normal, God decided to reiterate the point by giving me more scripture that tells me to be patient!! And to rely on Him in the process that my faith may grow and that I will indeed grow closer to him. So, thank you God for giving me scripture to lean on but also to share with someone else in need. <3
I accomplished my goal of getting on the treadmill, even though it was past 10pm...I still did it. I even finished laundry! So, I was on the treadmill for 23minutes. I did 1.3 miles. This is an improvement from last time, only 20 minutes, I think and 1 mile or a little over. So, as always God gets the credit for motivating me!! Oh I drank a full bottle of water today! And I had another serving while working out. We aren't going to mention the popcorn or Cherry Coke at the movies...but it was my belated b-day present from my sis-so it is ok. Moderation ;)
This was my bible study reading this morning and I thought I would share. I wanted to read scripture on praise because God seriously deserved some praise from me. You see, when I first got married and up until a couple years ago I prayed all the time for God to let Eric be a little more affectionate and helpful around the house. Now, mind you, when I am not working it doesn't bother me to do all the house work but when I am teaching full time it is only fair that he help share the load. Well, I never saw any changes and pretty much gave up in the prayer department on that one. So, since I got back from California on Christmas day, Eric has been really helpful around the house. Like not just sweeping here and there but truly helping me with all the cleaning!! Now, if you know my husband, you know how shocking that is!! So, God showed me through my husband that He does answer prayers, that He does it in His own time, and that He loves me enough to answer that selfish prayer. So, that made me think about the whole kid situation. And well, God loves me, He will answer my prayers, and it will be on His time. So, in the mean time, I still need to pray and be thankful and praise Him in the process.
A huge praise for God is also that I got up this morning and read my bible before I did anything else. This is a principal I learned while doing First Place a couple years ago. God should get my time before anything else. I know that is another one of those "duh" kind of things but still. I allowed God to feed me this morning before I ate anything which is how it should be anyways.
On a different note, I was able to share my devotional book, Steams in the Desert with a friend who the devotion was clearly speaking to. Turns out the main scripture from the devotion today is one I had texted her a while ago. God works! God uses people to show other people how He is working and remind us He is still there, comforting us when we need Him.
Psalm 145
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. [b]
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. [c]
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
Eric has a fire department meeting tonight so I am going to spend time with him when I get home but I will be getting on the treadmill this evening. Thank You God for motivating me!! I needed it and You always deserve the Glory!!
Monday's Goals:
Bible Study
Get on treadmill for 25 minutes at least
Finish laundry
Clean bathroom- I swept...
Take embroidery out of scrub jacket- I did this Tuesday
