Category: Bible

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Feeling Fragile

Yesterday, I was inspired when reading a blog by John Piper. He is the author of one of my favorite books, Desiring God. He discussed how many mornings, he wakes up with the ominous feeling that something is wrong or something may go wrong. I resonate with this feeling in that I know I have to do some kind of battle that day, and I just don’t feel up to it. I need someone to have my back, yet I don’t have a line of bodyguards to protect me. Often though, the battle is not a physical one where bodyguards are needed but a spiritual one where my mind and thoughts are attacked. This in itself makes me feel fragile and a bit fearful.

Piper writes, “Instead of letting me sink into a paralysis of fear, or run to a mirage of greener grass, he has awakened a cry for help and then answered with a concrete promise.”
Scenario: You wake up and feel weak, lifeless and vulnerable. You don’t even know how or what to pray, you just know you need help. That is when you just say, “Help me Jesus…I’m feeling weak.”

What verse can be a comfort? “Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it. And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst. (Zechariah 2:4–5)

How is this comforting? Piper notes that for that time, “There will be such prosperity and growth for the people of God that Jerusalem will not be able to be walled in any more. “The multitude of people and livestock” will be so many that Jerusalem will be like many villages spreading out across the land without walls.”

Walls are security however. They secure us from the enemy and give us borders. God is promising us to be not only a wall but that of fire! What protection that can that be from the arrows from the enemy. But, moreover, “and I will be the glory in her midst” assures us not only protection but the knowledge of HIS PRESENCE. He’s always with us and that is genuine security.

For Piper, this was his “deliverance.” I find this comforting as well, and will cry out to Him when I fear or fret. He IS there. He IS our protection. As Piper says, “We are fragile. But he is not.”

Source: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/what-to-do-if-you-wake-up-feeling-fragile

 

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Eating and Exercise

AAAH>>the 2 E’s! I cannot believe how hungry I have been since this injury. Ironically, I was exercising THREE times as much pre-ATI. To move just across the room takes so much more effort that I must be exerting so much energy, hence hunger! But, on the other hand, I’m sitting on my ‘arse’ THREE times more so it does not compute.

What am I doing to at least try to stay in some sort of shape? Upper body weights are helping. I’ll work on back, chest and biceps one day, and then the next day, I will do shoulders and triceps. I have to keep my core strong also because my back is getting so much more stress put upon it with all the awkward motions I must make with these darn sticks attached to my body! My lower body is not getting the workout it is used to, but I guess hopping around is helping. My left leg will be the only part of my body which will look ridiculous vs the rest of my body.

Swimming used to be my “drug of choice” for getting my heart rate up and my muscles worked. Now, it’s not an option, but I have discovered that once my incision is healed, I can begin. I won’t know how it is doing until they remove my splint. I receive my cast on Monday, the 25th of Feb for which I cannot wait.

I seem to be craving peanut butter lately. Man, I could easily down a jar of this creamy delight in one sitting. I just bought a jar of creamy vs crunchy and it is so much better. Also, the sugar and additives make it taste so much better! Forget nutrition when it comes to this stuff. Heck, if you are eating peanut butter, you might as well have the full monty.

MEAT. I also have been craving MEAT! Last night, I created the perfect burger. Take some ground beef and chopped onion and mold it into balls. Then add some A-1 Steak Sauce, salt and pepper, and fry it up! Dang..these were so delectable. I did use super lean beef so they fell apart quite easily, but they still melted in my mouth. Add some ketchup (low sugar), lettuce , tomato and more onion for a wrap, and you have yourself a tasty treat. Definitely healthy too, I might add.

What does this all have to do with ATR? Well,  you have to learn to enjoy the little things in life when you are laid up. Making these burgers for my family made them happy as well as me.

Exercise became WAY too important, and so also I am trying to find the balance in this as well….. So, I am learning to appreciate the small things, balance the big things, and find the center in all of this.
None of this is possible without TONS of prayer and my relationship with God. He truly gives me the strength I need because seriously some days, I just want to throw up my hands and crawl in a hole. Then I look up and say HELP ME JESUS! Poof.. .”I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:13)

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Blogs to blog about

In my laid-up/leg-up position, I’ve been made me keenly aware of the world of blogging. Not only that, but I’m just hungry for  information, ideas, inspirations, ideals and interconnectedness:

So, I thought I’d make a list of some of my “found” blogs:

  • Achilles Recovery:

http://achillesblog.com

  • Sites discussing Christ

Tim Challies Blog: http://www.challies.com/about

Personal Finances: http://christianpf.com

Desiring God: John Piper: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog

Albert Mohler: http://www.albertmohler.com

Good Commentaries: http://www.easyenglish.info

  •  Fitness:

Serious lifting advice! http://www.leangains.com 

Overall health and fitness: http://fitbottomedgirls.com

Overall and just fun recipes too: http://www.pbfingers.com

  •  Recipes/Health

Well done and beautiful: http://101cookbooks.com

Beautiful site + a Christian with great recipes: http://www.eatliverun.com

Just like the magazine: http://www.eatingwell.com

Gluten Free and healthy: http://www.elanaspantry.com

Although I’m not Paleo, this is great: http://nomnompaleo.com

  • Mommy Blogs:

Local! http://www.scottsdalemomsblog.com/about/

Lisa Belkin/Motherlode: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com

Parenting Mag: http://www.parenting.com

Focus on the Family: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/spiritual_growth_for_kids/ignite_your_childs_love_for_jesus.aspx

  • Just love reading these:

Cup o Jo…She is just a great read..everything: http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com

Getting Things Done! http://lifehacker.com 

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Reading and Appreciating Leviticus

The title of this blog should not be a snoozer. In fact, I used to wonder how to get through this book because it’s so filled with details for which seem a bit non-sensical. Can I say that about God’s Laws? Trying to digest the ideas of each offering and the significance is like trying to understand the intricacies of my indoor plumbing. Not only may it be a bit boring, but it is so hard to try to remember it all, my brain just wants to skim and move on. However, I came upon a wonderful commentary for which not only explains the whole book of Leviticus, but gives me a sense of appreciation, wonder and LOVE for the book. Moreover, I see this precious book point to Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice.

Much of this will be from http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/index.htm.

What does the word ‘Leviticus’ mean?

The *Jews called the Book of Leviticus ‘wayyiqra’. This is actually two *Hebrew words, ‘way’ and ‘yiqra’. They mean ‘and’ and ‘he called’. It’s a Latin word for about the Levites. One of Jacob’s 12 children was Levi and they were destined to be priests. Leviticus is the way the Jews were to *Worship the *LORD in the Beauty of *Holiness’. ‘ In other words:  ‘love and obey’. *‘*Holiness’ means that people always try to please God. God always thinks that this makes people beautiful!

How can we worship Him being the “sinners” we all are? By our own efforts, we cannot please God. But God has provided a WAY so that we can *worship him properly. For the *Jews, that method was *sacrifice. Leviticus details how they would give to God parts of the animals or the whole animal that they killed. The priests would burn the gifts/animals/offerings on the altar in His house and this was their act of love/obedience/worship. “The animal had suffered death so that the *Jews could live as friends with God.” (there had to be a sacrifice for them to have fellowship)

For us as Christians, that method or way is also *sacrifice, but it is not death of an animal, and it doesn’t need to be repeated each year for various sins committed. God made it simple as he provided His precious son, Jesus, to be the perfect *sacrifice. His sacrificial death deals with every *sin ever committed. This equals freedom from sin’s power so that we can have fellowship with God without the need for a priest. In other words, we get to *worship the *LORD in the beauty of *holiness. So we can all please God because of Jesus’ *sacrifice on the *cross.”

Below is a nice overall look at each book of the Penteteuch: (http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/leviticus-1-7-lbw.htm)

The first 5 books of the Bible tell us about several periods in the life of each person. If that person is a Christian, then the books mean this:

Genesis … *Sin makes a person into a slave of the devil. *Sin is when we do not obey God. Everybody is in this group of people. ‘Everybody has *sinned’, Romans 3:23. We *sin when we do not obey God’s laws. Genesis also tells us about people who tried to obey God, including Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.

Exodus … God makes people free. So they are not slaves. They are like the *Jews who came out of Egypt. Christians are free. In other words, *sin does not still control them like slaves. God makes them free when they first believe in Jesus. They believe that Jesus died to save them from the devil. Now they are not the devil’s people. Instead they are God’s people. We call this ‘conversion’.

Leviticus … God wants his people to be friends with him. This is a special type of friendship that we call ‘*fellowship’. God brought the *Jews out of Egypt so that they could have *fellowship with him. And God frees Christians from *sin so that they can have *fellowship with him. This is what God wants very much. Leviticus tells us that we can have *fellowship with God. We can have *fellowship with God because Jesus died for us! That is why Leviticus is important for Christians.

Numbers … God’s people look for the *Promised Land. For the *Jews, it was the country called Israel. For Christians it is Heaven and the New Earth. Heaven is the home of God. We call this the Christian’s ‘walk’ with God. God shows his people the way to go. We often call this ‘guidance’, because God is guiding his people.

Deuteronomy … God’s people have reached the *Promised Land. They are ‘home’! Here are the rules that they must obey while still on this earth. There are no such rules in Heaven.
The whole Bible is one big STORY of the road to Jesus and freedom. It’s our hope. It’s our truth. It’s our foundation.

 

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One WEEK down! :-)

What a joy. This really is, you know. I never thought I would be grateful for this injury, but I am finding the positive in this. “In all things, God works for the good for those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28) Perhaps I’m pulling this verse out of context, yet this is my favorite verse because it reminds me that there is a blessing in all that happens to us. God allowed this to happen to teach me some lessons. Although He did not CAUSE it, He definitely blessed me with this obstacle.

I’m reminded of the tremendous pain I felt one week ago. Once the nerve block wore off, I was acutely aware of the tear for which overcame me. Slowly, I learned to alter my life and discover new ways to cope and adapt. This is truthfully analogous to His workings in our lives. There must be treacherous storms before beautiful flowers. There must be a piece of molded clay thrown into the fiery kiln before it can be shaped and painted into a masterpiece. It’s a LAW…His grace is sufficient and He always gives us a way out when the pain becomes unbearable. My perception and CHOICE to look at the blessings in this vs. becoming bitter and angry is part of His grace and mercy.

I happened upon a tremendous support blog, http://achillesblog.com/ which carries countless stories and information to encourage others. It encourages me!

Bright side of ATR

This is more of a “The Glass is Half Full” list, but it’s true. Let’s look on the bright side:

One things for which is shared is THE BRIGHT SIDE of ATR!

  • Your upper body will get stronger from using the crutch (SO TRUE)
  • Your healthy leg will get stronger from the hopping around (I FEEL LOPSIDED, though)
  • You’ll gain even more appreciation for your family and friends, if you are blessed with having good people around you. (MY SUPPORT SYSTEM BLESSES ME…PEOPLE HAVE HELPED ME BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS; ESPECIALLY MY MOTHER)
  • If this is your first major injury, then this will be a major learning experience all around.
  • Depending on where you live, you can qualify for a temporary diability parking permit. In NY state, you can get it for up to 6 months with a medical certification (You just ask your doctor to fill out part of a form MV-664.1 from the DMV). (HAVEN’T DONE THIS AND PROBABLY WILL NOT)
  • If you use your recovery time wisely, you’ll get things done that you’ve been meaning to do. (WOW…AIN’T THIS THE TRUTH. I AM READING, RESTING, WATCHING VIDEOS, AND JUST BEING BEING BEING WITH THE ONE’S I LOVE: TRULY QUALITY TIME)
  • Hopefully, you’ve gained even more appreciation for the importance of good health, and you will take care of your body: diligent rehab, regular exercise, stretching and warming up properly before exercises, being in shape, eating healthy. (NOW, THIS IS A TRUISM. I CANNOT REALLY WORKOUT LIKE I USED TO, SO I MUST REST MY BODY. EATING HEALTHILY HAS BECOME SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT)

Next week looks good for more rest and visits from friends. One week from Wednesday, I receive my cast! I’m counting down the days until I can swim again.

 

 

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Day THREE: Downton Abbey Delight

I SLEPT! The pain was not as intense in the evening, and I actually awoke quite rested. Sadly, I would not get to go to church today, but I did spend some time in the Word.

What’s the plan today!? Hmmmm….. Well, it has been recommended to me to watch Downton Abbey.  Saturday was Season One. What a guilty pleasure!! We used to countdown the minutes to Friday night for Dallas, and this reminds me of that a bit. I love seeing Elizabeth McGovern in a series! I remember her in a Kevin Bacon movie about babies (She’s Having a Baby), and since then, I’ve missed her. She plays such a perfect part with a mix of compassion, austerity, and wit. Maggie Smith is also perfect in the role of the matriarch. The beauty of her character is that you want to hate her because she is so above-it-all, and then you see she has a big heart. Season Two is now beginning with the war against Germany. I’m sure hoping Anna will be with Bates and Mary will wed Matthew. Again, a fun guilty pleasure, and I never do this!! 🙂

Oh yes, the little girl! She was part of the fun today! Her cooing and aahing and her adorableness and ….the fact that I can’t do the mundane is killing me. My mom has to carry her to change her diaper, to put her down for a nap, to put her to bed, to bring her to me to feed her. Meanwhile, I hop around to TRY to help out as much as I can. Honestly, the frustration of being so helpless gets to me. I tend to focus on the things I CANNOT do: For example: Going to the store, getting my mail, grabbing a cup of coffee, carrying my child as I walk…

Now, what CAN I DO? Let’s focus on that:

Spend more time in my Bible and with God, building a stronger bond with my mom, watching Downton Abbey with a friend/mom/family, reading a great book (like Every Great Endeavor by Tim Keller), taking silly pics with Coti

AND OF COURSE, holding Tater.

 

 

 

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Gratitude, Grumbling and Grace

Today, in my Bible Reading on YouVersion, I read Exodus 15-17. Although, I have read these passages numerous times, and not to mention a whole movie was made about the parting of the Red Sea, this time it struck me: We go from gratitude to grumbling often in our lives. God then provides so much grace.

Case in point: Miriam sings: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” (21) They were all filled with such thankfulness for God’s provision of escape and the destruction of the Egyptian followers. THEN the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” (25) Moses cried to the Lord and He made the water sweet. He provides even after we complain.

It did not take long for them to FORGET God’s miracle of the Red Sea parting. Upon even providing water, He makes for them “a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, saying, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

It’s not rocket science…We forget WHO is our HEALER!; We forget WHO is our PROVIDER!> In fact, he provides manna for JUST THE DAY, and yet they still try to hoard and save for the following day. The manna becomes worm-infested and inedible. They had no FAITH.

 

What a lesson. God provides an incredible blessing in my life: TATUM! Yet, sometimes, I grumble and complain. May I remember the blessing of her presence when she cries non-stop. May I remember having FAITH in HIM when I don’t know what to do. His grace is sufficient for all that occurs.

I love you Tater Tot.