Lent Equals Waiting

Welcome from the bower on Church St.

My favorite quote for today:
   " Thanksgiving is the evidence that we are staying in love with God."
                                                             (by Steve Harper)

Lent is coming tomorrow! I'm getting ready. I have a few things planned and one of them is to study The Lord's Prayer using a kit I got from Illustrated Faith. I love this company! The kit is called, "Thy Kingdom Come," and includes over 40 little cards, a free printable and printables you can buy to go with the set. You can use these in many different ways and this how I chose to use them.

They've broken the prayer into ten stanzas and spend four days on each stanza studying companion scriptures and being creative with the cards. There are blank cards for journaling decorated with pretty florals and some with sayings.
I chose to add them to a small spiral bound notebook. I'll add the cards as I go along, using pages in between for journaling and art.
I'm also planning on doing the challenge I shared the other day and I also purchased another kit I'll share tomorrow.
I haven't been creative with art in this way for over a year and it feels wonderful to be inspired to take this up again.
Stay tuned. :)

Gratitude:
1. Creative inspiration
2. Time with the Lord
3. Bible classes today!

Blessings,
Deborah

Psalm 18:36
You enlarge my steps under me,
And my feet have not slipped.

Grace & Gratitufe

Welcome! Thanks for popping in.

I always like to do something for the month of November in the way of gratitude to our Lord.
This year I will be working in the new "100 Days of Grace & Gratitude" by Shanna Noel for Dayspring.

This is one place where you can buy the book.
https://www.dayspring.com/shanna-noel-100-days-of-grace-gratitude-devotional-journal

I believe you may also find the book on Amazon.
There is a Facebook page with the same name if you want to join and share your pages with the group.

We begin November 1, 2018.
I will share my pages here and on the Facebook group.

Hope you will join us!!

I am not receiving anything for promoting this book.

Blessings,
Deborah

66/100Days of Bible Promises

Welcome and good morning!

Can't really explain why I haven't been around much; just being a slacker I guess. :)

I'm still working in my devotional and started another one yesterday. Those challenges still keep calling to me. lol

Day 66

(click on pic for larger view.)

I have so many reasons to praise the lord on any given day, but I love how I have learned to let Him lighten my burdens. I am training myself to give my difficulties over to God for help. It has truly been amazing how much lighter I feel. God will fight your battles for you and He is so much better and more equipped to do so. Our part is to just pray for that help and sit back, listen and watch. Praise Him in every situation, even when you don't feel like praising Him. Especially when you don't! Our job, the reason we were created, is to praise Him all day long.
Give Him thanks and praise!!
Try it.
It just might change your life.
It has changed mine.

Gratitude
1. Praising God
2. Pets
3. Family

Psalm 66:8
Praise our God, you peoples;
let the sound of His praise be heard!!

Blessings,
Deborah

Straighten That Crown!

Welcome and blessings.

I'm having one of those "feeling really blessed" days.
You know the kind.
We always feel blessed, but once in a while a day comes along and you just feel it deep within your soul.
It rocks your world.
Yes, that feeling!
Yesterday, I wrote in my journal for the first time in two months and wrote three poems.
The healing has begun.
Praise God.

I'm working on day 47 in my "100 Days of Bible Promises," and the title today is,
"Enduring Through Trials."

As I'm reading through the verses, I remembered this meme I saw and saved a year or so ago and found it in my files. Sorry, I don't know who originally posted it or made it, but it hit me hard and I started to cry with joy. I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE KING! And so are you! We are sons and daughters of the King and on those dark days we need to straighten our crowns and remember that. How easily we can forget.
We also know how the book ends. *smiles*

Sending love and hugs to you, my dear readers. Times are tough and we need all the help we can get these days.

Gratitude
1. A loving God
2. A leap of faith
3. Trials that strengthen

1Corinthians 10:13
God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.

Blessings,
Deborah

38/100 Days of Bible Promises and Bible Journaling Resources

Welcome and Good Morning!

Today I want to share with you where I get some of my Bible journaling supplies and day 38 of "100 Days of Bible Promises."

And maybe even Day 37. :)

(Click on pictures for larger view.)

The graphics on these two pages are found in the digital section at
"Sweet 'n' Sassy Stamps."
http://www.sweetnsassystamps.com/new/

and
Praise and Pray Etsy Shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PraiseandPray

Another Etsy shop I use is Bible Journal Love
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BibleJournalLove?ref=l2-shopheader-name

I receive no compensation for sharing these shops.

Gratitude
1. Faith like a mustard seed
2. Striving for faith that can move mountains
3. Camping trip tomorrow!

1Peter 3:15
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Blessings,
Deborah

36/100 Days of Bible Promises

Welcome and blessings.

A very good message.

 (click on picture for larger view.)

I struggle with waiting and patience. This was a good lesson for me to read. I am learning to wait on the Lord. 

I pray.

I believe.

I wait.

But, sometimes, not without tapping my foot. *smiles*

Gratitude

1. Learning patience

2. Learning to wait

3. Rejoicing in answered prayer

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord;

be strong,

and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!

Blessings,

Deborah

Grief & 100 Days of Bible Promises

Welcome and blessings!

I've been working in my devotional, "100 Days of Bible Promises," almost daily and it has really been helping me with my grieving. The upbeat daily devotionals and scripture reminders have helped me remember that God is near in every aspect of my life, especially when I'm in the valleys of darkness. Reading and finally feeling like being creative has given my spirit a huge lift. I'm beginning to see a light at the end of tunnel. That is not to say I don't still miss the people I love and have lost. It just doesn't feel so raw now. I can make it through a day without crying when I think of them. Not everyday yet, but I'm getting there. It all takes time and everyone has their own way to deal and their own pace to get there. Rushing and denying only makes it last longer. The people I lost were all worth grieving over. They were kind, loving people who should be missed and grieved for. There will be an empty spot inside me for the rest of my life, but I know I will see them again and that helps a little. Not a lot right now, to be honest, since I don't know when that will be. But it is something to look forward to.

Here are a few of my pages.

Click on the photos for a larger image.

Gratitude
1. The Creator
2. Ways to create
3. The Holy Spirit

Isaiah 40:31
Those who trust in the Lord
will find new strength.
They will soar high
on wings like eagles.
They will run and
not grow weary.
The will walk
and not faint.

Blessings,
Deborah

13/100 Days of Bible Promises

Welcome and Good Afternoon!

I'm sharing a technique I tried on this page of my devotional. The title today is, "Courage Instead of Fear." A line from Kristene Dimarco's song "It is Well," came to mind.

"And this mountain that's in front of me
will be thrown into the midst of the sea."

I first heard this song a few years back when I was going through a troubling time in my life. The message struck a chord within me that if we just ask the Lord to take a burden from us, He will answer that prayer. He will throw that mountain right down into the sea and lighten our heart. The problem may not be totally gone, but His strength and mercy will see us through and take the fear away that goes with the problem.

The technique I tried used craft daubers and ink stamp pads to make the mountains. I need a little more practice with this, but it didn't turn out too bad. I can see using this to fill in white spaces in future projects.

Here is the link to the song, "It is Well," if you would like to hear this inspirational song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uGXeJMB9Go

Gratitude:
1. Mountains
2. Music
3. Inspiration

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid,
For I am your God.
I will strengthen you;
I will help you;
I will hold on to you with
My righteous right hand.

Blessings,
Deborah

12/100 Day of Bible Promises

Welcome and blessings!

The devotional for today is "Wisdom for Those Who Ask."
Sometimes, I'm not very good at seeking answers in the Bible to problems I am having or things I'm worrying about. Sometimes, I'm even bad about praying for answers. Most times I do, but not always. I always keep family and friends in my prayers and ask for help for them, but not always for myself. I really need to work on that and be better at asking the One who knows the answers before I even ask.

I wrote in my devotional today to:
Ask.
Pray.
Listen.
Repeat.

I think I should also make a card to keep on my desk so it is in my face daily. My memory isn't what it used to be, but that really is no excuse. It is making it a habit that will help. Calling on God daily to help with problems and worries. They say it only takes 21 days to create a habit. If I start today, in no time I could be in a better place with my heavenly Father. As soon as I'm finished here I will make that card! I will share it with you tomorrow.

Day 12 in my devotional.
(click on the picture for a larger view)

Gratitude
1. Finding wisdom in the Bible
2. A heavenly Father who answers prayers
3. Art

Isaiah 28:29
This also comes from the Lord of hosts;
he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.

Blessings,
Deborah

100 Days of Bible Promises - Day 11

Welcome and Good Morning!

Hope you are doing well on this glorious Spring Day.

Day 11 in the "100 Days of Bible Promises" book is about sin and confession.
We are a sinning bunch, eh? But isn't it wonderful we have a merciful Father who forgives us if we ask.

I was struggling with the art for this page and a friend said that when I am in doubt, always go back to the beginning...Genesis. What great advice! The third chapter in the first book of the Bible is where the first sin happened. Didn't take us long, did it? The first of many. We are so blessed to have such a loving and forgiving God.
(click on the picture for a larger view)

Gratitude
1. A forgiving Father
2. Friends who mentor
3. A Savior

Isaiah 59:2
Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

Blessings,
Deborah

Speaking of Holy Week

Welcome!

I've been doing two wonderful studies this week and I just want to share them with you. I must admit that I didn't do anything for the rest of Lent, unheard of for me. So when Holy Week came, I thought I better do something, because Easter is almost here!!

I am getting so much out this study by Rev. Drew Downs. I belong to his Facebook page and when I saw this post on Palm Study it just inspired me to follow him this whole week. He is right when he says we usually just rush to Thursday after Palm Sunday, but what about Monday - Wednesday?  I'm sorry I didn't share this sooner, but it won't take long to catch up, or you can just start with today.
https://drewdowns.net/2018/03/25/arrive-palm-sunday/

The other study I am doing came to me in an email from YouVersion. Have you been to their website? Lots of wonderful free Bible studies to take there. I'm doing the one for Holy Week based on the book, "My Utmost for His Highest," by Oswald Chambers.  I've owned this book for several years and just started reading it with this study. Now I wonder why I waited so long to open this book. It is a devotional gem!

I decided to use one of my Traveler's Notebook inserts to keep all my notes in. Here is what I did to it today.

I covered it with some paper from a pack I picked up today at Walmart. The pack was so cute I couldn't pass it up. I'm going to use some of the cutouts for Bible journaling. Here are some of the pages you get in the pack.

The pack of papers.

Some of the die cuts. 

More die cuts. I love the rain boots and sun! 

Cute alphabet letters, too!! Aren't they all adorable. The papers you get are cute, too and I love the colors. (How many times can I say cute in this post?) lol

I also picked up this pink traveler's notebook. I have fondled this 5 different trips to Walmart and each time said, No." I couldn't think of a reason to buy it and I don't impulse buy anymore, even if it was only $8.84. Today I had a reason; this study. It feels like moleskin. I'm a sucker for moleskin. My Bible is moleskin. Need I say more? *smiles*

Gratitude

1. Moleskin

2. Studies that inspire

3. Rev. Drew Downs

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this,

that one lay down his life for his friends.

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 12

Welcome to Day 12 - Hopeless Eating

From Barb's Blog:
"Have you ever thought, 'I'll never get over this, I'll be struggling with my weight 'til the day I die?'"
(me: raises hand.)
She tells us that it isn't hopeless if we fight the lies with truth.
Go read her blog post for today.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/10/weight-loss-bible-study-day-12-hopeless-eating/

Hopeless Eating Bible Study:
Read Luke 4:1-13
1. What did Jesus do every time Satan tempted him?
    He quoted scripture to him.
2. Why do you think He did that?
    For strength, to fight off the temptation and to remind Satan of God's rules.
3. What do the following verses say about Jesus and temptation?
  Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
  Hebrews 4:15  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin.

Hopeless Eating questions
1. How many years have you been struggling with your weight and eating issues?
    Most of my adult life.
2. How many years (or weeks) have you been diligent about applying truth to the lies that are feeding your habit?
   Not until this study began.

"Taste for Truth:"
In today's chapter, "When You're Not Good Enough," Barb tells the story of a daughter who's father is critical of her weight.
Bible Study:
1. Do you have anyone in your life right now who is critical of your weight?
   Yes.
(The rest of question 1 is too personal to answer here.)
2. If you're a child of God through faith, how does He see you and feel about you?
1Samuel 16:7
Isaiah 62:4-5
Jeremiah 31:3-4
Jeremiah 31:20
Zephaniah 3:17
Luke 12:6-7
Romans 3:23
Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:10

(I love #5!)
5. Will God still love and accept you if don't lose weight?
Barb answers this for us. ("You better say yes to this one!")
Assignment
Insecurity Bible Verses on her blog:
Get comfy and spend 5 minutes praying the verses above and the Insecurity verses on her blog.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/09/21/insecurity-bible-verses/
As you pray, picture God doing the things He says He'll do in those verses.

Verse Mapping

Today I chose the verse from yesterday that touched my heart so deeply.
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have troubles.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world."

Click on the picture for a larger view.

Gratitude
1. A God who loves me no matter how I look
2. A God who understands temptations
3. You, my friend

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 9

Welcome to Day 9 - Evaluation

Always a good idea to evaluate during the process to see what is working and what is not. I need to be better about stating my "Renewing of the Mind" on a daily basis, as I've said before. Still struggling with that one.

Let's start out by going right to Barb's blog today.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/05/weight-loss-bible-study-day-9-evaluation/

Under her personal evaluation questions I'd like to look at #5 and #8.
5. Do you eat for any of the following emotions?
   I circled boredom, excitement, discontentment, insecurity and added loneliness.
8. On a scale of 1 to 10, how diligent have you been with renewing of your mind.
    I have to say 4. I really need to work harder on this. I'm sure it would really help me.

Other ideas I liked are to write scripture on cards to read throughout the day, (I made 5 of them) and I took challenge #2.

Bible verses from "Taste for Truth," to help today:
Psalm 120:2
2Corinthians 10:3-5
1Thessalonians 5:6
1Thessalonians 5:21

And the homework assignment from "Taste of Truth:"
Be honest about every bite that goes in your mouth today.

Are you saying "I love boundaries!'
If not, go back to Day 6 and answer "I'll start tomorrow" questions.

I made a mistake when I looked up 2Corinthians 10:3:5 and looked up 2Corinthians 3:5 instead.
Tell me if you think it was a God thing or just a typo. I'm feeling God was involved. *smiles*
2Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves,
but our competence comes from God.

I decided I should Verse Map that one.

I put some fish stickers on the bottom to help me remember to eat more fish. Not that I would eat Koi. lol

Gratitude

1. Reminders

2. Old friends

3. My cat

Hebrews 13:5

I will in no way leave you,

neither will I in any way

forsake you.

Blessings, 

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 8

Welcome to Day 8 - Holiday/Vacation Eating

I must admit I felt a little discouraged yesterday when the scale went in the wrong direction, but I didn't cheat or go out of my boundaries. Instead...I went for a walk. I felt much better when I got home.

Ha! I just read Day 8 in "Taste for Truth," and Barb talks about discouragement! She talks about how important it is renew our minds daily. (I keep forgetting to do this!)
"...but God can do great things in our lives if we persevere and keep going to Him for help."
(Note to self: remember this!)

Weren't the 6 Stages of Habits great?!!
I liked "Focus on progress, not perfection."
This perfectionist has a hard time with that one.

Scripture to help with our goals:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Philippians 4:11-13
1Thessalonians 5:16-18

I'll let you read Barb's blog on Holiday/Vacation Eating.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/04/weight-loss-bible-study-day-8-holidayvacation-eating/

I think this advice can also prove helpful on days you are out-of-town for the day, at a party or just gathering with a group of friends for any reason.
She tells us to "Focus on the people rather than the food," never go without boundaries and prepare with truth early in the day. She also asks some great questions to ponder.

Bible Study Questions from 'Taste for Truth #5:
Visit with God about your experience with weight loss and where you're at right now.
Write a prayer using Philippians 4:11-13 as your guide. As you write, try to focus on thanksgiving.

Instead of Verse Mapping today I'm going to share my prayer.

Click on the picture for a larger view.

Gratitude
1. Prayers of thanksgiving
2. Inspiration
3. Stamina

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 7

Welcome to Day 7 - Failure Eating

Food Fact - I like to eat mini bagels for breakfast. Did you know that butter is 11g of fat for ONE Tbsp. and Chive and Onion Cream Cheese is 7g of fat for TWO Tbsps? Let's hear it for cream cheese!!

I've lost weight this week (5lbs), but put back on two as of this morning. I will NOT be discouraged! This happens. Yesterday, I had to leave early to go out of town, so I did not do my exercise routine. Then I sat more that I usually do traveling and I broke my boundaries and had a soda when I had a low blood sugar moment in a store. Bad planning. Has this happened to you? Let's take a deep breath together...and get back on track. We are Princess Warriors and Daughters of the King! We can do this!!

Failure Eating

In "Taste of Truth," Barb talks about more is better. When you are talking about food that is a lie. "When we try to fill ourselves up with things that never fill us up, (food, for example), we're never  satisfied. We are far better off if we fill ourselves up with God," she tell us.

(Me) So when is more better? Exercising, drinking more water, reading more scripture to help us get where we want to be!

Scripture to help us along the way:
Proverbs 23:20-21
Matthew 6:33
1Corinthians 10:31
Colossians 3:2
1John 2:15-17

On Barb's blog, she talks about self-condemnation.
Do you do this if you mess up and go out of your boundaries? I have.
Please go read her blog for Day 7:
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/03/weight-loss-bible-study-day-7-failure-eating/

I love the part where she realized God could help her change in the area of eating!
Did you look at the Truth Lie charts and Truth Journaling? I bookmarked those for later reading today. Looks very interesting.
I also suggest checking out her other blog "I Deserve a Donut." Good info there, too.
Under the Failure Questions let's look at #2.
2. Since you can't go back and change what you ate today, what do you think God wants you to do now? (multiple answers - I chose #3)
  3. Remember that you are in spiritual battle. Continue to fight the battle with spiritual weapons; know that you'll fail at times. Be extra diligent with your weapons in the next 24 hours so you don't break your boundaries again.

Verse Mapping
Today I chose Matthew 6:33

NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

KJV
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

seek - attempt - strive - request - look for

kingdom - area - domain - realm

righteousness - virtuous - noble - ethical

Commentaries

Elliot's Commentary

"Seek" is referring to prayer in this context.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus warns his disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life.

Nelson's Bible Commentary

This means to desire God's righteous rule on this earth.

I added pictures of the tools we are using to help us study: exercise, scales, Bible study and Barb's book, "Truth of Taste."

Gratitude

1. Tools to help with our goals

2. A sunny winter day

3. Fruit of the Spirit

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you 

and not harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future...

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart."

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Loss - Day 6

Welcome to Day 6 - Entitlement Eating

Raise your hand if you have ever said to yourself, "I deserve (am entitled) to eat this."
*raises hand*
Another one of the many lies we tell ourselves.
We really do need to be nicer to ourselves.

Before we get into Barb's study I want to talk to you about:
Water.
Are you drinking enough? At least 6 - 8oz per day? I'm trying very hard to do this.
It has been proven it helps with weight loss.
Sometimes people think we only need it in summer when it is hot, but that is not true. Most keep their houses pretty warm in the winter and it is just as important to keep hydrated, especially if you are exercising. My Day Planner has little bottles at the bottom that I am coloring in as I drink them, You can set up any method that will help you remember to Drink Your Water. Many health benefits are involved, too but you already know that. :)

Back to the study.
Have you made your boundaries yet? Barb asks us to do so today if you haven't already. I made mine, have you?  Without boundaries it is harder to stay on track. It's all about boundaries, commitment and sacrifice.

Quote from Taste of Truth:
"One of the reasons we don't like boundaries is we are afraid of failure."

So true. Failure is a scary word and thought. Nobody wants to fail, least of all me! So why do we sometimes set ourselves up to fail? Let's make a commitment to keep our boundaries. Day by day re-commit to them. Today, I WILL keep my boundaries. Pray about it.

These verses will help you accomplish your goals and keep your boundaries.
Romans 13:14
1Corinthians 6:12
1Timothy 4:7
James 4:6
1Peter 1:14-16
Choose one to memorize and call it your own.

Entitlement Eating - Barb's blog
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/02/weight-loss-bible-study-day-6-entitlement-eating/
Go read Day 6. I'll wait. :)

Barb says, "Give up the whole idea of entitlement."
Really? That's a tough one in the culture we live in today, isn't it? Barb shows us how to do that by getting a biblical perspective. Read Mark 10:35-45 and answer the questions under Bible Study. James and John really didn't know what they were asking, did they?

Entitlement Eating Questions
Let's look at 1, 8 & 9
1. What do you want to eat? Chocolate.
8. What will your life and body look like a few months down the road if you develop the habit of consistently following your boundaries? Thinner and healthier
9. When you think of all you'll gain, will it be worth the sacrifice? Absolutely!!

I'm sorry there is no Verse Mapping and the post is late today.
I was called out of town unexpectedly.

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 5

Welcome to Day 5!!

Day 5 - "I have to be skinny" eating

With this new year/beginning I have added living intentionally and mindfully to my list of goals. I think it will help me keep focused on my dieting and health as well as other areas of my life.

Intentional living - I will eat healthy and exercise
1. Menu planning
2. Exercise daily

Mindful living -
1. I will eat sitting down and concentrate on eating.
   A. This is important. So many times I eat on the fly and think about other things and I forget that/what I have eaten.

Quote from "Taste of Truth."
"We are lawless and rebellious when it comes to food."
Are you?
I know I am. That's why I need to diet. lol
What does say Paul about rules/laws in 1 Timothy 1:8-9?
"...that the law is not made for the righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious."
That would be me. Lawless and rebellious when it comes to food.
Go read Barb's blog for Day 5.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/06/29/weight-loss-bible-study-day-five-appearance-eating/

I related to "You feel like you have to lose weight. Not just for your health, but for your over all state of acceptability and enjoyment of life."
Bible Study questions
1. Why do you want to lose weight?
  For my health and to feel better about myself
2. Do you feel you have to be skinny to be acceptable?
   Not skinny, but I need to lose weight to feel better about myself.
3. I answered this one privately, but I do have someone in my life who does not like me being overweight. It makes it hard to have a good self-image.

Verse Mapping

1Peter 1:14-16
(NIV)
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written:
"Be holy, because I am holy."

(KJV)
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lust in your ignorance:
But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written;
"Be ye holy; for I am holy."

obedient - compliant - dutiful - law-abiding - duteous

conform - obey - observe - follow - accept

ignorance - unenlightenment - foolishness - idiocy

holy - sacred - hallowed - saintly - pious

Commentaries

~~Barnes' Notes on the Bible
As obedient children - That is, conduct yourselves as becomes the children of God, by obeying His commands; by submitting to His will; and by manifesting unwavering confidence in Him as your Father at all times.

~~Nelson's Bible Commentary
Believers should not pattern their lives after the desires that control them when they did not know God's ways.

On the left side I added some pictures of cookies and donuts with the partial verse from Psalm 73:26 - God is my portion forever. 

On the right side is a picture of fruit with the words: whole grains, veggies, lean meats. 

Always need the reminder. :) 

Gratitude

1. Supportive friends and family

2. Supportive scripture

3. A sunny day after days and days of fog!!

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you

and not harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future...

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart.

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 4

Welcome! Glad you're still with me.

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 4 Indulgent Eating

I love to eat.
I didn't get to the point of needing to diet, because I hate food. I like it "too" much! I am an emotional eater, not a stress eater. When I am really stressed I can't eat, but emotional times, oh yeah.
The biggest problem with me is that I am a very emotional person. There lies the rub. I take on other peoples stuff, too. I am very empathic. I also suffer from depression  occasionally. Another trigger for reaching for food. I believe my life is better with boundaries in all areas, but I seem to fail most often in the area of food.

Quote from Barb's book, "Taste for Truth:"

"I'm far happier when I live by design rather than by desire - even when I'm standing at the counter of the Dairy Queen ready to place my order."

I think we all are when we apply our boundaries and commitments.
One thing nice for me living in a small town in the mountains is there are no fast food places.
Heaven only knows what I would look like if there were.
No will power with those places. lol

Please go read Day 4 on Barb's blog:
https://barbraveling.com/?s=weight+loss+bible+study+Day+4

Let's look at question #4 under Bible Study.
If you were to eat "what you want, when you want," 100% of the time, would you be happy?
My first reaction was, "Sure I would!" But then, not really, because I'd be too fat to fit through the door and I'd probably be in the hospital for diabetic complications. I do keep some boundaries. I do stop, but not soon enough. My diabetic brains does stomp on the brakes, but most times not soon enough.

How did you feel about the Indulgence questions?
Barb makes you think, doesn't she?
I don't eat a lot at one sitting, but I eat too much throughout the day. Too many high calorie snacks and not enough healthy ones. I have stocked my fridge with veggies and sliced them up so they are ready to eat. I wanted to make them a quick grab when I am hungry so I wouldn't grab something else out of laziness or low blood sugar moments.

I chose to Verse Map Hebrews 12:11 from the "Taste of Truth," book today.

Verse Mapping

Hebrews 12:11
(NIV)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained in it.

(KJV)
Now no chastening for the present seemth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterwards it yieldth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

(AMP)
For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God's will and purpose].

righteousness - the quality of being morally right or justifiable.
                          ethical - virtuous - noble

chastening - subdue - humble - deflate - correct

discipline - control - training - direction - order

Commentaries

People's New Testament

It is never pleasant to endure the discipline, but it afterwards benefits by the holier life it insures. In sorrow we naturally cling closer to God.

Nelson's Bible Commentary

The peaceable fruit of righteousness suggests that the result of God's chastening is peace and righteousness. Renew your strength so you can endure the race of faith.

At the bottom of my verse mapping I wrote "believe you can."

If we believe we can lose weight, we are half way there!

Gratitude

1. Menu planning

2. Exercise

3. Being intentional

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you

and not harm you, 

plans to give you hope

and a future...

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart."

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 3

Welcome to Day 3 of our Weight Loss Bible Study!

Day 3 - Justification Eating

Boy, does this one hit home.
How are you doing?
I miss sugar.
I almost took one bite of my SIL's homemade buttermilk pie last night. BUT, I didn't. :)
When I gave up sugar a couple of years ago it took about 2 weeks and then I didn't want it anymore.
But it was hard at first and when the craving hit, I would read Psalm 73:26 - My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Later, I condensed it down to just, "God is my portion forever," when I felt the cravings hit. It really helped to say that.
I have decided that I am not going to say I will lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date. That just sets me up to fail. I'm going to lose weight. However long it takes, dealing with the set backs and never giving up.

The following are excerpts from Barb's book "Taste for Truth."

I'll start tomorrow.
It will be easier tomorrow.
I'll feel more like sticking to my boundaries tomorrow.
I will stick to my boundaries tomorrow.
TRUTH -
It won't be easier tomorrow and we will never feel like sticking to our boundaries.
Go read Day 3 on Barb's blog. I'll wait.
https://barbraveling.com/?s=weight+loss+bible+study+Day+3

So we don't really mean to break our boundaries, but we tell ourselves little lies. (She gives a list of the lies in the link above.) I've said them all to myself and I bet you may have, too.
Why do we do that to ourselves?! *sigh*

She asks some great questions, doesn't she?
Let's look at #4.
What does the Bible say about this subject?
Romans 13:14 - Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

1Corinthians 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1Peter 2:11 - Dear friends, I urge you, ....to abstain from sinful desires which wage war against your soul.

Let's hang onto these scriptures and read them throughout the day whenever we feel ourselves wanting to break our boundaries or lie to ourselves.

Verse Mapping 
I chose to VM :
1Corinthians 10:31

NIV
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it for the glory of God.

KJV
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do,
do all to the glory of God.

AMP
So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do all to the glory of [our great] God.

eat - consume - devour - ingest - food - snacks
drink - swallow - guzzle - imbibe - sip - absorb
whatever - what all - whatnot
glory - praise - honor- worship - exaltation

Commentaries
By Elliot's for English Readers
These words embrace all life. The definite acts of eating and drinking are mentioned expressly as they are the subject immediately under consideration. They are, however, to be regulated by the same principle which guides all true life.
(I love that!)

Forerunner Commentary
In all our activities, our emphasis should be honoring God, rather than ourselves.

Link in case you would like to read more commentaries on this verse.
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_corinthians/10-31.htm

Verse mapping in my Faith Journal. When I was working on this, it came over me strongly to add the names of God. I added as many as I could fit at the bottom of page one. I used washi tape to make the star on page two.

Good luck in this journey to weight loss. Please comment below if you are struggling or need prayer for anything.

Gratitude

1. A gracious God to glorify

2. God's mercy

3. God's redeeming Grace

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you,

plans to give you hope and a future..

You will seek me and find me

when you seek me with all your heart."

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 2

Happy New Year and welcome!

We begin our Weight Loss Bible Study today, but before we begin I would like to share some things with you.
I'm not comfortable in my own body. I haven't been for quite some time. It's time to stop the madness.
I stand at 5'2" and I am carrying about 40 extra pounds. I don't like what I see when I sit and look down. My muffin top has grown into a full on bundt cake! As I said in my last post, I am diabetic and that's not good.
Also, whenever I have dieted in the past, sometimes there are set backs. Not always, but sometimes. Maybe the scale doesn't move or it goes up a little or maybe I don't feel well. Let's make a deal that we are going to love ourselves through these set backs and not give up! We will keep our eyes focused on the goal and remember God loves us and is rooting for us, too.  Okay? Okay!
Let's get to it!

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 2
Careless Eating

How many times have you put something in your mouth and thought, "OMG! This is not on my diet.!"
Yeah, me too.
It's called Careless Eating.
I'm going to remember "My Renewing of the Mind" goal when I get up each morning and before I eat anything.
My goal is to think before I eat anything and meal plan.
It will become my mantra.
I will say it over and over.

Go to Barb's blog and answer the "Careless Eating" questions. I'll wait. Go!
https://barbraveling.com/2012/06/26/1565/

What are the *myths about food?
1. Can we eat anything we want whenever we want? NO!
2. Does taking one bite  "out of our boundaries" hurt us? YES!

Quote from Barb's book "Taste for Truth." Day 2
"..in the back of our minds we're holding out the hope that this Bible study will be the answer to all our problems and we won't have to cut down on our eating. If only that were true."
Question #10 at the end of the chapter:
Do you think God wants you to have boundaries in the area of food? Why or why not?
My answer: I think God does. He gives us boundaries for other areas of our lives so why not food. He wants us to be healthy spiritually as well as physically and overeating does not keep us physically fit.
 Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

WE can do this, with God's help and if we help each.
Comment below with any questions or suggestions on what you would like to see here that would help you meet your goals.

Verse Mapping

The scripture verse today is:
1Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
But refuse profane and old wives' fables,
and exercise thyself rather with godliness.

(NIV)
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales;
rather, train yourself to be godly.

myth* - legend - tale - story - fable
train - discipline - control - direction - order
godly - devout - pious - holy- prayerful - spiritual

Commentary by MacLaren's Expositions
"Exercise thyself unto godliness"
Make a business of living your Christianity. Be earnest about it by keeping the crown and the prize often in clear view.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our prize = a thinner us
It also reminds me of the saying that our bodies are God's temples. Do we really want to be putting unhealthy food into them on a regular basis? I also think of God trying to swim through all my fat. Not a pretty picture. *smiles*

My verse mapping in my Faith Journal. 

Okay. I'm off to go do a little exercise and weigh in.

Gratitude

1. A God who loves me

2. God's word to help me

3. Diet help

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
"For I know the plans
I have for you,"
declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you
and not harm you,
plans to give you hope
and a future...
You will seek me
and find me
when you seek me
with all your heart."

Blessings, 

Deborah

Intro to Weight Loss Bible Study on this blog:
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=890894412556683945#editor/target=post;postID=3885513466251684408;onPublishedMenu=template;onClosedMenu=template;postNum=1;src=postname