I have learned that you cannot escape trials. Every trial in life is either God orchestrated or God allowed. But what we must all remember is that God is with us through those trials; He will never forsake us, and will see us through to the end.
Today's devotional is about God leading us along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents along the way. In the distance, we see the snow-covered peaks, and our longing to reach those peaks is good, but we must not take shortcuts. God instructs us to follow Him, allowing Him to direct our path. We need to learn to trust Him when things go wrong. Disruptions highlight our dependence on Him. Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all. He has lovingly planned every inch of our way. We need to trust when the path becomes rocky and steep. He reminds us that we will make it to the end together.
John 21:19; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Habakkuk 3:19
God has seen me through some major trials, but the one that always stands out in my mind is the time we were financially struggling, which led to Jeremy going down a different career path. This new endeavor moved me and my then two children, to CT to live with my parents, while Jeremy lived a life as a truckdriver, exploring all 48 states. During those 14 months, we only saw Jeremy a handful of times. I never understood then why God has allowed the financial struggle, or the 14 months of our family being apart, but looking back, that trial brought more blessings that far outweighed the circumstance. I do not wish that on anyone, but I am grateful to God for doing what was best for our family. Our marriage is stronger than it has ever been, Jeremy is the best father He can ever be, and we never take for granted the time we have together. If you are going through a trial right now, just remember that God has your best interest in mind. He is not here to punish, but to love and redirect.
To update on my last night's adventure, I am happy to report that I did extremely well! I resisted the chips and salsa, ate grilled chicken and shrimp (minus the smothered cheese that is oh so good) with some lettuce and avocado, and half of my refried beans (which I substituted for rice). Then afterwards, we went to a coffee shop where I had a skinny latte with almond milk (which I just found out has fewer calories than nonfat milk), and passed on the AMAZING (as my friends put it) chocolate cake. I am dedicated folks, but I pray that I continue on this path. I am known to be such a yo yo dieter, but I want to put an end to that right now. What this week has taught me is that as long as I seek the Kingdom of God first, everything else will follow. I just have to let God help me in this struggle of self-image, and I will overcome this obstacle.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
A Thankful Heart
I read my devotional at different times of the day, depending on what the day unfolds. But God works in mysterious ways, and oftentimes, when I read the day's devotional, I feel like I couldn't have read it at the most perfect time.
Today's devotional is about going to God with a thankful heart. To rejoice in today, refusing to worry about tomorrow. Anticipate abundant blessings and accept difficulties as they come. Go to Him with ALL your needs, knowing that His glorious riches are more than an adequate supply. Stay in continual communication with Him so that you can live above your circumstances, even while you are in the midst of them. Present all your requests to Him with thanksgiving, and he will provide you with His peace, which surpasses all understanding.
Psalm 118:24; Philippians 4:19, 6-7
I have a hard time accepting difficulties. God has shown me, through several circumstances, that He does work things for our good, even tough times. However, when you are going through those tough times, you wonder how in the world can God turn this into good. But He reminds me to have a thankful heart. To always go to Him with thanksgiving because no matter how bad I have it, I have much more to be thankful for. I am not to overlook my blessings from God. Nobody said the grass is greener on the other side. Nobody said that once I give my life to the Lord, that I will have it all. I feel like my circumstances have become more frequent as a Christian. But I must depend on the Lord, and have daily communion with Him, so that I can live above those circumstances. I would rather go through these times with Him, than without.
In other news, I am going out for Mexican, and then coffee and dessert afterwards with some friends tonight, and I have already planned out what I am going to have. That way, I do not order by the aroma lingering through the restaurant. I can get in BIG trouble for doing that! Play it smart, or don't play at all ;)
Today's devotional is about going to God with a thankful heart. To rejoice in today, refusing to worry about tomorrow. Anticipate abundant blessings and accept difficulties as they come. Go to Him with ALL your needs, knowing that His glorious riches are more than an adequate supply. Stay in continual communication with Him so that you can live above your circumstances, even while you are in the midst of them. Present all your requests to Him with thanksgiving, and he will provide you with His peace, which surpasses all understanding.
Psalm 118:24; Philippians 4:19, 6-7
I have a hard time accepting difficulties. God has shown me, through several circumstances, that He does work things for our good, even tough times. However, when you are going through those tough times, you wonder how in the world can God turn this into good. But He reminds me to have a thankful heart. To always go to Him with thanksgiving because no matter how bad I have it, I have much more to be thankful for. I am not to overlook my blessings from God. Nobody said the grass is greener on the other side. Nobody said that once I give my life to the Lord, that I will have it all. I feel like my circumstances have become more frequent as a Christian. But I must depend on the Lord, and have daily communion with Him, so that I can live above those circumstances. I would rather go through these times with Him, than without.
In other news, I am going out for Mexican, and then coffee and dessert afterwards with some friends tonight, and I have already planned out what I am going to have. That way, I do not order by the aroma lingering through the restaurant. I can get in BIG trouble for doing that! Play it smart, or don't play at all ;)
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Seek and You Shall Find
A couple of nights ago while I was laying in bed, this verse came to me; Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." My one major goal I want to accomplish this year is to seek His Kingdom first, above all else. Every year I have wanted to lose weight and be healthier, but I do not want that to be my first chase. My first chase is God, and He will make everything else fall into place. He reminds me that I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me.
Today's devotional is about resting in God's presence. That no matter what troubles lie ahead, that we need to relax in His presence. He will strengthen us to prepare for these times, transforming our fear into confident trust.
Matthew 11:28-30; Joshua 1:5, 9
Today's devotional relates to the Gideon study I did today. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I have the tendency to want to fix our problems as quickly and as painlessly as possible. But as I have learned in today's Gideon study, God either orchestrates or allows every circumstance, but He uses it for our good. God is more interested in changing our heart, than changing our circumstance. As I have learned in the past, God does work, even through circumstances where you think He is absent. I have numerous testimonies where God has used a circumstance to my benefit. Our relationship with God is all about the heart; about letting God work through us. It's dying to oneself, not looking inward, but outward and upward to Heaven. I have heard that the Word is ON our heart, until we allow God to break our heart, to allow His Word IN our heart. That is what I want to strive for.
In other news, I am very proud of myself. I declined a lunch invitation after bible study to rush home to do a HIIT workout before rushing back to Church to pick up my son from preschool. Now THAT'S what I call dedication!!
Today's devotional is about resting in God's presence. That no matter what troubles lie ahead, that we need to relax in His presence. He will strengthen us to prepare for these times, transforming our fear into confident trust.
Matthew 11:28-30; Joshua 1:5, 9
Today's devotional relates to the Gideon study I did today. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I have the tendency to want to fix our problems as quickly and as painlessly as possible. But as I have learned in today's Gideon study, God either orchestrates or allows every circumstance, but He uses it for our good. God is more interested in changing our heart, than changing our circumstance. As I have learned in the past, God does work, even through circumstances where you think He is absent. I have numerous testimonies where God has used a circumstance to my benefit. Our relationship with God is all about the heart; about letting God work through us. It's dying to oneself, not looking inward, but outward and upward to Heaven. I have heard that the Word is ON our heart, until we allow God to break our heart, to allow His Word IN our heart. That is what I want to strive for.
In other news, I am very proud of myself. I declined a lunch invitation after bible study to rush home to do a HIIT workout before rushing back to Church to pick up my son from preschool. Now THAT'S what I call dedication!!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Journey of a Lifetime
Like I said last night, 2014 is my year. My year to finally stop making excuses, and to start living life again. I am embarking on a journey with God that will change the rest of my life, and I am very anxious and excited about it. I am excited to see what God has for me, and where this journey will lead me. I know God has great plans for me, as long as I seek Him daily and keep Him close, which brings me to today's devotional.
Today's devotional is about focusing on God and not on the problems around you. That if we gaze on our problems, we will sink under the weight of them. However, if we keep our gaze on the Lord, He will give us peace that transcends all understanding. If we stay close to Him, He will keep us safe. Circumstances change, God does not. Have Him near you daily, and He will help you face today's problems.
Philippians 4:7; Matthew 14:30; Hebrews 12:2
Today's devotional reminds me of the story of Peter in Matthew 14, where God calls him out of the boat and into the water. When Peter kept his gaze on God, he was not afraid. However, as soon as he took his focus off of God and onto the waves around him, He became afraid and started to sink. That is my problem. When faced with a circumstance, I immediately start getting scared. I feel like my world has been shaken. I feel like we need an immediate fix, and the burden is just too much for me to carry alone. Therefore, I need to give it to God. Focus on Him, and not on the situation. Keep my gaze on Him, and no matter what life throws at me, God will provide me with the one thing I need to get through it all...PEACE.
In other news, I am on day 3 of calorie counting and exercising. I feel GREAT and ALIVE!!
Today's devotional is about focusing on God and not on the problems around you. That if we gaze on our problems, we will sink under the weight of them. However, if we keep our gaze on the Lord, He will give us peace that transcends all understanding. If we stay close to Him, He will keep us safe. Circumstances change, God does not. Have Him near you daily, and He will help you face today's problems.
Philippians 4:7; Matthew 14:30; Hebrews 12:2
Today's devotional reminds me of the story of Peter in Matthew 14, where God calls him out of the boat and into the water. When Peter kept his gaze on God, he was not afraid. However, as soon as he took his focus off of God and onto the waves around him, He became afraid and started to sink. That is my problem. When faced with a circumstance, I immediately start getting scared. I feel like my world has been shaken. I feel like we need an immediate fix, and the burden is just too much for me to carry alone. Therefore, I need to give it to God. Focus on Him, and not on the situation. Keep my gaze on Him, and no matter what life throws at me, God will provide me with the one thing I need to get through it all...PEACE.
In other news, I am on day 3 of calorie counting and exercising. I feel GREAT and ALIVE!!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
The New Year
We are 14 days into the new year, and I did not have a new years resolution to start out 2014. I did not want to rewrite the same ole resolutions that have been my resolutions since I can remember. Instead, I let God speak to me and this is what I got; Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." A week before the new year, I began questioning my purpose in life. Along with those questions came answers of inadequacy, failure and worthlessness. I began to wonder why God has given me the life that I live. What purpose am I serving by cooking, cleaning, running errands and all that stay at home moms do. Then this past Sunday, God spoke to me. My purpose in life, whether I am a stay at home mom or a big shot corporate woman, is to love God and to love others. So my resolution this year is to commit to the things that have been on my new years resolution for many years...that is to love God above all else, and be a healthy version of myself. To finally put an end to feeling bad about myself, and to start loving myself. As a dear friend puts it...this year is to RECLAIM!!
The first objective to reclaiming back my life is to have accountability, and what better way than to blog and commit to blogging every single day for the next year. On top of participating in bible studies, I am committing to reading a devotional from Jesus Calling, and blogging about the day's devotional and how God is speaking to me through that devotional. I will also jot down my weight loss progress. I did start reading a devotional out of Jesus Calling yesterday, but did not blog about it, so I will start from yesterday's devotional.
Jan. 13
This day's devotional was about living each day like an adventure. Don't predict what's going to happen, or try to manipulate the day to go your way. To be attentive to Him, and to all that He has prepared for you. Resist the tendency to take the easiest route.
Psalm 118: 24; 1 Peter 2:21
This is so me. I try to plan each day accordingly. The less stress, the better. But some days will throw you a curve ball, and you can't stress out about it. Just let God take you where He wants you to go. Just keep Him in the forefront of your mind, and no matter how chaotic, He will take you through it. He also reminds me to make best of what God has blessed me with. God has blessed me with the opportunity to stay home with my children. I need to make the best of it because one day they will be grown, and I will miss these times. And to make good use of my time. To be more involved at Church, and to just do God's work.
Jan. 14
Today's devotional really spoke to me. It was about not feeling ashamed about being empty. That emptiness is a blessing because that is an optimal condition to be filled by His grace and peace. It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, thinking you can fool people, but you cannot fool God. He can see the depths of your being. Talk with Him about your struggles or feelings of inadequacy, and He will turn your weaknesses into strength.
1 Samuel 16:7; Romans 8:38-39
As a stay at home mom, inadequacy is a feeling I feel frequently. Not being able to financially contribute to the household damages my self-worth. But God reminds me that self-worth is not about how much you are worth, in monetary value, but what you are worth in Christ. To know that God does not make mistakes. We are where He wants us to be. I can and should openly talk to Him about my struggles of feeling inadequate, and let Him work in me.
Now to other news, the past two days have been successful. I have been counting my calories and exercising. So needless to say, my back hurts and I need to lay down, so this is all for now!
The first objective to reclaiming back my life is to have accountability, and what better way than to blog and commit to blogging every single day for the next year. On top of participating in bible studies, I am committing to reading a devotional from Jesus Calling, and blogging about the day's devotional and how God is speaking to me through that devotional. I will also jot down my weight loss progress. I did start reading a devotional out of Jesus Calling yesterday, but did not blog about it, so I will start from yesterday's devotional.
Jan. 13
This day's devotional was about living each day like an adventure. Don't predict what's going to happen, or try to manipulate the day to go your way. To be attentive to Him, and to all that He has prepared for you. Resist the tendency to take the easiest route.
Psalm 118: 24; 1 Peter 2:21
This is so me. I try to plan each day accordingly. The less stress, the better. But some days will throw you a curve ball, and you can't stress out about it. Just let God take you where He wants you to go. Just keep Him in the forefront of your mind, and no matter how chaotic, He will take you through it. He also reminds me to make best of what God has blessed me with. God has blessed me with the opportunity to stay home with my children. I need to make the best of it because one day they will be grown, and I will miss these times. And to make good use of my time. To be more involved at Church, and to just do God's work.
Jan. 14
Today's devotional really spoke to me. It was about not feeling ashamed about being empty. That emptiness is a blessing because that is an optimal condition to be filled by His grace and peace. It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, thinking you can fool people, but you cannot fool God. He can see the depths of your being. Talk with Him about your struggles or feelings of inadequacy, and He will turn your weaknesses into strength.
1 Samuel 16:7; Romans 8:38-39
As a stay at home mom, inadequacy is a feeling I feel frequently. Not being able to financially contribute to the household damages my self-worth. But God reminds me that self-worth is not about how much you are worth, in monetary value, but what you are worth in Christ. To know that God does not make mistakes. We are where He wants us to be. I can and should openly talk to Him about my struggles of feeling inadequate, and let Him work in me.
Now to other news, the past two days have been successful. I have been counting my calories and exercising. So needless to say, my back hurts and I need to lay down, so this is all for now!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Progress
It's 10:00 pm and I can't sleep. I always have a hard time sleeping when Jeremy is out of town. I usually don't go to bed until my eyelids are so heavy that I can't keep them open any longer. The alternative is to lay in bed and over analyze every noise I hear, and that is just no fun! I tried to continue with my photography lessons on itsoverflowing.com, but her website doesn't seem to be working tonight. I really hope it's not permanently down because I have learned so much from her. No other photography 101 websites can replace hers! I know...I've already tried...hehe.
Today was my second weigh in at my health and wellness bible study class. I haven't lost any "weight", but I did manage to drop 3% of my body fat, and my lean muscle mass went up. I know I shouldn't stress too much about the "number" because so many things contribute to the number like bloating, clothes and muscle. Even though I didn't lose "pounds", I am glad my body fat percentage is dropping. That means all the blood, sweat and tears I've been pouring over Jillian Michaels workouts have been paying off!
You must be wondering why I am blogging so much lately. I know this is such a change from not having blogged in years. Blogging is my outlet. It lets me get all my thoughts out. It's part of my therapy. I feel like I have been so out of touch with life. Living day by day in a blur. I feel like I am taking back control. Wanting to live day by day. Wanting to change my outlook on life. Wanting a change for my family. I am working through so much by myself, with Pat (the wonderful woman I mentioned in my first "coming back" blog), and with God. I just hope and pray that this is a new leaf I have turned, and that I never go back to the way I used to live; just barely making it, barely living life. But we are making progress; emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. It's a slow progress, but still progress nonetheless.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Random
It's now 2013, and my number one resolution has been my number one resolution for as long as I can remember. Actually, I am pretty sure it makes the top 3 on any woman's new years resolution. Yep you have guessed it...LOSE WEIGHT! I have been working out everyday, but I just can't get myself to eat right! I am currently taking a health and wellness class written by Beth Moore, and the eating plan is simple enough, but I just LOVE food!!! Hopefully I can stick to my daily routine of exercising, and find foods that are good for me, but is also yummy as well!
Life has been busy lately. Weekends are booked with parties, showers and family time. Jeremy and I need to plan a night where we can spend time alone; actually be able to sit down and enjoy dinner and conversation. It's been too long. We need to make that a monthly ritual. Life can get so busy and consumed by other things that we don't take time for each other.
As far as projects go, I have a couple of things lined up. I scored some nice tablecloths at my dad's cleaners, but they need some major hemming. I am also making a nursing cover for a baby shower I am attending next Saturday. As far as my photographing skills go, judge for yourselves...
Life has been busy lately. Weekends are booked with parties, showers and family time. Jeremy and I need to plan a night where we can spend time alone; actually be able to sit down and enjoy dinner and conversation. It's been too long. We need to make that a monthly ritual. Life can get so busy and consumed by other things that we don't take time for each other.
As far as projects go, I have a couple of things lined up. I scored some nice tablecloths at my dad's cleaners, but they need some major hemming. I am also making a nursing cover for a baby shower I am attending next Saturday. As far as my photographing skills go, judge for yourselves...
Alexa
Chandler
Caleb
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Back to Life, Back to Reality
After spending two weeks in CT with my family, I am back in GA; back to life, back to reality. I have spent the past weekend unpacking, doing laundry, cleaning, and rearranging furniture. I feel like I am now somewhat back to my normal routine. I have been experimenting with my camera a bit, and with the help of a few internet photography 101 websites, I have started becoming more comfortable with my ever so confusing, too many buttons than necessary, camera. I have actually enjoyed using some of the features I have learned, and have taken some really cute photos!
Like I predicted, I received a sewing machine from my MIL for Christmas...Little House on the Prairie here I come...LOL! Nah...Pinterest helps me to not look so old for owning a sewing machine...HAHA! I am very excited about all the projects I have pinned. I cannot wait to get started on them. Here are some of the things I plan on completing this year:
- Fabric headboard for our bed
- Pictures of the kids on canvas
- Wall bookshelf in the playroom
I cannot wait to get started!! But I do need my husband for some of these projects. I hate waiting on him, but here are a few problems I will face if I attempt to do it alone:
- I would NOT know what to buy at Home Depot...I might even get lost in there
- I would probably puncture more holes than necessary when trying to hang things
- I would NOT know what tools to use to accomplish the task
- And last but not least, my husband is OCD when it comes to hanging things STRAIGHT.
So needless to say, I will have to give my husband some of the credit on the projects I complete this year. But they were all MY ideas!!!
Like I predicted, I received a sewing machine from my MIL for Christmas...Little House on the Prairie here I come...LOL! Nah...Pinterest helps me to not look so old for owning a sewing machine...HAHA! I am very excited about all the projects I have pinned. I cannot wait to get started on them. Here are some of the things I plan on completing this year:
- Fabric headboard for our bed
- Pictures of the kids on canvas
- Wall bookshelf in the playroom
I cannot wait to get started!! But I do need my husband for some of these projects. I hate waiting on him, but here are a few problems I will face if I attempt to do it alone:
- I would NOT know what to buy at Home Depot...I might even get lost in there
- I would probably puncture more holes than necessary when trying to hang things
- I would NOT know what tools to use to accomplish the task
- And last but not least, my husband is OCD when it comes to hanging things STRAIGHT.
So needless to say, I will have to give my husband some of the credit on the projects I complete this year. But they were all MY ideas!!!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Pinterest Addict
Hello...my name is Ju...and I am addicted to Pinterest. I never was a crafty woman, never had the desire; but as I dive into the world of Pinterest, I find myself wanting to be crafty...wanting to bring out the creative side in me. I have cooked several recipes, made a few projects and experimented with a couple of ideas expressed on Pinterest...and I found myself LOVING it!! I find myself on Pinterest several times a day, always looking for new recipes to cook, new projects to get into, new experiments to try. I am always trying to improve my skills, broaden my horizon. I have recently learned how to sew, and would love to learn how to crochet. And with the graciousness of my husband, I received this for Christmas...
Going from a compact digital camera to a DSLR is very overwhelming. I don't even know where to start!! But I have found great websites teaching me everything I need to know to take awesome, picture perfect shots. This will allow me to take my creativity to another level and I am sooo excited about that! I am thankful for Pinterest. It has helped me to find a different side of me that I never thought existed. It has helped me to be excited about something FOR ME. It has helped my insanity, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Going from a compact digital camera to a DSLR is very overwhelming. I don't even know where to start!! But I have found great websites teaching me everything I need to know to take awesome, picture perfect shots. This will allow me to take my creativity to another level and I am sooo excited about that! I am thankful for Pinterest. It has helped me to find a different side of me that I never thought existed. It has helped me to be excited about something FOR ME. It has helped my insanity, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Hello Again!
WOW!!! I can't believe it's been three years since I last published a post. Time has flown by, and I have no idea where it went! Quick update: I now have three children, Alexa (my firstborn...who I started this blog about...originally named Loving Alexa), Chandler (my middle and VERY strong-willed child) and Caleb (my sweet, easy-going one). I decided to change my blog to The Real Me because this blog is about a new chapter of my life.
I have been a stay at home mom now for about a year and a half...full time that is...and it's the most exhausting work ever. I have worked years in the corporate world, and no job compares to what I do now. It is not only physically exhausting, but mentally as well! The past several months, I have battled with loneliness and depression...not because I didn't have friends or family, but because of where my life was. Please don't get me wrong...I love staying home and taking care of my family...but the monotony of it all really got to me. I guess I wondered, is this all God has for me? But God has dealt us tough hands before, and He always sees us through it, and He has made us a stronger family for it.
Through God's grace, and the help of a wonderful woman at Church, I am slowly and surely becoming myself again. Through all this, I am trying to find the real me...the person that I replaced as wife, mom, chef and maid. One thing I do know is that I love to craft, which I find very surprising because the 32 years I have been on this Earth, I didn't think I had a creative bone in my body! So this blog is about me...of course I will talk about my children and how much they drive me NUTS (haha...if I can't vent here, where can I vent), but this is a place where I am going to start a new chapter of my life and become ME, on top of being wife, mom, chef and maid.
I have been a stay at home mom now for about a year and a half...full time that is...and it's the most exhausting work ever. I have worked years in the corporate world, and no job compares to what I do now. It is not only physically exhausting, but mentally as well! The past several months, I have battled with loneliness and depression...not because I didn't have friends or family, but because of where my life was. Please don't get me wrong...I love staying home and taking care of my family...but the monotony of it all really got to me. I guess I wondered, is this all God has for me? But God has dealt us tough hands before, and He always sees us through it, and He has made us a stronger family for it.
Through God's grace, and the help of a wonderful woman at Church, I am slowly and surely becoming myself again. Through all this, I am trying to find the real me...the person that I replaced as wife, mom, chef and maid. One thing I do know is that I love to craft, which I find very surprising because the 32 years I have been on this Earth, I didn't think I had a creative bone in my body! So this blog is about me...of course I will talk about my children and how much they drive me NUTS (haha...if I can't vent here, where can I vent), but this is a place where I am going to start a new chapter of my life and become ME, on top of being wife, mom, chef and maid.
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