Shipwrecked…

This week has been a struggle, with cravings and deep desires to eat non-stop.  That is pre-Weight Watcher’s behavior, and I have been pondering why I wrestled with this.  I finally realized last night that it was purely STRESS EATING DESIRES.

This week, a dear friend was given a very serious diagnosis.  Yesterday, the young grandson of a quilting friend passed into eternity after a brave battle with cancer.  My heart has been heavy, and my mind has been preoccupied with those things rather than concentrating on my eating habits. 

I don’t often ask the question, “Why, God?” but this week I have.  I even wondered if my prayers were heard, and if they made a difference.  There are so many difficult questions in times like these.  I have felt my faith has been “shipwrecked”, cast upon the rocks, battered by the storm. 

That was last night, but today is a new day.  If anyone understood SHIPWRECK it was the Apostle Paul.  He reminds us in 2 Corinthians 11:25 (KJV) 
    “…thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;”

I find it interesting that he used the term SHIPWRECKED when he wrote to Timothy (1 Timothy 1: 5, 18, 19, Holman Christian Standard Bible)

  “Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith… Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle, having faith and a good conscience.  Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith.”

What causes shipwreck?  For ships on the waters it might be caused by rocks, hidden from view, a danger lurking beneath the surface that catches the sailor unaware.  It might also be storms, that perhaps the captain sees coming but they are unable to reach a safe harbor before it overtakes them.  The causes of a spiritual shipwreck can be compared to those, also.

ROCKS, things lurking beneath the surface, things that come up suddenly that catch us unaware.  Plans for good things that don’t go as expected.  Traps the enemy set for us that we step into. 

STORMS, we might can see looming on the horizon.  Perhaps they are due to family issues, things that you personally can’t control, but you see the approaching storm and your loved ones sailing straight into it unaware.  Even if you try to warn them of the storm they don’t see it so they just keep moving toward it.  And because we love them so we feel the effects of the storm along with them.

So what do we do?  Paul told Timothy to STRONGLY ENGAGE IN THE BATTLE.  When we feel the effects of the storm we can NOT stop engaging in the battle!  Perhaps we want to give up, but if we stop fighting the good fight of faith our ship will be dashed on the rocks!  We must man our post!  The thoughts (rocks) that flow through our minds that cause us to doubt God, to ask questions, to ponder if we really make any difference, those must be taken captive.

2 Cor. 10:5 (KJV)      Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

I have great promises to lean on.  Promises that tell me to pray in faith and things will be changed.  Promises that God loves me, cares for me, hears me, and answers when I call.  Promises that he is guiding my steps and watching over me.  He will never leave nor forsake me.  God IS faithful!  I may not always understand, but yet I will stay ENGAGED IN THE BATTLE. 

Isaiah 61:3 (KJV) 
    To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Today I will rise up from the ashes and walk forth in beauty. I will praise the One that so faithfully keeps me.  Today I am “locked and loaded” with the Word of God.  Ready, aim, FIRE!  Take THAT, enemy of my soul!

KAT

A New Perspective

Today gives me new hope… a hope of getting better with age.  A hope of feeling better and looking better.  A hope of strengthening my relationship with my Savior.  A hope of aging with grace, and continuing to enjoy outdoor activities for many years.  A hope of a renewed outlook on relationships with others and my life.

Today I turn 56.  A lot has changed in the last year.  I have totally rewritten my life’s plan.  Perhaps I should say I have SURRENDERED   MYYYYYY plan and given in to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  It was a long battle with my will, but I am so thankful that God does not give up on us.  He has been convicting me for the last several years about my unhealthy lifestyle, but I would not listen. He has called me closer, but I would not commit the time.

Because I finally got to the place of obedience I am now much healthier and happier than I was last year at this time.  Because I have chosen to listen rather than remain in rebellion to His will, I am now almost 40 pounds lighter, feeling better than I have in years, and walking in power rather than defeat.  THANK YOU LORD!

Because I finally surrendered the time to “visit” with Him each day, I am encouraged and filled with His power, rather than struggling to change by myself.

The journey is not done, because I still have a long way to go, but the victories I have won in the last 6 months have taught me that it IS a war that is winnable… through His power, not mine.

There are rough roads in places (recurring foot and knee issues have really thrown my exercise plan for a loop), but He leads me on.  Temptation comes, but He is faithful.

Thank You, Lord, that 56 (and beyond) looks better than the last several years have been!  “I surrender all, Lord. Be glorified… I surrender all!”  (From the Terry MacAlmon song, “I Surrender All”)

Have a blessed week!

KAT

Welcome to ONEderland!

 

Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV) 
    The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

How blessed I am feeling today…

There’s a new digit in town!  It is so exciting to look at the scales and not see that TWO in front.  How many years has it been?  At least six years since I weighed in under the 200 mark.  The number is nice but there are other things that make this so exciting.

I “shopped” my closet this week, looking for things that had been sent to the “too-small-to-wear” corner.  I was amazed to find 7 pairs of jeans I could now wear.  This week I will dig deeper and try to find more blouses because I really need some tops that aren’t billowing.  The too-big clothes are going out soon.  I will keep one pair of pants and a t-shirt just to look back and have some perspective of where I came from.

This may be TMI, but I have “under-grown” my underwear!  That’s not a problem, because I just happen to have 2 smaller sizes tucked away in a drawer.  No shopping in that section of the store will be necessary for a long time.  I got to remove the bra extenders I have been using for several years… not needed any more!

I saw a friend that I had not seen in a couple of months, and she commented on my new shape.  Now THAT is a wonderful feeling!  Those I see often, who know the journey I am on, offer lots of encouraging words… but for someone else to notice that I have changed… that is great!

Even more exciting is, this journey does get easier as I go along.  God’s grace IS new every morning to guide me along!  I think that is because I am getting more established in my routines.  I don’t have to wonder what I will have for breakfast because most days I eat the same thing.  I was feeling bad about this, but after reading Weight Loss Boss, I discovered that he did the same thing.  Not having to decide what’s for breakfast helps me get up and get going without a hassle.  I put lots of variety into the other meals and snacks, but breakfast is my easy meal.

On the slightly down-side, my BP has started creeping back up after getting off the diuretics.  It is not extremely high, but I can tell something needs to be done about this.  I guess my body has adjusted to my exercise routine.  I don’t consider this a major thing because my doctor told me this might happen. I started back on the diuretics to see if this brings it back to the level I want.  If not, then I’ll schedule another visit with my family doctor. 

So, I have lots of be thankful for today (and every day)!  I am truly rich in all sorts of blessings from the Lord.  I am reminded of the praise song, “Blessed Be The Name Of the Lord”.

Every blessing You pour out I’ll give back in praise!

Blessings…. wonderful things!  Let’s count them and praise Him for sending them our way!

KAT

Milestone Reached

Today is a special day for me in my WLJ.  Today I reached my 10% weight loss goal.  When I started this journey on March 15th 10% looked WAAAYYYYYYYY out there, but today I looked it in the face.

So what exactly have I achieved?  It is MUCH more than a number on the scales, as nice as it is to see that number.  The WW web site informs me that by losing 10% of my body weight and keeping it off I have lowered my cholesterol, reduced my blood pressure (I had to get off my blood pressure meds a few months ago because my BP was going too low.), and I have lowered my risk of diabetes… that is a “biggie” for me because diabetes runs in my family, and so does obesity. 

I have not wanted to really ponder on the connection between those two things before but now I will shout out that according to David Kirchoff’s book, Weight Loss Boss, by losing 7-8% and keeping it off we lower our risk of diabetes by a whopping 58%!! YAHHH for my health and future!  You see, it really is about MUCH more than a number on the scale.  It is all about my quality of life for the rest of my life.

If you have not read this book you MUST get it!  This book offers lots of advice and strategies for your weight loss journey and is applicable to ANY weight loss program.  You do NOT have to be doing Weight Watchers to benefit from this read.  I guess many WW members will get this advice from going to their weekly WW meetings but since I am doing this on-line only, I found the book to be very inspirational and helpful.  Check it out…  Weight Loss Boss,  by David Kirchoff.  It is available in lots of places.

My next weight goal will be reached soon; a new “digit” will appear in the hundred’s place and I’ll weigh less than I have in about 7 years.  I will really celebrate that “changing of the digits” moment!  Then I will probably set 10-pound goals until my lower-than-I-want-to-think-about final goal weight is reached.

And now, I am off to celebrate by quilting like crazy.  I have a quilt in the machine that must be finished by noon today so I can deliver it. 

Well, just let me celebrate a little more…

YAH me!  Way to go!  Keep it up, gal!  WOO-HOO!  But the most important celebration..

Thank YOU, Lord, for leading me down this path, for sustaining me when things were hard, for giving me strength for the journey and blessing my efforts!

Have a blessed week.

KAT

Too Much of a Good Thing!

Genesis 3:6 (KJV) 
    And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes,… she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat…

Just as in the above Bible account of woman and food, I have fallen to the lure of fresh fruit.   I seem to have over-indulged this week and have a 1 pound gain to prove it.  Watermelon, fresh cherries, bananas, strawberries… oh, and the FRESH FIGS off the trees in the yard.  We certainly can’t forget them since they are absolutely LOADED with sugar.  I can justify my behavior by lamenting, “But fruit is a FREE FOOD on WW!”  Yes, it is, but it is still loaded with calories.  Even though it does not cost me “points”, it does still increase my caloric intake.  “But summer fruits are so yummy and plentiful right now, and they won’t be around in a few months!”  Yes, but the facts are still the facts.  “But they are so good for you!”  Yes, but so also are tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc. which we also have plenty of right now.

Fruit has been placed on the throne of my life this past week, and today it is being “dethroned”!  What part of “addicted to food” do I not get?  Even good foods in excess, and eaten when I am not really even hungry, are a cause for concern.  The poor behaviors I have worked so hard to change in the last several months are trying to return, sneaking in through the guise of “good for you foods”.  The thing is, when I reached for those fruits I sometimes could plainly hear the voice of the Holy Spirit reminding me of the above facts, and I just chose to ignore it because “fruit is good for you and it is a free food”.  What WAS I trying to feed?  It certainly wasn’t my body in many cases, because I realize now often I was not hungry when I reached for the fruit. 

No more of THAT, Missy!  Today I remind myself that this journey is as much a spiritual battle as it is a food battle.  I prayerfully repent and place Jesus back on the throne of my heart.  My obedience to His call to live a healthy life style is the number one indicator as to exactly Who or what sits on the throne of my life.  Before I reach for food, I must stop and see if I am really hungry or just wanting to eat.  If hunger is indeed the cause, then I must reach for the cherry tomatoes rather than a big load of fruit. It is funny that I will eat a whole handful of cherries, but only 4 or 5 tomatoes. 

I’ve recognized the problem, indentified the underlying issue, repented, and am moving on toward my goals.  I will not beat myself up over this, for condemnation is not from Jesus, but I will remember this lesson and move forth in wisdom.  Next week’s weigh-in will be better.

Cherry tomato, anyone?

Have a blessed week!

KAT

The Little Things…

I thought, “It’s just a little thing… it won’t matter.”  I was wrong!  the fact that I have 2 toenails missing from one foot due to injury is a real PAIN (literally and figuratively)!  I surely did not appreciate the function of those nails until I no longer had their protection on the ends of my toes!

This “little thing” has sidelined me from much activity at all.  Several days of not being able to take my morning walks makes me really appreciate it when things are working as they should be and I have no “little things” interfering with my plans and activities.  I am hoping I will be able to get back to my walking routine tomorrow morning… we will see.  Of course, I will have to do some major bandaging where those “little things” are supposed to be or I will be in pain and cause more injury.

How many “little things” are there in my life that I take for granted?  I’m sure there is a huge list of them!  There are lots of “little things” that are important in our spiritual development and my WLJ, too.  Sometimes we just focus in on the “biggies” and assume the little things won’t matter much.  How wrong!  It is developing good habits in the “little things” (daily devotional, prayer, attitudes, making wise food choices each moment, tracking our food and exercise) that really set us up for success.  A series of small steps can cover a lot of territory! 

So I challenge you… pay attention to the “little things” in your life.  So many times the struggle we are in could have been avoided IF we would have developed good habits and placed an importance on the “little things”.  I guess when you get right down to it, there ARE no “little things”… every decision, routine, and step is leading us somewhere.  I plan on being sure I am heading the right direction!  How about you?

Have a blessed weekend!

KAT

Watch Your Step!

Watching where we walk… it’s important!
My tendency is to focus just a few steps in front of me.  I guess this comes from years of severe knee problems and having to be so careful not to trip.  When you have feet the size of boat paddles and knee issues, tripping over tiny things is a real possibility!
Recently I was just walking down the road, listening to praise and worship music, singing along, focusing on a couple of steps ahead… what’s that?  I almost stepped on it without realizing it was there…  It was a SNAKE lying in the road.  I quickly assessed the species of the critter and realized it was a harmless yellow neck snake, and was only about 5 inches long.  I took out my cell phone and snapped a picture, getting just as close as I could to make the tiny snake fill the screen.  (I would show you the picture, but since I have a “dumb” phone and not a “smart” phone I can’t get it off my cell phone. )   DH was off fishing with a friend at the time, so I zoomed a picture off to him with a text that said, “Please come save me from this 5 in. snake!”  His text back was, “5 in. or 5 feet?”  Because I had zoomed in so close to the snake it appeared to him to be HUGE! 
You knew a spiritual/WLJ analogy was coming, so here it is…
What was tiny to me, was huge to him because he had a different perspective.  He could not see the “big picture”, if you will.  How many times does my WLJ (weight loss journey) need a new perspective? 
Sometimes I focus in too close, and the food temptation seems HUGE to me.  When unwise food choices are speaking loudly to me, I need to change my focus.  I need to back out and look at the big picture.  Where do I want to be at weigh-in on Monday?  Where do I want to be this month?  It is not just about a number on the scale, but a life of obedience to the Call God has placed before me. 
Job 23:12 (KJV) 
    Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by how far I still have to go to reach my goal.  Sometimes in the “big picture” we only notice how far or how high we have yet to go.  We don’t focus on what we have gained (and will gain) by taking the journey.  I need to change my focus.  I choose to NOT look at the ultimate weight goal, but have chosen smaller goals.  I’ve started with my 10% weight loss goal, and I am almost there!  Once that is reached I will set another intermediate goal about 20 lbs further down, with a plan to reach it in about 3 months.
Spiritually, we need to keep focused, both near and far.  PS. 119:105 reminds us:
Psalm 119:105 (KJV) 
    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
A lamp sheds just enough light to see right in front of us, just a step or two.  It is important that we focus on the steps we need to take today to work toward our spiritual (and WLJ) goals.  A light illuminates for a longer distance so we can see exactly where we are going.   We also must take time to let the Lord show us exactly where we are heading on this journey. It is so important that we have both perspectives. Of course our ultimate destination is heaven, but the journey on this earth has many paths with twists, turns, and obstacles.  Only through the guidance of the Holy Spirit can we choose wisely when decisions have to be made.  Some decisions are “today” decisions and only affect the present.  Others are “pathway” decisions and will affect our future and the future of those around us.
So, my advice to us all, WATCH YOUR STEP! 
Be aware of what is right in front of you, and also what is just down the path.  God’s Word provides light for both.
Have a wonderfully blessed week!
KAT

The Time Has Come...

The time has come to reactivate "Enjoying the Journey" blog.  I apologize to my 3 loyal followers (HAHA!)for going on vacation for over 2 1/2 years!

What has brought about this change of heart, you may ask.  My life is constantly changing, growing, improving.  I have undertaken a great journey lately, and would like to share thoughts and ideas about it.  This blog was originally created as a thankfulness journal, and I do intend to keep it along those lines.  I also plan on posting once or twice a week about my life journeys... into spiritual awakening and healthy living.

My eyes were opened a few months ago to the realization of where I was headed.  I had been afraid to really look carefully at the road I was on because it meant facing some very difficult truths.

1.  I was headed to a life of severe health problems.  I look at others in my family that are struggling with diabetes, kidney failure, and heart disease and realize that unless I change things I am headed for that, too.  I am very healthy right now, but it is inevitable my good health will not last if I don't take care of myself.

2.  Denial will not change the consequenses of being overweight and a not-so-healthy diet.

3.  As surely as there are drug addicts, nicotine addicts, and alcoholics, I am also an addict... to food.  It has filled empty spots in my life for many years and offered comfort to me when things were difficult.  But like all addictions, it is a big deceiver.  Food tells me it is OK because I NEED to eat to survive.  It tells me a little won't hurt.  It tells me that I can always start a diet tomorrow, or next week, or after the holidays.

4.  Diets don't work.  I have had to fully embrace the truth that diets are temporary, and as soon as you get tired of it, you go back to old eating ways.  And then the weight comes back.  I have proven this many times.

5.  It is all about a commitment.  I am committed to eating wisely for THE REST OF MY LIFE.  I am committed to getting as much activity worked into my week as I can, FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.  I am committed to following an eating plan, counting my Weight Watchers points carefully FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.  It does no good to whine about those who can eat anything they want in huge amounts, never exercise, and still don't gain.  That is not ME, so it really doesn't matter what their metabolism is like.  I have to face the facts and accept them. 

6.  My relationship with Jesus will fill the voids in my life.  This takes effort on my part, and I am committed to regularly schedule time with Him rather than just trying to somewhere squeeze Him into my busy days.  I highly recommend the book Born to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire, by Lysa Terkeurst.

March 15th was the beginning of the journey to greater health.  There have been bumps along the road... a foot injury that brought distance walking to a halt for a few weeks.  But it is working!  This morning I reached a total of 18.5 pounds lost.  In just a couple of weeks I will be at the 10% loss level.  I must admit, that feels GREAT!  I am feeling much better about myself these days, and I am just plain feeling better.  No extra serving of food or huge amounts of calorie laden treats are better than this, or worth the health consequenses.

So there you have it... the map for the journey I am now on.  I'll share with you my journey, the ups, the downs, and other things that pop up along the way.  And the amazing thing is that through God's grace and strength, I really Am "Enjoying the Journey".

Would you like to join me?  Search for a reason to commit.  I have found healthy eating and exercising so much easier this time because I have a strong commitment... I know where I WANT to go (a healthy body and active lifestyle), and I also know where I DON'T want to go (chronic illness and disease) in life.   That makes things easier for me when faced with choices to be made.

KAT

THANKFULNESS MOMENT:  I am thankful my eyes were opened before it was too late, before chronic health problems became a reality in my life.

Lord, Make Me a Tree!

(I was reminded of this article I wrote several years ago when the Pastor used Isaiah 61 for the sermon this Sunday. I hope you will enjoy reading my ponderings. Please remember that this is copyrighted material and may not be reproduced or used in any way without my permission. Thank you!)


Can you imagine a world without trees? There are so many varieties of trees! A short walk through the woods and we will see trees in all sizes, shapes and types. Trees add great beauty to our world. Giant redwoods and sequoias are so majestic to behold (One of my requested destinations in our future travels is to go see them!). Pines, oaks, and other hardwood varieties provide many useful products for us. Deciduous trees put on a magnificent display of color in the fall season. Some trees provide cones, acorns or berries for food. Wildlife abounds in areas where there are lots of trees for shelter and food. We probably all enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace or an outdoor bonfire in the cooler weather. The addition of some hickory or pecan wood to our grill makes steaks and burgers taste so much better! The list goes on and on.

What makes a tree strong and mighty? In a recent trip to East Texas I was saddened to see the effects of the drought on their trees. Many were already dead or were in the process of dieing. The ground around them was cracked open due to lack of moisture. The trees could not get nutrients through their root system because there was no water in the ground to be carried. Their roots were not in a place that could nourish the tree. Even trees planted by creeks were dieing because the creeks were dry. Their SOURCE was no longer there to supply their need.

Several years ago we had timber thinned on our land in Louisiana. In one particular spot we have picked out a place to perhaps build a house in a few years. We carefully selected the trees to be taken, marking the weak and overcrowded ones. We selected many of the trees to remain on the basis of the beauty they would provide in the fall. We also carefully preserved dogwood and holly trees by not marking anything right around them to be cut. To our dismay on our next visit after the thinning, we discovered that several of the trees we intended to be kept had blown down during a wind storm, and some took my beautiful dogwoods down with them! Although the remaining trees had been strong, they were dependent on the trees around them to help anchor them in place. The thinning of the trees revealed that the root structure of some trees was not strong enough to uphold the tree on its own. Together, they had great strength, but alone, some could not withstand the strong wind.

Have you ever considered that WE are like trees in some ways? Did you know God wants us to be TREES (a creation of great strength)!

Isaiah 61:1-3 (KJV)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; [2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; [3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. (The Hebrew word used here for “tree” means “strength”.)

The AMP version of v.3 reads, “…that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Don’t you think of “strength” when considering an oak tree? God wants us to be strong trees of righteousness. Note that a tree can not plant itself! The anointing of Jesus brings about the changes that make us mighty trees and give glory to Him.

Colossians 2:7 (AMP)
Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

Our roots must be in the right place, firmly and deeply planted. We must be firmly established in faith and on the Word. God must be our SOURCE. We are not intended to stand on our own, but to be part of the body of Christ. There we can draw strength and encouragement from one another. We can intercede and minister to help each member stand firm against storms in their life.

Psalm 1:3 (KJV)
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

When we are planted by the river of God, we will flourish and we will have fruit. As His river flows through us and out to reach others we will grow in strength.

Lord, make me a tree, strong and righteous! Help me sink my roots firmly into You, Lord. Help me to daily feed on Your Word and commune with You. Keep me planted by Your river that I may grow and flourish, that I may help uphold others in the body of Christ. Lord, today I reaffirm that YOU are my Source. Amen.

Kat

Copyright by Kathy R. Ellzey, 2009

Encouragement

ENCOURAGE: “to inspire with hope, courage, or confidence” (American Heritage Dictionary).

Do you need encouragement today? We all go through periods of time when we need to be “inspired with hope, courage, or confidence” that things will get better, that God IS a faithful God, that His promises ARE true for us today. Where can we go for this encouragement? First of all, we can do as David did.

1 Samuel 30:6 b (KJV) …but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

This was at a time when David’s own men spoke of stoning him because they were grieved by the loss of their sons and daughters. David, not yet having been seated on the throne as king, could have looked at the promises of God and determined that obviously they were not going to happen. The men were talking of KILLING him! But instead he turned to God for help.
Strong’s defines the Hebrew word used for “encouraged” (chazaq) as meaning: “to fasten upon, to seize, be strong, to bind, restrain, or conquer”.

I think David did all of these. He fastened upon the promises and the goodness of God; he seized or bound the thoughts the enemy sent his way; he used restraint by not acting on impulse, not striking out at those that wanted to harm him and by not running away from the danger; and most importantly, he was strengthened and then conquered by seeking the counsel of the Lord. The JFB Commentary adds, “His faith supplied him with inward resources of comfort and energy…”.

Secondly, we can plant seeds of encouragement. Do you know of someone else in need of encouragement? Plant a seed in their life. Small acts of kindness and encouragement provide great help to a hurting individual. The enemy is well-practiced at using our physical, mental, or spiritual challenges to grow thoughts of self-pity, discouragement, frustration, doubt, and fear. It is a vicious cycle that can only be broken by the Word.

Read the Word, speak the Word, and then go plant seeds of the Word in someone else’s life that needs encouragement. Someone did this for me recently, and it has really made a difference. Then this weekend the Lord gave me the opportunity to do the same for a friend.

John 17:17 (KJV) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The Word IS the answer! Pass it on… Find a way to be an ENCOURAGEMENT to someone today!


Kat

Weekend Thankfulness

I'm thankful for good friends, though they may live 200 miles away.

I'm thankful for a DH that likes to travel as much as I do.

I'm thankful for lots of laughter, had while visiting good friends at a bowling tournament this weekend.

I'm thankful for safe travel and seeing new sights while traveling a route we've not taken before to get to MS.

I'm thankful for great food and fellowship shared with friends.

I'm thankful for good bowling this weekend... we don't always bowl well when out of town.

I'm thankful for being back home... I'll sleep well in my bed tonight.

Kat

Monday's Thankfulness

The title says "Monday's Thankfulness", but really these are Sunday's (which I am just now getting around to publishing).

I'm thankful that we had grand-daughters visiting this weekend... they are such fun! At 9 and 10 they still think Granny and Grumps are great people and they are willing to try lots of new activities on the farm (like picking fruits and veggies, cooking adventures, sewing projects, etc).

I'm thankful that even at their young age they are interested in what I do and how I do it. This makes for opportunities to pass on my knowledge and skills to them. A day spent sewing produced a brightly patterned pillowcase for each of them to take home. They had FUN! It is great they have now gotten to the attention span that we can complete projects without lots of breaks... sure makes things go faster.

I'm thankful for children's laughter... nothing brings a smile to my face quicker than hearing the laughter of my girls as they visit, work, play, and just "be kids".

I'm thankful for my church, where each person is welcomed with love, where the Word is taught, and ministry happens. One "grand" gave her heart to Jesus at church Sunday! How blessed I am to have a part in sharing Jesus and His love for her! I'm thankful for Paula, who knows how to explain the plan of salvation where even very young children can feel the calling of the Holy Spirit.

I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus, whose promises in the Word are true, whose love, mercy and grace continues to change us into His likeness.

Blessings to you all today, and every day,

Kat

You Just Never Know...

You just never know...

how the little things you do in life can affect and help others! God gives us gifts and talents but WE assume sometimes that they do not help others as much as the spiritual gifts. But we just never know... until someone tells us.

Recently I had an opportunity to quilt for a friend I had not seen in a long while. She lost her dear husband about 18 months ago. I can imagine the void this left in her life, but not having been there, I'm just imagining. I can imagine the difficulty of getting up each day and noting his absence, of everything around you reminding you that he's not there, but not having been there myself....

I was so thrilled when I received an email from her and noted her excitement over the quilts that are headed back to her in the mail. But more important than the quilts is what she had to say about how getting back to quilting has helped her.

"I have been piecing a bunch this week and have discovered it is very comforting to me. Since losing my husband, I have kinda wondered around the house looking for things to do. Finally decided to get in there and start working on all my "stash of material". I know that receiving the quilts will inspire me even more. So I thank you for the encouragement you've given me!"

Who would have thought that me just "doing my quilting thing" could have helped someone in this way? How blessed I am to be able to do something I love each day (and get paid for it), and then the Lord (who provided both the talent and opportunity for me to do this) uses it to help others. That is just AWESOME!

So my word today for you is: Don't shortchange or discount the gifts/talents/abilities God has given YOU... He has great plans and purposes for you to use them to help others... and you just never know how that will come about!

Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

HMMM... an expected end... That sounds like "plan and purpose" to me!!

So may I challenge you today... go forth and use your abilities to touch others.

Mark 9:41 (KJV) For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Many times we have no idea how we may have helped someone through our simple actions, but then once in a while, someone lets us know. What an encouragement that is!

So my second challenge is... if someone has encouraged YOU in some way, let them know about it today!

Be blessed today, and be a blessing, too!

Kat

Thursday's Thankfulness

Today I'm thankful for:

A free meal out... as members of a local forestry group we get a meal out (and a short program on forestry management) once a month. This is sponsored by different local businesses. HOW NICE! I DIDN'T HAVE TO COOK TONIGHT!

The Lord's protection: We were in a terrible thunder/lightning/heavy rain storm on the way home. I could not see the lines on the road at many points. A quick prayer for safety and protection, and we eased on toward home. It was just too dangerous to pull over since shoulders are narrow and visibility was near zero. Thank You, Lord, for keeping us safe!

Company coming: Tomorrow we will host our BIL and SIL in a meal of Reubens and watermelon... What a combination! But these are things we all enjoy. We'll be cooking corned beef that we corned ourself. YUM! THEN, we will have an evening of dominoes or games of some sort. I love game time with friends and family!

Be blessed in all you do tomorrow!

Kat

Wednesday's Thankful Thoughts

How time has flown since my last post! When I started this blog I had planned on it being a daily journal... HAHA! WHAT was I thinking????

Today I am thankful for:

The meatloaf DH made and I cooked last night. I LOVE leftovers... more time to quilt, less to cook!

The fresh grape tomatoes that continue to be picked each day... they really add taste to our salads.

The fresh okra that is now being picked by the gallon every day... what were we thinking when we planted so many plants? But, YUM! Fried okra tonight was delicious.

Elderly ladies that continue to enjoy their hobby of quilting. Yes, their quilts sometimes present unique challenges to me as their quilter, but I so admire those that keep making quilts even though the aches and pains of growing older might cause some less determined soul to just give up sewing. I worked hard today to finish one very challenging quilt. It won't win any awards, and some would look at it and wonder why I did THAT to this quilt. It was a means of stabilizing the hand-piecing that was coming undone in MANY places, and finishing something that was pieced probably around the 1960s. When I return the quilt I will get "the rest of the story" and find out exactly who made it.

Rain and cooler temperatures. It is still hot, but not nearly as hot as a few weeks ago. We've had several small rains and more on the way, so things are really looking nice and green again.

That's my short list today... you can tell I'm tired and heading for the shower and bed.

Be blessed in all you do!
Kat

The Power (and Pain) of Pruning

Photo curtesy of freefoto.com

I guess none of us want to be on the receiving side of pruning... it's just not fun! We often don't understand why the Lord is pruning us (or a church body), and it is very easy to try to come up with our own solutions that remedy the hurt of pruning.

John 15:1-2 (NASB) "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. [2] "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.

Pruning is a GOOD thing... it is a sign that we ARE bearing fruit! But the Lord does not just want fruit, he wants EXCELLENT fruit.

As we were reminded last night at church, a rose bush that is not pruned regularly does not produce quality roses. The canes are spindly, the leaves are small and not able to nourish the plant very well, the roses only have a few petals which open quickly and then are spent in a short while. Only through pruning can a gardener produce quality rose bushes and thus beautiful roses.

Snip, snip! The Master Vinedresser cuts things from our lives that don't need to be there. Sometimes it might be a person or persons; sometimes it may be an activity which of itself is not wrong but is causing distraction from the Lord's perfect purpose and plan for your life. Sometimes it might be a needed change in your priorities, that they may better line up with His will for you.

Regardless of the reason, pruning hurts (especially when the Lord prunes people from your life or church family). The love of others (especially church family) is very deep, so when they are pruned there is a type of mourning that must take place. You naturally feel very concerned for those you love and you miss their presence.

When church programs and activities are pruned we want to figure out a "plan B". "Surely there is some other way!", we think. Why is it so difficult to believe that He really knows what He is doing and has nothing but good for us?

BUT... during these times we must trust in the Vinedresser... He DOES indeed know what is best for us and for a church. When direction is given that we have strayed from the chosen path and must return to the original purpose and vision we will be blessed if we obey (even though it may be painful to do it). Snip, snip!

Jeremiah 6:16 (NASB) Thus says the Lord, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you shall find rest for your souls.

Lord, we surrender all things to Your wisdom as the Master... prune those things that are not in keeping with Your perfect will... Thy will be done!

Kat

Wednesday's Thankful Thoughts

Today I am thankful for:

Time away from home (read that as, no cooking, no cleaning, just sewing as much as I want!)

A sweet husband that does not mind that I occasionally get away from home.

Great meals prepared by someone else... why does it ALWAYS taste better when someone else has cooked it?

Friends that enjoy laughing and having a good time.

Digital cameras that give us instant gratification and laughs as it captures images of our silliness.

A good AC system in very hot SW TX .

A soft bed, which I will be in much earlier tonight, than I was last night!

Answers to prayer. Marvin and Helen are doing much better. Thank YOU, Lord!

Kat

Blessed to Be a Blessing

This week has been a great opportunity for me to pass along some of the things the Lord has blessed me with. First of all I donated a BUNCH of tomatoes to a friend for the governor's reception today. Then I had opportunity to repay some of her kindnesses by helping her prepare and serve food.

Todays event was wonderful! The governor, many elected officials, and local citizens enjoyed great food and visiting in the beautiful B&B. It feels really great to serve others. I have to keep reminding myself of that, for I definitely was NOT given the hospitality gift when the Lord passed out spiritual giftings. My giftings are more in the organizational areas and teaching, as well as music. So as you can imagine I was really out of my comfort zone today. This small-town gal has never seen such a fancy spread as was set before the guests today!

You know, we never give (of our talents and gifts) without really receiving more in return than we are giving. It amazes me how thankful people are even for small acts of service like fixing them a to-go plate, or helping them find foil to cover a plate, etc. But yet it really is fulfilling to be helpful. I must keep reminding myself of THAT, also. It is so easy to get so bogged down in my world and my long list of "Things to Do" that I don't stop long enough to see how I can be helpful to others.

Lord, please open my eyes to areas of service around me. Help me to see the needs of others through Your eyes.

Kat

Thankful for Friday

Or I guess I could use the acronym... TGIF!! This week has REALLY flown by, probably because I have been so busy. I've gotten some quilting for customers done and a lot of quilts came in this week and are lined up waiting for me to return from quilt retreat. I've done some sewing on a project of mine, some fabric painting, and housework. BUSY!

Tomorrow I will go help a friend get ready for a huge reception for the Governor of LA! Can you believe he will be coming to a tiny town like ours on Sunday?! Paula has a B&B here and a reception for the Governor and 100 of his invited guests will be held there. Nope, I did not get an invitation, but I volunteered to help her serve, so I may just get to meet him.

I really don't want to say "TODAY I am thankful for..." because it has been so long since I posted, so I will say,

THIS WEEK I AM THANKFUL FOR...

Time to work on some of my own quilty things.

A really fun get-away planned for next week.

Okra and tomatoes... YUM!

Beautiful painted fabric.

Creativity and inspiration given from God.

Healing truths the Holy Spirit has been reminding me of this week.

Hot showers... and I need one RIGHT NOW!

Blessings to you all,
Kat

Monday's Blessings

RAIN!! We have not had any measurable rainfall in weeks, until today. Thank you Lord for the refreshing rain. Everything looks so much fresher with the dust washed off. Our garden is really saying "thank you"... plants that had wilted and were thought to not survive have perked back up after our morning rain. And along with the rain came cooler air. Our high today was somewhere in the 80's. This is quite a change after having about 2 weeks of 100+ temps!

AAAHHHHH! Nice weather, nice rain! We are blessed.

Kat