Bible

I enjoy reading the scriptures. The words just seem so alive, almost like they are jumping off the page at you. It all makes so much sense. When I read the words I like to just think about what it means. Oh how God must love us to give us these great words. And any attempt I make at trying to explain them or what they might mean only detracts from the power that is already placed in them. The words explain themselves. Its so easy to tell that the Bible is "living & active" when I read it. The Bible just brings clarity. It brings perspective. It provides a right focus. It's so easy to become "I" focused instead of being "Him" focused. When I take a second to draw back, and look at life and what is really important life becomes so much more simplified. I like the fact that I don't know what all the scriptures mean, and that I never will. I like that God is much bigger than I can comprehend. Yet at the same time, so personable, so caring, so patient. I like that I don't see the BIG picture all the time. And, I like to know that the big picture doesn't revolve around me. It revolves around bringing God glory, that HIS name is praised. I like resting in the fact that God is good, and no matter what he does, it is good. Even if my feeble mind cannot understand it, or see how it would be that way. If it comes from God, its good. If God does it, it is good.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.

My God is indescribable.  My favorite part of this whole video is that after nearly three minutes of describing God he says how he wishes he could describe him. My God is immense. He's much bigger than I can fathom, much greater, and much worthier than words can describe.

This, that, and the other thing.

In my head there is a lot going on. Wedding plan stuff, Texas stuff, helping my brother start a lawn care business, jaw surgery, helping out with EPIC, bettering my relationship with God, with Allyson, and with other people. Oh, and house stuff...which there is never a shortage of house things to do! EVER. (Which reminds me I need to turn down the water heater...the waters' been too hot.) So I have all this 'stuff' going on, but I am not good at verbalizing any of it. At least not in any depth. Somewhere deep inside of me there is a fear of being rejected. Of not being liked, of not being good enough, of being dumb, etc... I think that deep seeded fear is mostly what keeps me from verbalizing my thoughts.

Another part of why I have a difficult time, especially with spiritual thoughts, is be I think due to the general population saying that those types of thoughts should be kept private. Not to make excuses for myself by any means. Its just something that I think I have fallen under the influence of.

The first step is recognizing that there is a problem though, right? I don't want fear to run my life. To prevent me from having fruitful, and thought provoking conversations. Here's to letting fear go!

April 16th

Today is April 16th, and it feels like the load of the world has been lifted. When I was in college I would generally hold off studying or doing take home tests until the last minute. That usually meant that I was a little bit stressed out, and rather rushed to make sure everything is done and that it is acceptable to turn in. Then, once it is turned in there is a big sigh of relief. Today, for me, that big sigh of relief is today. Tax season is over. I can sit back a little, everything isn't quite as rushed. Back to the normal pace. Breath. It's a nice feeling.

Healthcare

Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Mark 12:17


I'm not big into politics, and I don't get to concerned with what is going on in D.C. For the most part the things they decide have no direct effect on me. However, it seems this healthcare is stirring up quite an ado. I've only read a little about it, so I might be somewhat naive. From my understanding, if this is passed I'll have to buy healthcare by 2014 or face a penalty that is a percentage of my income. I'm sure there are pro's and con's for both sides, but it doesn't really matter to me. 


The government is able to do what it wants to do. That's just the reality of the deal. As a Christian, my response is to obey what they tell me to do. Romans 13:1 & Titus 3:1 are specific about obeying government that is placed over us. Titus says specifically to willingly submit to government. 


You may disagree with the government about healthcare, taxes, or a number of other issues. However, as a Christian it is out job to submit to their authority. If they want a few more dollars for taxes and healthcare then so be it. Give to the government what is theirs. And give to God what is his. 


What is his?


You are his. Your time is his. Your thoughts are his. Your very being is His. You are not your own. You were bought at a price. A price of God's only son, and if you have bowed your knee and surrendered your heart to Jesus Christ, then it is your responsibility to comply with President Obama's plan of healthcare. Whether you agree or not, it makes no difference. And you are to do this without grumbling and complaining. Obama deserves your respect as an authority figure. 

Lord

Lord keep me strong. Remind me of who you are. Remind me of the completeness that there is in you and in you alone. Even though the earthly body may die, we are alive in you for all time. Remind me. Help me not to ask 'why' but 'how'. How can I bring you glory and honor?

The dilemma with eating...

Why is it that eating is so comforting? Taking a nice big bite of ______, in my case, usually something greasy and unhealthy. Trav's has thee best bacon cheeseburgers ever. Add fries and BBQ sauce and I'm set. I could eat them multiple times a week. When I don't, Papa Murphy's is just down the road. I love Papa Murphy's pizza. Especially the cheese. I try to avoid going in there when its being held up, but if its a pizza day, its a pizza day. Today is a pizza day(but payday isn't until tomorrow). So tomorrow will be pizza day. Sundays should be designated pizza day. There's just something so nice about coming home from church and eating a nice cheesy pizza. Or grilling.

But here's the dilemma... if I were to eat like that all the time I would resemble something like John Madden mixed with an elephant. In other words, its not healthy. But it tastes so good.

So, how do you curve(curb?) an appetite? You can eat a head of lettuce and get as many calories as 3 M&M's... its just not fair. Who wants to eat a head of lettuce? Or three M&M's for that matter. You see, I am on this LGN diet, and there is an ideal weight that I would like to reach, but I would also like to eat. And it must be possible, because while I was across the ocean a few years ago I ate just fine and lost plenty of weight. Which I managed not to gain back for probably almost a year. Thats when I succumbed to a love of fast food again. Perhaps therein lies the problem. Back to rice and beans? Maybe a little chicken?

I have managed to cut out almost all of my soda intake... and I'm working on the snacking thing. Its just so easy when there is nothing else to do. But, I'm trying to drink water instead of girl scout cookies... oh how I love girl scout cookies.

So, what to do? Anyone have some good recipes? Healthy recipes?



P.S. I'm going to hopefully remember to 'label' all my posts.

Saturday

Its Saturday. I already vacuumed, did two loads of laundry, dishes, and thirty minutes on the treadmill. And I got the mail. Oh, and I folded the clothes. Now just to get them put away. But what's the rush? The other load is still in the dryer.

I would like to take a nap, but thats not very productive. I would like to plant grass too, but its way too wet. There is also many things I'd like to work on in the house, but that won't come till later this summer.

I guess I will go read. And then take a nap. :-)