Know & Tell Friday

Hey another week of Know & Tell Friday, and it seems more people are joining in each week :) If you are not sure exactly how to join in, please go back and read last week's "Know & Tell" (that post gives you directions). I enjoyed reading the answers to last week's questions... I see that many of us had to apologize to our siblings :)

Question 1
1. Who do you wish you could meet? Many of you may have guessed that I would say Beth Moore, and you would be right :) I am not alone in saying that the women that have gone through her Bible Studies feel like they know her personally. She really is probably one of the number one people in my life that God has used to help me grow spiritually. She is the first person that I ever really saw that truly was in love with her Savior, and she knew that He loved her too. I would also like to meet Billy Graham (I know just one name)... He reminds me of what an old time prophet might look like...not that I have ever seen one :)
2. Best food comes from which country? Got to say Italy... I love my Italian food (that is part of my food problem :)
3. If you are familiar with the movie/musical "Grease", what girl character would you be (let's apply this lightly...I know some of the behaviors of the girls was not too nice). Of course, I want to say Sandra Dee... I actually can be kind of naive, like our girl Sandy, but I would probably be that super talkative, annoying Patty Simcox (I think that was her last name).
4. Would you be more likely to toilet paper someone's house, or would you be the one that has their house toilet papered? I want to say I would be the brave one and toilet paper someone's house in good, clean fun, but I am a chicken, so my house would be the one that got decorated.
5. Do you like small talk, or deep conversations? Definitely deep conversations (right Fwend?), but I can do small talk, and small talk is appropriate in many situations... I know I have tried to have deep conversations when small talk may have been more appropriate :)

Bonus Questions
6.Who do you most want to encourage this year? No one specific popped into my head, but I think I just need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit this year and encourage people that God places in my life to encourage. I think I miss opportunities to encourage and show love because I am too focused on myself. (Hey Grammar Police...did I get that last too right? I am not so sure
:)
7.If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it? (I am not answering this question exactly right, but here it goes) I know that those closest to me know that I struggle with fear and control, so I would think they would tell me to surrender those things to Jesus, because He is the only one that can help me overcome both of those strongholds. I am really in the process of trying to let both of these things go, but both have such a vice grip on my life. I know I need to press into God's Word, meditate and memorize it for true change to happen.

Well, I gave you a lot to think about and answer... Blessings, and I will come and visit you at your blogs in the next couple of days. I think I will be off work tomorrow because of a Snow Day :) Oh, check out my post below... "We're all in this together"... I think you might find it encouraging...

We're all in this together!!!

When you read this title, did any of you think of "High School Musical"? :)

Well, actually I wrote this post because I have found that when I have shared on my blog about my food struggle many readers (well, maybe not many readers), a few readers have commented that they share the same struggle. Really, millions of women share this struggle with me. I have been learning a lot in the last month, mostly I am realizing how much spiritual bondage I am in with this food addiction. What I would like to do today is share some quotes from the book, "A Woman of Moderation"... I hope these quotes will speak to some of you that are going through the same kind of struggle I am... Really, I hope the quotes can encourage everyone :)

This is a quote from Mike Cleveland, the founder of "Setting Captives Free"...
It is important to understand that it is not enough to stop running to food when we are not actually physically hungry, but to start running to God. (GOOD QUOTE)

Me again...The book talks a lot about the spiritual discipline of fasting. Fasting
is something I feel like God has been wanting to teach me about for a few years now, but I just seem to find a way to ignore it. The book I am reading now talks a lot about fasting...Here is an awesome quote from John Piper and his book, "A Hunger for God".... (this first part is not part of Piper's quote) Our problem is that we are often hungrier for other things than we are for God-so we engage in all kinds of idolatry. (this is Piper's quote) "Desires for other things"-there's the enemy. And the only weapon that will triumph is a deeper hunger for God. The weakness of our hunger for God is not because he is unsavory, but because we keep ourselves stuffed with "other things." Perhaps, then, the denial of our stomach's appetite for food might express, or even increase, our soul's appetite for God."

ME SPEAKING AGAIN... WOW, Piper's quote really convicted me, and he is exactly right about what he said when it comes to my life. I fill myself up with so much of what the world has to offer (and I am talking about good things, not sinful things), that I leave little room for God to be my all consuming passion.

Well, I will close for now... I hope you will be encouraged in your individual journeys with whatever has you bound as you remember God is greater than any of your strongholds...

(I just had to do this :) Below you will see the video to "We're All In This Together"... It is such a peppy song that you will probably just smile watching it.

Thankful Thursday

I always love Thursday... or Wednesday night when I actually post my "TT" entry. I think I will list with bullet points again...
-I am thankful that I have worked out 15 days in a row :) Really, I should be taking Sundays off, but the last two weeks I have been overzealous and worked out on Sunday. I joined a local 24 hour fitness place, and I have been at least exercising 30 minutes a day. One of the books that I recommended a couple of weeks ago suggested to start with the exercise route first for the first four weeks. I think it is harder to start with the food, but I had already started cleaning up the food area before I read the book. So, I am in the process of tackling the food and exercise together.
-I am thankful that God is patient with me as I am working my way through the process of total surrender of my food addiction. I have been messing up major time, but I have hope I will be free from this struggle in the NEAR future.
-This is random, but I thought about it this week... I am so thankful for "pop top lids" that you can pull right off the can. Right now, I have a can opener that is on its last legs :) I think we should be thankful for the little things too.
-I am thankful for Dee Brestin's book, "A Woman of Moderation". My friend and I are going through it together as we are both working on our food addiction. This book is so wonderful because it attacks this whole food issue at the spiritual level.
-I am thankful for "GUM"... As long as I am chewing gum, it helps me not want to chew some food. I just need to give up the "BUBBALICIOUS GUM" :)
-I am thankful that God is revealing to me the many idols (not just food) that I turn to when I am seeking to be filled... I have not yet come to the point where I believe that God can truly fill those needs... I know a part of me believes that God can do anything, but yet I do not live it out. That tells me that there is unbelief on my part somewhere, and that is what I need to work on in the coming weeks.
-I am thankful for video cameras :) My hubby and I watched old tapes of the kids from about 3 years ago... Oh my little boys... It made me want another baby :)
-Oh, my "Wising Up" Bible Study in my home went fabulous!!! I can't wait to see what God will do through the study and through the fellowship of the ladies :)

OK, if you are reading this part...you stuck with me through my random thankful thoughts... That is just the way my brain works at this stage of life. Blessings!!! (My spell check was not working, so hopefully I didn't spell too many things wrong :)

Wordless Wednesday

Scooby Dooby Doo... Where are you? Moose in front of the Mystery Machine... Does the Mystery Machine bring back any memories from your childhood? It does for me :)

Bloggy Giveaways

Hey all... I am going to jump in the mania madness of the bloggy giveaway. "Rocks in my Dryer" is hosting the giveaway carnival at her giveaway blog. Click here to be directed to all the giveaways...there are over 600 at this point. So what I am giving away...

Recently, I have started a lifestyle change in the food arena, and I have a "Starbucks" gift card that I have not used yet. I am staying away from temptation (Java Chip Frap with extra whip cream) by not going to "Starbucks". OK, I think the card I have is worth $10.00, but I don't know for sure...I will guarantee that it is at least $5.00. So if you win you will get a Starbucks gift card that is at least $5.00, but maybe $10.00 :). I will find out this week and update this post...I just wanted to get the info out before the contest ends.

If you would like to be entered in the contest all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. I will give you a bonus entry if you take the time to comment on any other post I have written on my blog (if you do, just let me know that you did, and I can check it out).

I may add prizes to this giveaway before it is over :) I have lots of stuff, I just need to go get it.
Blessings, and have fun with all the giveaways!!! (At present, I will only ship within US)

*I will be choosing a winner this Sunday after 12:00PM*

Time Travel Tuesday

Today's Travel asks us how my parents met... You know, at this point I do not know the official answer (I can't believe that). I can tell you my mom was 15 (she might have been 16 when they were married) and my dad was 10 years older. My dad had already traveled the world a bit as he was in the Navy. It is so funny how many parents of people my generation and older were married at such young ages. I didn't get married until I was 23, and I still didn't have a clue :)

**I will talk to my mom soon, and update this quite short email with the real story :) Have a blessed day!!!

Know & Tell Friday

Hello Ladies (and any men that might wander to my blog by accident...oh, I forgot my hubby does read my bloggy). I think this is week 9 of the "Know & Tell" meme. It has been fun and enlightening reading your answers every week. If you are new to blogging or this meme, all you have to do is just answer the questions either in my comment section, or answer the questions on your own blog. If you answer the questions on your own blog, make sure to leave a comment on my blog to let everyone know to come to your blog and check out your answers (wow, that was a weird sentence...my blog, your blog, my blog)... Also, please feel free to copy and paste the green "Know & Tell" button if you would like to post it with your answers. I just wanted to add that last week's question about your favorite "Starbucks" drink surprised me... I think there were more ladies that didn't have a favorite "SB" drink than those that did... Go Figure!!!

*** A plea to those of you who may visit my blog, but do not normally comment (I do that too on several blogs)...let today's post be the first one you comment on... I would love to read your answers to my questions... I am so super social that way...the more the merrier :)

Question 1
What is your favorite fairy tale? I really love them all, but if I had to pick a favorite I guess I would go with "Cinderella"... I love all the movies that have been made about "Cinderella" (I liked the one with Drew Barrymore, "Ever After").
Question 2
If you could be guaranteed a spot on the reality show "Survivor", would you go? I wish I had more of a daring spirit, but I am so wimpy I just wouldn't be able to handle it...and if I could handle it, I don't think I could "survive" the tribal council part... I think the voting off thing is about as hard as the being stranded on a deserted island... I would get my feelings hurt major time, and I don't think I could stomach "playing the game"...
Question 3
Meanest thing you ever did to a sibling??? I know.... what kind of question is this :) Specifics elude me, but I would just say that I was a stinker when I was young (I can still be), and the meanest thing I would do would be to purposely get one of my siblings in trouble with my parents... I AM SO SORRY MY SISTERS AND BROTHER :)
Question 4
Best Fashion Era... 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's or now... Well if my hubby was answering this question he would say the 80's in a heartbeat... I enjoyed some of the 80's fashions, but I think I like the fashion of our present era. I don't think I will look back at my pictures from this time, and wonder what in the world I was thinking when I dressed myself.
Question 5
Have you ever skipped to the end of a book before you finished reading the book? Yes, several I think... I attribute this to my lack of patience... I remember with one book it really ruined reading the rest of the story for me :(, but I think I would do it again :)

Bonus Questions (I found these questions through a website, and boy are these challenging...)
Question 6
What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year? I don't really think I have a straight answer with this one, but this thought came to mind... My bloggy readers know that I am trying to win the battle with my food addiction, and finally become free with Christ's help. I know humanly there is nothing that I can do to break free, so I know that it is God that will do the work through me so that I may be free. I am working everyday to let God have total control of this area... I still feel like I am holding onto some of the control, but I don't want to stay there :)
Question 7
What is one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God? Simply, I would say spend time with Him through prayer and His Word. I say simply because it is a simple answer, but hard for me to do...The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

All done, and I am looking forward to visiting all of the blogs of the participants this week... Blessings!!!

Thankful Thursday (Posted Early)

Today I will not write in my typical paragraph form... I will just give you little bullet points of what I am thankful for...
-My hubby and I are going through a season right now...we have been through this season before and let's say at times we both showed our sinful side to each other during that time. Here we are about 6 months later and we are in the same season again, but this time we have both been working on the things that we did not do well on last time... we are not sinless of course, but definitely sinning less... All credit goes to God on this one!!! (I didn't give the details, but I hope you can still follow the story)
-My Fwend over in Florida is just growing leaps and bounds with God over the past months... She is tasting some major time FREEDOM in CHRIST right now (Hey Fwend...P.F.R. Can you figure that one out?)
-I am having victory with my food addiction. It is such a slow process, but I know if I let Him, God will bring me out of this season in Freedom myself...
-I am thankful for the blogging community (some of these ladies are becoming my friends through their constant communication) and their support and encouragement to me as I am fighting my way through this food struggle.
-I am thankful that God stepped in and solved a babysitting issue (meaning we needed babysitters) for the Small Group that my husband and I host. God did more than I could have asked :)
-I am thankful that this Friday is the first Friday of a Women's Bible Study that I will be hosting in my home. We are going to do Beth Moore's "Wising Up" study...there are 12 DVDs, so that will take us through the end of the year (1 time a month). There will be both ladies that I know and ladies I do not know... Pray for me to serve these ladies with an open heart and lots of love...

I had a lot to be thankful for... I always do even when I don't realize it... Blessings!!!

Wordless Wednesday...

How did I get myself into this predicament? SIGNED...The Terminator (I am posting some older pictures...)

Time Travel Tuesday

Today's Travel asks us to tell about our "Best Day", or one of our best days. In the course of my life I have had many "best" days (wedding, births-although I wasn't feeling my best physically on those days, the day I came to Christ-although I was a little young to really grasp all that my decision really meant...) My "best" day today is going to be about a moment with God... I don't ever want to come off as super spiritual, but the more I travel this road with God, I truly see that He really is the best thing I could ever experience here on earth. All the other things are great, but nothing this earth offers ever satisfies the deepest part of me.

This best day happened (I think) the first year we had moved from Florida. Mind you I had never moved before in my life, and I really expected to be a total mess emotionally. I believe that it was a super natural work of God that kept me in tact emotionally the first year I had moved from my childhood home. OK, enough background...here is my day.

In my walk with Christ I often want to feel God's presence with me... I know He is always with me, but sometimes I long to actually "FEEL" His presence close to me. I was in the kitchen of our 950 square foot rental home, and I think I was doing the dishes. I was looking out the window and just thinking, and then I felt like all the sudden God was with me, not just knowing that in my head, but actually just feeling He was so close to me in the kitchen that day. I felt like He was thinking of me, and that He was concerned about where I was... If I remember right (I always say if, and I think because my memory is so bad at times) my initial reaction was that I felt humbled that the God of the Universe was with me in my kitchen...

One of my biggest struggles (outside of food and fear :) is that I was/am a person that can be puffed up with Pride, and that day I didn't really feel proud, but humbled. I got all teary eyed and cried a little, but what sweet moments passed as I realized that God was with me and that He cared about and loved me :)

I wish I could bottle moments like the one I had that day!!! God is good and loving... Don't ever forget it!!!!

Slave to the Scale...

Before I get to my post, I realized that most of my posts come as part of a weekly Meme. I love my memes girls, but this blog has become a journal for me. I have always wanted to journal, but I tire of the actual writing part... my brain operates about 7 times faster than my aging fingers :), and by the time my fingers catch up with my brain I have lost a great deal of important information and thoughts :)
Off the subject... Does anyone know of a program that can save all your blogging posts????

This information is also not why I wrote today, but I just returned from watching the new Veggie Tales movie with Moose and Snake, and I really loved it. I kind of expected to be a little bored, but I thought the movie was so cute. I actually had tears well up (not fall on my face) a few times, especially when the King gave his speech to the Heroes of the movie. The movie definitely had some spiritual meat in it...you just had to listen and open your heart :)

So now the reason for today's post. If you have read my posts (especially on Thankful Thursday) than you know about me trying to surrender my food struggle/addiction to God and then to let Him help me break free once and for all from this lifelong struggle. I have been working on this for a little over two weeks, and I am having some success, but I am still a long way off from giving this struggle totally over to God.

I have already realized that I have been going about some things the wrong way (see my title). I have been letting the scale tell me if I am doing a good job or not... It is not about the scale and weight loss, although I desire weight loss A LOT... I think I get on that scale about 7 times a day, whether I am working on my food struggle or not. So my goal beginning on Monday is to not step on that scale until the following Monday. I know this will be a challenge for me, but I need to do the things that will help in the long run with this struggle.

Maybe every time I am tempted to jump on the scale, I can decide to talk to God about why I want to jump on that scale. God is my only answer to break the chains of this addiction in my life... I so know that in my head, but it has not made it to my heart, or maybe it is in my heart, but not my head...not sure, but I still need to press on.

So many ladies (some I don't really know) have been supportive by leaving encouraging comments about my battle...Thank you!!! I know this issue hits so many of us, but we do not have to stay where we are... We can be Free!!!! Feel free to leave any comments on this subject... Blessings...

Know & Tell Friday (Week 8)

Hello "Know & Tellers"!!! Our little community is growing... It has been so much fun to read your answers to my questions. So far, I have been able to visit all the blogs of the people that have left a comments on my blog... Your answers are great and very interesting... Make sure to stop by other blogs to see how they (bloggers) answered the questions.

Question 1
Which is worse? Being gossipped about or being lied to? I didn't come up with this question on my own, but when I read it...it stopped me in my tracks... I think I would have to say being gossipped about, because that normally involves more than one person knowing things about you...
Gossip spreads really quick too.
Question 2
I see that a lot of ladies out there in blogville are "Starbucks" gals... What is your favorite "Starbucks" drink? A java chip frap with whip cream :)
Question 3
Name an embarrassing moment (Make it good). I know this has happened to several ladies, but once when I was at a restaurant I had a little mishap with my hose...you know where I am going with this, right? I had to be in my teens because I have not worn hose in a very, very long time. I was coming back from the ladies room, and as I was walking I noticed that I did not feel my dress hitting the back of my legs...it felt a little breezy... I knew in my heart what had happened, but was in a little denial... I slowly put my hands on my backside, only to discover my dress was caught up in my hose. I yanked quick and made a mad dash to my table...to this day I don't know if anyone saw my tushy :)
Question 4
I figure that most of us ladies out there are bargain shoppers and that we find ways to save money, but what is one thing that you don't mind spending your bucks on? When it comes to clothes, shoes and accessories, I do try to bargain shop, but I seem to spend money on items for my skin...things that will help my complexion (blemish control), and now some anti aging stuff. I don't go overboard though...at least I don't think I do...Hubby may disagree :)
Bonus Questions
Question 5
Is it hard for you to ask some to forgive you when you have wronged them? At one time this was very hard for me... I didn't like to humble myself... Still don't at times. Most of the time this question applies to my hubby since I am with him the most. I have grown in this area, and for me to have peace with God and be OK in my relationship with him, I have to make things right with my hubby if I have wronged him. Even though I can say it more freely now, it sometimes is hard for me to get those words out :)
Question 6
Give one of your best parenting tips...something that you have learned through experience... One big thing that I have learned is to be authentic with your kids...tell them if you have messed up, and don't be afraid to tell them sorry or ask their forgiveness if you have wronged them. I have done this a time or two :)

Blessings today, and I will stop by your blog very soon!!!

Thankful Thursday

Last week on "TT" (look at last week's post if you want to read it) I talked about being thankful that I was finally ready to surrender my food addiction to the Lord. Well, it has been about 2 two weeks and I am happy to report that I have lost weight. I am absolutely thrilled that I have lost weight, but in the past "LOSING WEIGHT" has become the main focus of why I surrendered in the first place. I have to be honest, I do want to lose weight, but I am hoping this time around that losing weight will be more of a happy benefit of the bigger picture of surrendering control of this whole food issue to God. I am in the beginning stages, and have only just begun to really bring God into my struggle... My goal is that He, God, is my source and strength through this long journey...not my will power, or a great weight loss program. Again, I am weak at this point, but I want to perservere with God and become strong through Him.

On the same note, I am very thankful for two books that have been super encouraging to me about this whole food issue. The books are reinforcing what I have already come to know. One, is "A Woman of Moderation" by Dee Brestin (it does focus on the food issue, but can apply to any area needing moderation in your life). The other book is "Never Say Diet Again" (that is going to be a little hard for me.... I have probably said that word thousands of times :) by Chantell Hobbs (I could be misspelling her first name). Her story is one of the most encouraging and motivating stories I have read when it comes to this issue. I have been inspired by her story!!! I bought the book in the Christian bookstore, and in the book she talks about God, so that is a plus to me. She tells of the day that God spoke to her heart, and she was never the same after that day. She lost 200 pounds!!! Go Girl!!!

Well, gotta go wash my face, or else I will wake up to blemish city... you would think I would be done with all of that stuff at this age...OK, was that too much info??? I could have just said my normal thing...Blessings to you all!!!

Wordless Wednesday

These pictures are not of the best quality, but the sentiment of the pictures is huge...
Big girls acting like little girls... Best Fwends!!!

Time Travel Tuesday

I don't have my button today...my hubby did a computer clean up and it was deleted :(, but that's OK I can still time travel with you all...

Today's travel ask you to jump into the future instead of revisiting the past. Annie asks...where do you see yourself in 5 years???

Let's see in five years my children will be about 14, 12, and 10... That right there is unbelievable in itself. I can't imagine parenting preteens and teenagers... I will definitely need to enlist the help of some of my friends that have kids that are older than mine to help me :)

In five years I could envision that God may move us to another city/state, although at present I am very happy in the city I live. However, I have learned that when God wants you somewhere, it is the best place for you to be.

I need to go get ready for work, so I will end with saying that I hope in five years I will be walking in sweet, intimate fellowship with God. I also hope that many of the struggles/strongholds I am dealing with presently will be part of my past. I would love to be walking in complete Freedom with our God!!!

Blessings today and everyday!!!

One of my favorite Mandisa songs...

This is only a portion of the song...If you have not heard the whole song yet make sure to check it out. This song is on Mandisa's new cd (True Beauty)... I cry or get teary almost every time I hear this song...

Know & Tell Friday (7th Week-I think)

As promised I will add two extra questions this week because I missed last week... As always remember to visit other bloggers that participate on "Know & Tell Friday". Feel free to grab the button above too.

Question 1
Favorite season and why? Well, I was born in Florida, and in Florida there is only one season...Summer (I almost wrote Simmer, which would be appropriate)! Florida's seasons are just variations of Summer. If you didn't already figure it out...I do not like Summer the best. I have actually fallen in love with the Fall season. We moved up north three years ago in October and Fall was just really beginning. I fell in love with God's masterpiece of the Fall season... the beautiful leaves (red trees are my favorite), and the wonderful cool weather helped make Fall my favorite season.
Question 2
How many times have you moved in your life? OK, I am not counting the moves I did within a certain city... I am talking about to another state, or a whole different city in your state. My answer is 1, and it was one of the greatest spiritual markers in my life. I have a feeling that other moves may be (grammar police... should I write maybe instead? :) in my future.
Question 3
What kind of chicken wings do you like? Mild, medium, hot, or singe your eyebrows off hot? My favorite kind of chicken wings first of all need to be deeply, deeply battered... then, I would say that medium wings are my favorite (I can do hot every once in awhile).
Question 4
Which is worse? Shopping for Jeans or a bathing suit? Both are really hard, but I gotta go with the bathing suit because you pretty much have to remove all of your clothes (never, never my underwear though), and with jeans you can at least leave your top on :)
Question 5
What is your favorite kind of pizza? Thick crust a must...no thin crust pizzas for me. My favorite is Papa Johns with cheese, pepperoni, and mild banana peppers.
Bonus Questions
Question 6
What is your favorite book of the Bible and why? I guess I would go with the book of Psalms because it seems I can always find a chapter in Psalms that deals with something I am going through. I have also come to enjoy the book of Isaiah and Jeremiah. I took a Beth Moore study (I think Breaking Free), and a major part of the text came from Isaiah. Those two books are very rich with meaning and I find comfort through many of the verses in those books.
Question 7
Think Evangelism...I assume that most of my readers are Christians... I post a lot about my walk with Christ and it seems most people that comment encourage me in my journey. Saying all of that, what kind of witness (telling others about Christ, spreading the gospel) are you? This question is not meant one bit to make anyone feel guilty...so choose not to answer this one if you do not wish too. I am just wondering what how others feel when it comes to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the World....
This question is a hard one. I guess I would say that for the most part I am a lifestyle witness... which means I get to know people and just end up sharing things about my life with them. I think this kind of evangelism/witnessing definitely has its place, but I also feel that I need to be more bold for Christ when it comes to telling others about Him. I feel like this is something the Lord has been working on with me over the last three years...to be more bold for him, ask the hard questions in love. Jesus is life, and I live in a world everyday where so many people do not know Him. HE IS THE ANSWER TO EVERY QUESTION!!!
Blessings today from me to you all!!!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for two things (way more than that, but the two things will take up enough space on this post :)

First, my Fwend gave me a book called, Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren (Rick Warren's wife... Purpose Driven Life Guy) while I was in Florida. The title made me cringe a bit because it has the word, "Surrender" in it... Surrender (totally to God) has been one of my constant struggles in my Christian walk. Surrender is not something that is easily defined for the Christian. I think "surrender" is different and unique to every Christian's individual walk, but something that has to be done to truly live the life God has planned for us. My issue with "surrendering" is both rooted in fear and control (me wanting the control), but it is something I must do in my walk if I am going to go to the next level with God. OK, I am sensing I could go on, so I will draw this reason to a close. The book is wonderful and I am only on the 7th chapter. Reading the book is "dangerous"... I have held the book and shut my eyes, and held my breath when I read some of the chapters. The chapters are spiritually meaty (do you like that word?), and oh so in your face in a good challenging way. I think God may have brought this book into my life at this time because things are coming to a head with this whole surrender issue and me. Maybe God thinks it is time I deal with my stuff. I will end by saying that I really did not know a lot about Kay Warren and her life, but I just love her now. Kay is one authentic, truth speaking woman. Thank you Fwend for the book!

Second, I feel like I finally am ready to truly surrender (there is that word again) my food addiction to the Lord. If any of you have read my blog for a long period of time, you have seen many posts dedicated to my food struggle... You probably have read posts about me finally realizing I had a problem, and I was ready to get serious, only to find out several posts later that I was not really serious. Ladies, all I know is that my food issues are really not about me losing weight. Normally, me losing weight is the reason I want to deal with my food issues, but it really goes deeper than that. Now, I feel like if I don't get this issue under control it is disobedience to God, and it doesn't feel too good to walk in disobedience to God.

Food has been my friend and escape since I was a child. When I was in Florida last week I had a small realization. My sister and I went out to eat and we were talking about our childhood memories and mostly laughing. My sister has the memory of a ________ (what is the animal with a great memory?..whatever it is fill that in the blank), and I remember so little. I love hanging out with her because she helps me remember my childhood :). We were having a conversation and we started talking about things we did when we were younger... she asked me if I remembered our nicknames (I will not share hers for privacy). These nicknames were actually not nice qualities, but somehow when your young you get these nicknames and everyone (me included) laughs about it, but it is not really funny. I joked right away and said mine must have been something like "fatty", and I was right. The funny thing was that I was not really a child with a weight problem. I did go through a few stages where I had a little extra fat, but for most of my childhood I was a normal weight. It was mostly after marriage that I became in the overweight category. Back to the story, my sister mentioned about me always getting blamed for eating the food, and I joked with her that 99% of the time I was the one that ate the food. This story may seem a little sad, but honestly I do not feel pain or sadness about this...it just made me think that I have had this stronghold with food for as long as I can remember. No, I am not addicted to alcohol or drugs, but food has been my alcohol and drugs... Food has been there for me for pleasure and in pain, and most of all it has been my escape from all my problems.

I realized a few months ago that I am never going to lick this problem (at its root source) on my own. Yes, I may be able to muster a little will power and lose some weight, but sooner or later I will fail. When that realization came to me, I had a quick glimpse in my mind what it would be like to be free from my food addiction, and I felt such a peace. It felt to me like God gave me a quick glimpse with the emotions of being free from food, and it was so peaceful. I even cried a little, and I think one reason I was crying was because I was sad to let my food addiction go. Weird, but it has been a part of me for so long that I don't know how to operate without it, or I don't want to operate without it. That night I should have got out of my bed and went straight to the floor on my knees and surrendered control of this area to God. I felt like I was ready, but I hesitated and the next morning the urgency was gone. OK, I need to bring this to a close (hopefully people are still reading...).

This past week, I decided to give God control of this area of my life. In the last 3 days I have messed up a little, but the resolve to surrender this to God has not diminished. I am in the process of working through this with God so that I can be free, truly free. I don't know how long the process will take... I expect I will mess up many times in my journey, but I am not going to stop (with God's help) until the control of this area of my life is in God's hands. I suspect weight loss will be a benefit of this journey, but as I told a friend when I am done with this thing I want to be able to tell people that it was God working through me, and not a certain eating plan that worked for me.

Ladies, my heart is desperately wicked, and I know that at times words and thoughts like these are just that, words and thoughts, but I want what I wrote today to be truth in my life. If you would, please say a prayer for me for strength...these last days have not been easy, and I expect more hard days to come. Thanks for sticking with me on this post. I am truly thankful that God has been so patient with me, and I know that He will be faithful to me in this area. My goal is to "surrender"....or as Kay Warren might say, "dangerously surrender".
Blessings to you today as you name all the things you are thankful for....

Wordless Wednesday

During Christmas our Church hosted "A Night at the Museum". During this special night families got a taste of what life is like for children and families in Africa. This was the cafe, and the kids got to eat a typical meal for an African family... it consisted of rice, bread, and mush... You can see what the Terminator thought of the mush... It was a great learning experience for our family.

In "other" Words

"In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet."
~Proverbs 31: 19 - 21~

It has been a couple of weeks since I posted my last "IOW"... Today's quote is directly from the Bible (see above)... Nina at "Waiting for Grace" is today's host. I enjoyed her post on the verses above...make sure to check her post out today.

I read the verse above, and to be honest I really don't know what the word "distaff" means, but if it goes with the word "spindle" I think it might have something to do with sewing :) Despite my lack of knowledge on a few of the words in the verse, I feel I understand (in some way) what the verse is trying to convey.

I think the Proverbs 31 woman is a prepared woman with her priorities in place. I think this has been one area of great struggle for me (getting my priorities straight). I feel like the Lord orchestrated a move to another state for me 3 years ago to help me get my priorities in place. I remember my hubby once told me he felt like he was 13 on my list...Ladies, I don't even have 13 things on my list, but I got his point.

In my past, I have sought significance in my life by the ministries I served in, or even in my relationships with others. I looked for people to affirm me, and to make me feel better about myself. The only thing that did was to pump me full of pride and pull me away from God. I realized, and am still in the process of realizing that God is the only one that can give me significance... He is the one that will lead me to His perfect will for my life.

When I read that verse above, I see something that I am not doing, or something that I can not attain... well, at least on my own. In life, I have operated in my own strength, and when I do that I can not be the woman God wants me to be. I can only seek Him and ask Him to prioritize my life, and my days (on a bad day I could say minutes). So when I look at the Proverbs 31 woman I do not have to feel pressure to be her... All I have to do is seek God, and let Him show me how to be the Proverbs 31 woman the way He wants me to. I know easier said than done, but that is my goal...to seek my Lord... TO KNOW HIM!!! Blessings today...

Winner of Book (PIF) Giveaway

"BP" is the winner of my December "PIF" book giveaway, but I can't find out how to contact her...
I clicked on the initials and nothing came up to direct me to BP's site. If you are "BP" and entered my December "PIF" giveaway, please get in contact with me so I can send you the book "Redeeming Love". I will give you until Wednesday, and then choose another winner if I have not heard from you. I sure hope I find you "BP". Blessings all!!!

Know & Tell Friday

Hey Blogville,

I was hoping to get the 7th week of "Know & Tell" up while on vacation, but it did not happen. My family is leaving today to head back to my home state.

Would you leave a comment if you did stop by this week to participate in "Know & Tell"... I was curious about how many people there are so far that participate weekly... Next week I will add two extra questions to make up for this week :) Be Blessed Today!!!!

Thankful Thursday

No "TT" button today as I am on vacation still, but had to get a quick "Thankful Thursday" post out today...

First of all, I am so thankful that God worked everything out so that we could come to Florida to visit my family. It was such a last minute thing, but so worth the wait. I have been away from my childhood home/birthplace for 3 years now, and I cherish every moment that I get to spend with my extended family...which reminds me that I am so very thankful that both of my parents are still living. I know so many people my age that have at least lost one parent or both :( , and mine are still living (my hubby's too). That is a blessing right there!!!

I have had sweet fellowship my with mom and dad, and sisters and their children. I only was able to see my brother for a short time, but am thankful for that as well. Since I do not see my family but about 2-3 times, I have really learned to savor each moment I am with them, and to make every moment count...say the things that need to be said...express love, and enjoy each person and celebrate his/her unique qualities!!!

Lastly, I have been very blessed to stay with my best fwend this week, and as always she and her family welcomed our family into their home. This week she planned a once in a lifetime special event for me and two of her other best friends... It was a God thing totally!!! I still amazed that I have a friend like her...Our friendship is one of God's greatest gifts to me!!

So, I need to go, my family is getting ready to eat some Chili that my dad made (YUM)!!

Blessings to you as always!!!

Time Travel Tuesday

I don't have my "TTT" button today as I am on vacation, and do not have access to my pictures, but I must participate in my favorite memes.

Today's Travel is about this past Christmas. If you look down a few posts you will see some pictures of our family from Christmas in front of our tree, and I will post a few more when I get back from vacation.

My family spent Christmas with my hubby's parents, and his sister's family, but before they came over we had our own Christmas celebration which included a reading of the Christmas story from the Bible, and the kids singing the "Happy Birthday Song" to Jesus. I will back up just a little to say that one of my favorite memories was hearing my boys get up and run to the tree to see if Santa filled their stockings. I heard these sweet voices exclaim that their stockings were filled, and how joy filled their hearts. For a few brief moments they were all so tender and sweet with each other as they waited patiently for their mom and dad to get out of bed. It is so neat to witness one of the joys of being a child... the childlike belief that a jolly little man can make it to every one's house in one evening :) Our (hubby too) goal as parents is to keep the Santa thing in perspective, and to teach our children about the real reason we celebrate Christmas... So far we are doing pretty well...

Later my hub's parents and sister's family arrived and we had dinner. We had Steaks, and not the typical Turkey or Ham (I love Steak!!!). One thing I enjoyed so much was after dinner the adults sat around the table and played a game. I copied one line lyrics from Christmas music and had everyone try to guess what the name of the song was...it was so much fun to watch my family sing the lyrics in order to help them guess the title of the song. The next game we played had everyone sharing some of their favorite Christmas memories in a short time frame, without saying "um, ah, or like"... It is harder than you think...

The best part of my Christmas was what I learned spiritually (look down at my last Thankful Thursday post to see what I am talking about)...Jesus is truly becoming the reason for the season in my heart, and that is the best present I could ever receive!!!

Blessings while I am in Florida enjoying the sweet fellowship of my family :)