Accountablity....

I didn't just pick this topic. I was reading MaryBeth Whalen's blog and she was talking about it. She was saying that she did so good on her eating right last year because she was under a doctor's care. Now, she found herself sneaking in junk food at gatherings - boy did that hit home! Anyway, she found a friend that held her accountable and the next time she goes to one that person will help her. So, I am going to do the same. My first one will be this Sunday, we are having potluck at church. So, do I have any "takers" on holding me accountable that I only have one dessert? That is my weakness, and I do want to have one! I do so get carried away though, and I work so hard during the week by exercising and watching what I eat; I hate to "ruin" the week by over indulging. BUT MY FLESH IS WEAK!!! ha ha.

I also have come to terms with "my age" - even though I colored my hair, I am realizing that I am 55 and my stomach will NEVER be flat - and that is okay! I still have energy though and inside I feel much younger, so I will go with that. I know aging is inevitable unless God takes me home, but I tell you I fight it! I know I have bought the "wrinkle cream" and try to get makeup that enhances instead of looking like a clown. If anyone ever sees me looking like that, I do hope that you will point that out to me too.

As for my Spiritual Walk, God is holding me accountable for that. I am thankful that HE does. The Holy Spirit keeps me "on my toes" too. It is so wonderful to have a friend in Jesus for I can talk to Him too. I am "craving always" to learn more and be with HIM more and more.

By the way, for those who know Jerry - trust me he holds me accountable on my "healthy eating" and is there for me to discuss any "God-thing". I am so thankful for him. He called me today to tell me that he loves me - boy did that "make my day". Almost 20 years now of being married, he still surprises me...sigh....

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom. -- James 3:13

By the way, I am reading Job right now, I am really learning a lot from him. Just wanted to share that.

Vacation day....

Colossians 3:12 - As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Titus 3:5-7 -- He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Today, I am on vacation, not to go anywhere or do something special but I am in "my office" at home. I took vacation because of our car being fixed - Jerry had to use the one that works to go to work. So, I am "stranded". I found out it is going to cost a pretty penny too to get it fixed.

(I have that picture above because I like how they got the picture of the white cat - reminds me of a white cat that I used to have - Herman.)

I have been having an enJOYable day, I just finished my "week two" Bible study that I am doing on-line with Wendy - a Proverbs 31 woman (let me know if you want to do it - I can "hook you up"). Anyway, the study is on David - oh boy there are so many lessons to learn here. It sure is making this day go by fast...that is okay.

Now, I am going to eat lunch and go for a walk outside and enJOY God's beauty. It looks like a beautiful sunny day out there - oh how blessed we are to have days like these.

In Jesus' Name - I sing to the LORD on this day!

Random Dozen....

1. Have you, or someone close to you ever won an award for anything?
Does a Honorable Discharge count? Then if so me and hubby.

2. Who is the nearest relative to you has served in the military?
Easy my hubby and me. :)

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.
Every time I see an American Flag!

4. Where are you in birth order in your family? Do you think your placement order has something to do with your personality?
I am the baby of 4. Yes, indeed, I was spoiled - so my brothers say...

5. Name one trait that you hope to carry that was evidenced in your parents or grand parents?
My Mother's "don't quit determination".

6. Do you prefer to wear skirts or pants?
PANTS!!!

7. Approximately how many times do you wake up during the night? What do you go back to sleep?
I wake up about two times or more - what I do, I usually fall right back to sleep once I know I am safe in my bed. I have a lot of nightmares.

8. Share your favorite movie quote:
"Sheep!" (In "Evan Almighty" - it cracks me up).

9. What is your favorite fall candle scent?
Cinnamon spice apple.

10. What is one Fall activity that you are looking forward to?
Driving around seeing all the colors of fall and to go to the Apple Orchards in Gay Mills.

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently?
When Isie told me about the Beth Moore Study at her church and she got me in.

12. What was it like when you met your in-laws to be?
Scary. They live on a farm and I had no idea what a farm life was like. Boy did I learn...

Rain Rain and More Rain...

Wow, today it just down poured! Water was just running off the roof here at work.

I was so thankful that I got my "walk in at 11:00 a.m." - it was humid but "I gotter done".

It is just so strange that one day cold, next hot - oh Iowa....

I do so hope though we have a beautiful autumn, I do so look forward to the colors!

I am just so thankful for IT ALL THOUGH - what a wonderful GOD, we have! We just never know what the day will bring...I just love surprises!

Your love has given me great encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. -- Phil. 1:7

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding. -- Col. 2:2

GOD LOVES ME!!!

Well, I have been convicted by two wonderful post from Provers 31 women. Yesterday Shari Brandel talked about "Defined By God", and today Rachel Olsen talked about "Nothing More and Nothing Less".

Both of these posts go hand in hand. What I got from them both is that God looks at us from the inside out (of course I know this) AND HE LOVES US. He doesn't want us to be "obsessed" with our looks. Yes, we want to look good, human nature. We are attracted to "beautiful people", well-dressed people, fit people (well, I am) - I don't know how many times I have compared myself to others - well put it this way - way too many to count!

Jerry says I am beautiful. He loves me! MORE IMPORTANT GOD LOVES ME!!!

I can still fit into my clothes and I have been dressing a little bit better thanks to Shari Brandel's book "Good Women Don't Have to Dress Bad". This book just makes it easier to sort your clothes in what you do have and make the best of them. It also describes your body type, etc. Anyway, my point being is that I am going to make the best of what God has given me NOW.

There are weeks at a time that I feel I just have to exercise every day, sometimes twice a day. I do enjoy exercising (reality is I am afraid of getting overweight). I actually punish myself when I don't exercise that day and instead of saying, "hey you need a rest day". When I actually do say this and I actually take a rest day - what JOY I receive. I can actually sit down and spend more time with God or even with Jerry.

Yes, I still want to get over the stronghold of sugar; because health wise it is not that good for me. This is God's temple. I am praying now for BALANCE - of course. I did have some dark choc. chips with my nuts today - and you know what, that is OKAY!

Another thing that I am going to do is that on Wednesday nights for the next few weeks, (it starts next Wed.) I am taking a Bible Study at River of Life; a Beth Moore Study called "SO LONG INSECURITY" talk about timing. :) I will miss doing the children's program, but right now I feel this is what I NEED.

WELL THIS IS WHAT I WANTED TO SAY FOR TODAY - MAY YOU ALL BE BLESSED KNOWING GOD LOVES YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!!!!!!!!

Surrender...

Once again I am trying to surrender sugar - I can't believe what a "hold" it has over me. The other day I was at a prayer tent ordeal and one of the other tents was giving out cookies - I kept on thinking after I pray I am going to get a cookie. So I missed a prayer then and a few other times ; my mind would drift to that cookie. Then the other day when our Pastor officially became "our ordained pastor" - I think that is what they call it, they were having cake, cupcakes, M &M's and mint deals after to celebrate. I couldn't wait for that ceremony to end for I could have some cake! Of course I missed some of what they said.

It is ridiculous how I am moved toward sweets that I forget what I am doing.

Yesterday I did a water fast. I read somewhere if you could just not eat "white sugar" for 2 weeks that the craving would go away and stomach fat would melt off. So I am trying it again. Today so far so good - but when I ate my "nuts" I sure missed my dark choc. chips.

Why bother mentioning this in my blog? Well if I write it down and realize just how much I "let myself be led by sweets" instead of God - I realize that sugar is an idol of mine, right? I keep thinking of how hard I exercise the next day or that morning before that I know I am going to eat treats. Then by exercising more in the morning especially, I miss some time that I could be spending with God.

I was reading one of the Proverbs 31 women's post - I think it was Lysa T. (I can't spell her last name). Anyway she gave up sugar completely; lost her weight. She still has children at home I believe so has to have treats in the house. She said she couldn't do it without a lot of prayer. There are times she misses it but realizes how much better she feels.

I can't remember how many times that I have prayed about this too and I actually did good a few times. I wrote out all the scriptures that pertain to "idols", food, etc. I lost some extra pounds - had more energy even! Then at one time I think I can have one cookie, piece of cake, or candy bar - boom! I am right back where I started from in the beginning. Then I would "binge" on it.

So, anyway, I don't know if I am ready to give up sugar - but I am going to try the 2 week thing and see how it goes. I will be doing a lot of praying again, and time to pull out those scriptures again too. It would be so nice not to have to think about "treats". JUST SAY NO!!!

Of course it doesn't help when this Friday the women are having "Small Harbor" and they say bring a treat to share. Oh my...I am bringing nuts - high in calories but so much better for you!

LORD GOD, Your divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness through my knowledge of You who called me by Your own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)

Each day is new....

Lately I have not "felt very colorful" so this picture reminds me that God loves His color!!! What do I mean by "feeling colorful"? I am glad you asked. I mean that I have felt grayish, pale, and red nosed. Yes, I have had a cold - but thankfully for prayers from my fellow prayer warriors, I do believe I am over it - and just in 3 days! PRAISE THE LORD.

So now, I can get back to my "colorful" self - which the ones that know me - know what that means.

Lately I have been so busy at work that time is just slipping by so fast. When I get home, the evenings go by fast too. Here it is September - fall will be here -- soon!!! I just love the FALL colors.

What is the point to this post - not sure really - wait do I feel a poem coming on - why not...

The days are going by fast now

More so because I am older,

Do I slow down and take a bow

Or jump for joy and be bolder.

Here I am at age 55

but the inside I am only 25
Yes, I have wrinkles on my face

but I can still keep a fast pace.

Yes, I color my hair I say,

I am not ready to go gray.

I buy clothes that are bigger now

But hey, I get by somehow.

My friends each day is new

I thank God for that, do you?

I know that each moment counts

When they add up to great amounts.

Take each day as it comes

and remember God, Holy Spirit and Son.

--Anita---Soaring

ANITA STOP COMPLAINING AND FRETTING!!!

Oh was I ever convicted this morning during my DEVOTION time! I could hear God whisper to me - well you know:

"Anita, why have you been complaining so much? Why are you fretting about the future? Don't you know that I hate complaining! Don't you know that you can trust ME for your future? I want you to STOP right now, STOP that complaining and fretting - start counting your blessings, TRUST IN ME!!! You know that every day I am here for you, forgiving you for all that you have been complaining about; allowing you to start FRESH. Come to me Anita, I shall give you the PEACE you are searching for. SLOW down and sit with Me for awhile, let's just BE!!! Just know that I love you and want what is best for you."

Well that is what God said to me today - I am so thankful He did. You know what, I haven't complained yet today. I have been a little bit more quiet ha ha.

I just LOVE FRESH STARTS!!!