Blogging Birthday!

The month of June marks two years. Two years of blogging. What a journey it's been. As I look back on all the life lessons I've shared - I'm grateful for growth in so many areas and even more grateful for God's grace in the areas where development is still needed. His direction for me is clear, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," (2 Peter 3:18a; KJV).

Passing along the lessons God is teaching me has been a joyful, and sometimes humbling experience. My goal has been to consistently share the practical truths of God's Word to bring honor and glory to Him. In the coming year, my goal remains the same.

But being consistent has its challenges. Life is hectic. Distractions will come. It's easy for me to get swept away in the current of the urgent and not attend to the important. Balance in each area of life is crucial. Staying focused and motivated are keys. King Solomon penned these wise words, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life," (Proverbs 4:23). Truth is, I'll find time to do what I want to do. My task is to concentrate on those things that keep my feet on the right path.

Need an example? Glad you asked. The Lord has given me a desire to write. With summer here, our daughter home from college, a number of projects needing to be tackled, and the same amount of writing to be done, I feel torn in a million directions. Instead of throwing my hands up in frustration and giving into defeat, God's Word shares a different perspective: diligence and perseverance.

It's easy to say I'll do something. Following through is the hard part. Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers about this exact situation, "And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have," (2 Corinthians 8:10-11; italics mine). These Christians had a great plan. They wanted to collect money for the churches in Jerusalem. The problem? Over the time period of a year, nothing had come of their plan. Paul encouraged them to be diligent and persevere - to follow through.

Choosing to be diligent and persevere in the face of difficulties isn't easy. But it's the right thing to do. And God's blessing will follow. "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises," (Hebrews 6:10-12).

Do you struggle with follow through? How would a commitment to being diligent and to persevere change the outcome?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your continued work in my life. Thank You for showing me the importance of following through - of being diligent and persevering. Give me the strength and help I need to focus on Your truth, and stay on the path You have for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tired of Just Going through the Motions?

I'm determined.

After a weekend of fast food, and treating myself to beautifully decorated cupcakes at my nephew's wedding, this week's grocery list included healthy choices. Fish, vegetables, and fruit ranked high on the list. Snacks, desserts, and junk food didn't make it into the cart. Okay, let me be honest. I've been battling the same irritating couple of pounds since Thanksgiving! It's time to do something about it.

As a kid, I never battled my weight. In fact, as I entered my teen years, I actually ate foods to help me gain weight. Good problem to have, right? Now as a forty-something adult, I'm having to re-evaluate my eating patterns and keep a closer eye on portion sizes. Clothes that have fit for the past few seasons have mysteriously shrunk while hanging in my closet. And my weight seems to be shifting to areas I never had problems with before. Welcome to a slowing metabolism.

The good news is that I'm aware of the problem. That's half the battle. Now I have the opportunity to do something about it. Educating myself, setting some rules in place, and following through on my plan will all help me achieve my fitness goals.

The same is true in my spiritual life. Sin has a way of tripping me up and causing me to drift. The gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit makes me aware of my struggle. His Word points out the importance of staying close to Him, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing," (John 15:5; KJV).

I get fed up with just going through the motions of living the Christian life. Something's got to give. I'm resolved to draw close to the Savior. When I'm aware of what causes me to drift, I can look up specific verses that deal with that issue and begin memorizing them. Timothy puts it this way, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," (2 Timothy 2:15).

Armed with God's Word, I'm ready to put some boundaries in place. How does it work? When I struggle with over-eating, I need to remember the words of the Apostle Paul, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's," (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). And act on them. Am I really hungry? Or am I eating because I'm watching Food Network? If I AM hungry, am I eating something that is nutrient rich or just empty calories? I can avoid over-eating by determining my motive for eating and then steering clear of eating additional food after dinner.

Memorizing God's Word and putting boundaries in place, both allow me to follow through with my commitment. An accountability partner is the icing on the cake - or should I say the sugar-free topping on the fruit?! My accountability partner knows where I struggle and is able to hold my feet to the fire when necessary, as well as cheer me on when I'm succeeding.

Is there an area where you struggle? Remember, admitting it is half the battle! Arm yourself with God's Word, set some rules in place, seek an accountability partner, and follow through with your plan. You'll find yourself abiding in Him and reaping much fruit! Well worth the effort!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please show me the things in my life that are displeasing to You. Help me agree with You that those areas are sin, and to take the steps necessary to break free from sin's grip. Give me the ability to memorize your Word, set boundaries, and follow through with my commitment to live a life that's pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.