Freedom!

Galatians 5:1,16 It is for Freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

God had me in Galatians this morning. I believe He was trying to show me the yoke of slavery that I have to my sinful nature. I have been living a compromised life because I am too afraid to stand up to truth and because I want to please my flesh. I need to let go of the yoke of slavery that binds me to the subtle sins in my life. There are thing that I didn't even realize I did that would be a compromise from the life of freedom that Christ has for me. Like over indulging in movies and books and then, getting angry when I am interrupted from them for the 20th time. Books and movies are OK, but when it becomes consuming and keeps you from the things God has placed before you to do, it becomes a distraction and in my personal opinion a sin because you are being disobedient to God. I know that I am not perfect, but I need to go after righteousness with everything I have for it is God's will. And what does that say to non believers when they see me profess Christ as lord and then I act as the world does? Wouldn't I be a hypocrite? I already get angry with Christians that have the obvious sins of living differently 6 days of the week and on the 7 go to church and put on a fake identity, but sin is sin and disobedience is sin. I am no better than them. If Christ is truly my lord then, I need to obey Him as such without complaint. His commandment to us is to love God with all of our hearts, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. No where in that did he say to put yourself above another. Why do I continue to do so? Sometimes I don't understand myself. I believe these words to be truth with everything that I am and yet I don't obey. I need to be living out what I believe not just stating it. I also need to be conscious of it when I am in the midst of it, so that I can stop and turn from it, not just talk about it, but do it. I need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Lord, help me!! I can not do this on my own. I want people to see Christ through me, through my actions and my life, not just me being a good person. I want them to see that I am different and the difference is God who lives within me.

Sorry for the lengthy sermon, I am just hanging out another piece of raggedy laundry, one that is very hard for me to let people see.

Weight watchers is going good. It has been one week and I have lost 5.6lbs. I hope to lose another 5 this week too and after that I know it will not be as much. The house is also in great shape thanks to my family we all put in a hour and cleaned all of the bedrooms and living room, and Jason did the dishes that were piling up.

Mission for today: Recognize the sin when it is happening and turn from it, clean the bathroom and work on laundry.

Me, Myself, and I

Sometimes I disgust myself. You see, I am very selfish. I have realized that laziness is also a form of selfishness. Along with always wanting my own way and throwing an adult temper tantrum if I don't get it. I get grouchy and bitter and then no one wants to be around me. I don't blame them. I wouldn't want to be around me either. I am glad that I can see it, now, I need to change it. I know that I need to put others ahead of my own self. I think it will be a long process. Being a humble servant is one of my desires, but I need to start walking it out. I want to serve people out of love without complaint, you know, even go the extra mile. I believe that it starts with my thoughts and attitude. Today I will choose others over myself with a happy heart.

Weight Watchers went well yesterday. And there are 25 words focusing on myself in the above paragraph. Wow, that is a lot!

Mission for today: Choose others first, continue with my weight loss goal, and have the house looking peaceful (picked up) by the time Jason gets home.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

AHHH!!

I had the best day yesterday. Went to church with my dad and step mom in the morning, was home before noon, picked up and vacuumed the entire house with in 45 min, took a nap while the kids watched a movie, made supper, played games, read books, worked on laundry, and still spent time with Jason. It was such a refreshing day, one that I haven't had in a very long time.

My next piece of laundry that needs to be hung out is the fact that I feel stagnant with where I am spiritually. This blog has gotten me back into the word daily because I don't just read verses to post, I read the entire book. But, I am feeling the tug to really start ministering to the mom's that I babysit for again. I have attempted this in the past and failed, but I believe the reason was a pure heart motive, I don't think I was actually listening or learning from my Father. God has been speaking to me very loudly the last week about just being a light, not forcing anything, but being there to listen mostly and give Godly wisdom when needed. I was having coffee with one of the moms a while ago and stopped, I don't know why. I miss hanging out with her and miss our coffee times. I also need to initiate it. That is one area that I sometimes have a hard time in. I don't like to initiate. It is time for me to get over it, and put on my big girl panties, and do what I know I must do.

One place I didn't want to go is the dreaded D word. That is right diet. I think I need to go there at least to get myself established in a routine of watching what goes into my mouth. I hated the whole tracking points thing, but it worked and once I got used to it, it wasn't hard. So, it is back to weight watchers I go. I will keep you updated with how things are going with it.

Mission for today: Set up a coffee time with my friend, finish the laundry, seek God's will and direction for my life where I am today.

1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.