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| 5/2/2013 Half Way |
Sociologists say our age is more polygamous than any other in history. Perhaps our polygamy wears a different face, but in principle it is the same. When partners divorce, remarry, divorce and remarry again, they are accumulating spouses. In some areas of our world, the rate is as high as one out of every two marriages dissolving in divorce. This cycle of union and separation is absolutely contrary to God's Word.
The new U.S. Census Bureau data show that the divorce rate, after rising sharply in the early 1970's, has remained relatively stable-not to mention high. Fewer than half the couples who first got married in the late 1970's made it to their 25th anniversary. Of the women who first got hitched in the late 1980's, only 57% reached their 15th anniversary, compared with 79% of brides in the late 1950's.
Jesus says we are to leave our parents and "cleave to" our spouses. The verb cleave suggests there are times when we have to hold on tightly and tenaciously. Paul plainly agrees: Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband (1 Corinthians 7:10). He adds a word to the husbands: ... And a husband is not to divorce his wife (1 Corinthians 7:11).
Marriage, according to God's Word, is to be exclusive. Man is to worship one God and devote himself to one mate. The Old Testament stated that anyone guilty of coming between a husband and a wife would be put to death. Jesus goes even beyond the law forbidding adultery and says that anyone who cultivates the wish to commit adultery is already guilty of it in his heart.
Marriage is a covenant of love and loyalty between one man and one woman. It is a sacred relationship that should not be taken lightly, just as our relationship with Christ cannot be taken lightly.
Matthew 19:6 NIV
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
UNTIL DEATH DO US PART
Although marriage is permanent on earth, it will not last forever. Jesus says it has been ordained for this world only: The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection (Luke 20:34-36).
It is important that we keep this temporal quality of marriage in mind. While in this life, our marriages must last "until death do us part," yet each of us will stand alone before God. Therefore, our marriage must never come before our relationship with Him. Jesus declares in Luke 14:26 that He must come first in all our relationships. If we put Him first, then our love for Him will make all our other loves seem like hate in comparison. Jesus wants first place in our lives.
When Jesus has first place in our lives, we will act with responsibility. We will provide the climate of warmth and fellowship that will make our homes full of love and godliness. Christ has left principles and guidelines to govern every Christian home; and if we really love Him, we will keep His commandments.
Luke 14:26 NIV
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.
A casual reading of isolated passages in Scripture may cause some to feel God is unfair. For example, it seems unjust that the sins of the fathers are visited on the children. However, everyday we see this biblical truth in our world. A baby will be born blind because his mother has a terrible social disease. Statistics show that the children of divorced parents often go through a divorce themselves. God's Word is true in saying: Our fathers sinned and are no more, But we bear their iniquities (Lamentations 5:7).
Yet there is another side. God's Word does say: For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me... (Exodus 20:5), but we cannot stop reading there. God goes on to say: but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments (Exodus 20:6). It takes three or four generations to wash out the evil influence of an ungodly parent. But the influence of godly fathers and mothers is even more extensive, and therein lies the power of healthy and holy families. We can make a difference in our children's lives. The beacon of our life will beam far into the future. It is up to us to make our legacy one of good, bringing blessings on our offspring, rather than one of evil, bringing heartbreak and destruction.
God is not unfair. In fact, He is far more than fair. He clearly tells us of the universal laws and warns us lest we break ourselves on them. May we read and heed
Exodus 20:5-6 NIV
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
GOD'S IDEA
Marriage is not a slot machine. Some people seem to see it as such and invest only a little of their lives, hoping to hit the jackpot of happiness. Such people are often disappointed; and, as a result, they divorce--leaving a trail of tears and tragedy.
Like life, marriage is a long-term investment. Each partner must constantly invest effort and energy to work through problems and develop a meaningful relationship. The first few years of marriage usually have more pain than pleasure. But if the couple is willing to consistently invest understanding, forgiveness, and patience, each member will find the union most rewarding and will reap an excellent harvest of human happiness.
Marriage is indeed a triangle. Husband and wife are the two lower corners, and God the apex. As He draws man and woman to Himself, they naturally are brought closer to each other. One of the great aids in this is daily devotions, both together and alone. Through our times with God, we can resolve our frustrations and discover our potential as a couple.
Psalm 68:6 NIV
God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Red Velvet Brownie Body By Vi shake: The recipe:
2 scoops of Body By Vi Shake mix
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 container red velvet yogurt
8 oz fat free milk (I used unsweetened light vanilla almond milk)
1 Tbsp fat free sugar free cheesecake pudding mix
several drops red food coloring
About 6-8 ice cubes, and blend!
HE LEFT LIGHT
When a deeply loved man in the community died, the pastor found many words of kindness to say about his dedicated life to his Lord. But, perhaps the most beautiful words the minister uttered were these, "When he came there was no light; when he died there was no darkness." This statement best defines the life of our Lord but also could be used to describe those who have made a deep impact on their communities by godly testimonies.
Stephen's death would have eternal repercussions. When he was stoned by those who hated him, he prayed two simple prayers: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (Acts 7:59). A young man was standing by holding the coats of those who killed Stephen. He would be haunted by the Savior Stephen knew. The young man's name was Paul.
In our prayer period today, let us determine that our lives will have impact in and on our communities. May God help us to bring light--real light--to the darkness of our neighborhoods by our living relationship with Christ. Like Stephen, we, too, can have influence long after this mortal body has gone. We will not only live in eternity with Christ but also in the lives of those we have won to Christ.
Acts 7:59-60 NIV
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Well, I've kinda fell off the wagon a little bit here...
Unfortunately I've had a few mountain dew this past week. I feel icky and bloated. I've insisted my husband help keep me away from the dew from now on!
On the plus side, my walk and relationship with the Lord has been increasing! I'm still daily doing my devotional first thing as I am pumping. I'm loving it, and pray it continues.
I go back to work in 3 weeks... kinda dreading it, but I know it will get better with time. Plus side, I have great people to go back to work to!
Here's to looking forward and continuing with my goals!
I failed in a little bit this week... I have had a mountain dew. I have to be strong again and go more days without it. Need to find a great alternative, otherwise I know I'm gonna have a hard time getting rid of it!
Yay, I've made it a week with out mountain dew. I had a few opportunities to drink it, but I prayed and was able to stay away from it!
DESERVING PRISON
A French prince once visited the infamous Toulon prison. As the prince walked down the cell-lined corridor, the prison warden offered to release any prisoner that the prince selected. In order to make his choice, the prince asked each prisoner, "Why are you here?" Every man asserted that he didn't belong in prison. "I am innocent, my lord!" claimed one. "I've been framed!" cried another. Only one man told a different story. "Your highness," he replied, "I have no complaint. In my time I have been a wicked, desperate murderer. I deserve to be here." The prince replied, "You are indeed a wicked man. What a pity you are confined among so many honest citizens. You will corrupt them! I can't allow you to remain in their company another day. Guard! This is the man I wish released!"
Like this solitary prisoner, Daniel admitted his and his people's guilt (Daniel 9:3-19). He knew Israel deserved all the punishment God could give. That is why he said:...for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. God's mercy was Israel's only hope.
When we depend on His mercy rather than our own goodness, power comes into our praying. We can do nothing to "deserve" answered prayer. Rather, we need to rely on God's grace and mercy to give according to His riches in glory.
Daniel 9:18 NIV
Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.
REPRISALS
During his rule, Adolf Hitler ordered every tenth person shot in two villages near Warsaw, Poland. This massacre was in reprisal for the deaths of two German soldiers. Reprisal was a common practice of the mad dictator who in just a few short years plunged the tranquil country of Germany into bloody war. History will long remember the brutal behavior of Hitler and those like him who without mercy murdered innocent victims.
Blatant disregard for God and one's fellowman demands justice and judgment. Often when we read about God's judgment, we shrink back from it. It seems to make God sound so cruel and heartless. However, we must remember God deals with man in the direction he is going. To those who love, He says, "Follow me." To those who hate, He says, "The soul that sins, it shall die."
Ezekiel, in his brief prayer (Ezekiel 9), questioned God about mercy mixed with judgment. Even though the evil ones deserved all the judgment they were to receive, still Ezekiel prayed for them. Evil must and will be punished, and we can rest assured God will deal justly. Yet it would be well for us to have Ezekiel's compassion for our accusers and those who hate our Lord. Judgment will come, but may we pray that God will have mercy on those who repent.
Ezekiel 9:8 NIV
While they were killing and I was left alone, I fell facedown, crying out, “Alas, Sovereign Lord ! Are you going to destroy the entire remnant of Israel in this outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem?”
THE PAIN PASSES
Pierre Auguste Renoir, the great French artist, suffered severely from rheumatism. It was extremely painful for him to paint, but he continued to do so. A friend once asked, "You have done enough already, Renoir. Why do you continue to torture yourself?" The artist looked at him for a long moment and then said, "The pain passes, but the beauty remains."
As we read the prayer of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:15-18), we catch a glimpse of his suffering soul. Rejected by his family, friends, and country, this gallant prophet complained to God in this prayer about his agony. Why did Jeremiah continue to preach and pray? The same reason that Renoir painted: The pain passes, the beauty remains. Jeremiah knew the suffering of the moment could not be compared with the joy awaiting him for faithfulness. So he kept on preaching and praying.
In our moments of despair we, like Jeremiah, sometimes complain to God about our problems. It is comforting to know God understands and seeks to solace our weary hearts. Soon the pain will pass; the beauty of our obedience and faithfulness will last throughout eternity. Let us then be faithful in discharging the duties God has given us.
Jeremiah 15:18 NIV
Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.
My workout today was great. Hard, but great! I love being on maternity leave right now. It's allowing me to learn and workout with my husband.
We worked on legs mainly, but adding in abs is always good.
My lunch: Berry Peachy Vi shake
8 oz milk of choice
2 scoops Vi-shape shake mix
1/2 c frozen peaches
1/2 c frozen strawberries
1 peach flavor packet (optional)
5 ice cubes (if fruit not frozen)
Blend together, and enjoy!
THE MAGNET
Oliver Wendell Holmes wisely said, "If you give me a dish of sand and tell me there are particles of iron in it, I might look for them with my eyes and search for them with my clumsy fingers and be unable to detect them; but let me take a magnet and sweep through it, and how it will draw the almost invisible particles by mere power of attraction. The unthankful heart discovers no mercies but the thankful heart sweeps through the day, and as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find in every precious hour some heavenly blessing."
May we pray "Oh, Father, Who has given us so much, give us one more thing--a thankful heart." The psalmist concludes the great "Hymnbook of Humanity" with the clear commandment to praise God. He says: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Then, to add emphasis, he demands: Praise the LORD! (Psalm 150).
Today, let us allow the magnet of our thankful hearts to sweep over our memory and recall all the things God has done for us. Then, let us take a moment to praise Him each time a memory comes. We must learn to thank Him also for the tragedies of our lives, for in them we have begun to know Him better. Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6 NIV
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord . Praise the Lord .
Breakfast was a half cup of oatmeal with peanut butter and Vi. Lunch was yummy, Oreo coffee Vi shake with spinach!
Another workout was great today. Did some squats, bench press, jump rope, mountain climbers and a few others. Feels great to work hard for something!
WINGLESS BIRDS
An ancient legend tells of the time God created the birds. According to the story, they first were made without wings. The birds complained that they couldn't go very fast or far by hopping. So God put wings on their backs. Still the birds complained. Together they went to the Maker and demanded He take away the heavy appendages. They believed the wings had no use except to burden them. The Creator told them to wait one week. He said if they still felt that way after a week, He would remove the wings. During that week, the birds began to experiment with their wings. They soon learned they could speed through the sky and soar heavenward with them. Needless to say, they did not return to ask God to take away their wings.
When it comes to praising, believers are like the birds in this mythical story. Asked to praise God, we feel it is another heavy burden added to our many problems. We complain that we cannot do it, that God expects too much of us. But, when we try praising God, our souls soar like never before. And, once we have tried it, we no longer want to be as we once were (Psalm 149).
Today, may we ask God to teach us to praise. This at first sounds strange, but such a prayer will be answered; and we will learn to give God the glory in all of our lives. In doing so, we will reach a level of joy we never knew possible.
Psalm 149:1 NIV
Praise the Lord . Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.
3rd day and still haven't drank a mountain dew... go me! Getting hard tho, this is when I start to give in. Need to keep going!
Vi shake: blueberry muffin with spinach! Tastes amazing, and you don't taste the spinach!
Almond milk, handful of spinach, 1/2 packet of blueberry oatmeal, 1/3 c frozen blueberries, 1 T sugar free cheesecake jello, 1 t of real honey, 1/4 c crushed ice and of course 2 scoops Vi mix.
This mornings devotional:
CONDITIONS
Richard Wurmbrand tells of the joy believers knew while confined in Nazi prison camps. Although many were cursing their lot, hating their captors, and plotting revenge, believers were serving their Christ faithfully, sincerely, and with great joy. Both the believer and unbeliever were subjected to the same conditions. However, one reacted as a saint while the other reacted as a sinner.
Viktor Frankl reminds us that true happiness in life depends not on conditions but on decisions. If our hearts are firmly turned toward Christ then we can and will joyfully worship Him--in good times and bad. This seems to be the essence of Psalm 148. Wherever we are, with whatever we have, we should still praise the Lord.
When our praise is based on God's goodness, rather than the conditions of our lives, then we have reached the state of true faith. No matter what the conditions, we will remain true. Like Paul, we learn both to be abased and to abound. Circumstances do not dictate our happiness--that is a result of a living relationship with Christ. And when He is in our hearts, we cannot help but sing--whether it be from the mountaintop or from the cellar.
Psalm 148:1 NIV
Praise the Lord . Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above.
Strawberry Cheesecake Vi shake for lunch. Really tasty!
I also ate a single waffle for added calories. (Since I'm pumping)
Last night's migraine lingered into this morning, which prevented me from getting to the gym, grrrrr!
My breakfast was good tho. Oatmeal squares cereal.
Well, I've made it through my first day... with noooo mountain dew!
I have a bit of a headache, but that could be also from lack of sleep.
Apparently they say it takes 21 days in a row of doing something before it becomes a habit.
So, here's to day one! With dinner I drank black cherry sparkling water; I only like that one because it reminds me of cherry coke.
Today' s devotional:
STOP TO APPRECIATE
A middle-aged couple appeared before a divorce court seeking a final separation. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?" the judge asked the woman. "Yes," she firmly replied, "We have been married fifteen years and all that time I have kept house, cooked meals, and..." She paused tearfully and the judge asked, "And did he find fault with you?" "No," she said, "It's not that, but in all that time he has never once said 'Thank you.'"
Often we forget the thoughtfulness of a "Thank you." And at times we even take God for granted. Therefore, the psalmist reminds us that it is a healthy thing for us to praise God. Praise is a habit we need to learn for the pure development of our souls (Psalm 147).
Learning to praise God is beneficial to other areas of our lives as well. Expressing appreciation to God daily spills over into our personal relationships; we begin appreciating people. Today, let us seek ways to thank God for all He has done for us. And let us carry this appreciation over into our jobs, our school, and our families. In doing so, we will quickly learn that praising God can make us happier and healthier people. Today, "Praise ye the Lord!"
Psalm 147:1 NIV
Praise the Lord . How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
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| Starting date: 3/18/2013 |
So I'm having some trouble sleeping; mainly due to my brain not wanting to shut off. I'm going to be starting a "new" 90 day challenge (thanks to body by vi: visit www.moore4you.bodybyvi.com for more info.) I'm going to be pretty detailed, as I'll be using it for personal record and self accountability. (That is if time and my memory allows me to.)
Goals:
#1: Develop a more intimate relationship with God
#2: Grow more in love and create a deeper relationship with my husband. (Along with my children)
#3: Gain back my muscle/strength
#4: Lose another 10 lbs (down 30 lbs since Jan 30, 2013. Because of a birth and using bodybyvi)
#5: A realistic goal (for me) kick the intake of Mountain Dew, except for the hopefully rare special occasions.
So now that I've spilled and documented what my brain was thinking, hopefully I'll get SOME sleep (before my 1 month old wakes up.)
Tomorrow I'll be getting my "before" photos and measurements. Looking forward to this journey and praying God has his hand over it!
