"Live Like You Were Dying"

My church Bethany Lutheran in Elkhorn Nebraska, is following an amazing worship series titled: "Live Like You Were Dying".  It is a 5 week series that is discussing a topic many of us......including myself, don't usually bring up in casual conversation. 

I have recently been spending more time with my Grandparents who have been moved into an assisted living home.  They are entering their 94 year of age!  What is so hard for me to hear is that they just want to die, and don't understand why they have not been called to do so:(  I went today and had some great smiles from Grandma and I believe brightened Grandpa's outlook.  I asked them if I could share a devotion with them.....they were eager to hear:

Luke 6:45 "The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks"

WHAT OVERFLOWS?
Those hurtful words we say - they come from somewhere.  They come from our heart.  Those sweet words we say - they come from our heart.  What comes out of our mouth flows from our heart.  It is our attitude, our feelings and our disposition that produce the words we say.  If we are going to speak sweeter, it starts inside.  If you are angry, go to God first.  Take time alone.  Find ways to enter conversations with a heart of gratitude, respect, and care for others.  Focus your heart on the fruits of the Spirit, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."  Out of a heart filled with these fruits comes a word of encouragement; truly sweet to the soul of those who hear them.  

After reading this to my Grandparents, my Grandfather asked me to read the scripture again to him.  He said he was sorry for not wanting to live and for his loss of interest, however he is ready when the Lord is ready to take him.

My hope is that I will also do my best to encourage and focus on the fruits of the Spirit.  I can never go back to what I have done, however I can look forward to everyday ....one day at a time I am given.

Holy Hugs!
~Deb

Balancing Act

WOW!  What a crazy few weeks it has been!!  Its been crazy....however good:)  The one thing I have seen with so much going on in my life is HOW IMPORTANT it is to have balance.  I am making sure I have my mind and soul set with starting my day with a daily devotion.  Even if it is reading a short scripture, it helps set my day on the positive.  I am also making sure I get some form of exercise in....even if it is only 10 minutes, it is something to set my body in a consistent pattern.  I am even planning my foods/eats ahead of time with packing a cooler with healthy snacks (nuts, celery, peanut butter, Greek yogurt w/berries and protein powder for a quick shake). I am blessed and know it is all because of my AWESOME GOD who watches and protects me!

Wishing you a WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!

Holy Hugs :)

"A just balance and scales are the Lord's; all the weights of the bag are His work."
       Proverbs 16:11

Courage

By definition courage is is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation.  It is taking on the unknown that may create a change.  Winston Churchill has stated: "Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities ... because it is the quality that guarantees all others."

There have been situations that have challenged me with my courage...for example; water skiing at a young age, going to a new school, working out in a gym for the first time, giving birth to my daughters, competing in a beauty pageant and being mom who wanted to lose weight and get back into shape.  When I think about these things, they all took courage.  Courage I didn't know I had until I tried, gave effort and trusted in the process.  Here's to COURAGE and BELIEVING!!!

Take courage!....
   Acts 23:11 (NIV)

Power of 3!

Happy New Year and the 3rd day of January!! WOOHOO.  I hope your holidays were terrific and you are ready for 2012.  I love the number 3....it is how I focus on my plan: faith, food and fitness.  Having the right focus mentally is key to starting and finishing a successful plan.  With food I make sure I eat and eat frequently.  It speeds up your metabolism and keeps blood insulin levels even.  3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and 3 snacks (150-200 cals).  Finally with fitness I get at least 3 times a week...usually 5-6 times of 20-60 minutes of activity.  Variety in exercises and intensity are key!  Keep your body guessing and not plateauing = results!  All is needed is aim for being your best!!! GO FOR IT:)

For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people
~Luke 2:10