I guess I’ve been out there with my weight loss journey, sharing photos, sharing my mental process, and sharing the bumps along the road. 

At the end of November I broke up with Weight Watchers…it was a good thing.

I felt ready to handle weight loss without that program I wasn’t even following (I am doing the old WW program, not the new, new program)

For about 6 weeks I sorta…well it was the holidays and I just enjoyed, I tracked some days, I weighed in weekly, but I didn’t stress.

I gained 3 pounds. I was okay with that. 

Then the new year came and I felt refocused, but was still fighting.

Then some girlfriends talked about this book, “Made to Crave”.

Our pastor shared about how serious are we about sin, are we serious enough to get radical. Another sermon was about the power of the Word to battle sin.

This was all swirling in my brain.

I’ve always felt overeating and being greedy in my eating is a sin. No matter the food…carrots or carrot cake…if it is eaten with wrong motives then it can be sin.

I ordered the book and when it came I devoured it!

Now I’ve done two other bible study weight loss books…I sorta didn’t expect anything “new” with this book, but it was a fresh perspective on eating and my walk with God. 

There are a couple of main things that jumped out to my heart from this book. 

1) She talks about how foods are not the problem, but we have trigger foods. (It’s our hearts that the core of the problem lies…what we’re craving) However there are foods that can send us in a downward, out of control eating cycle. For me I have notices sugar and chips do that for me. To be a living sacrifice I’ve felt that God has asked me to not have one bite of those foods until I am not mastered by them. I don’t know how long I’ll go without, but when I am tempted I hear “not one bite”. For some this won’t make sense, for others this will make complete sense. I have cut off those foods, not in a legalistic way, but in a way to lose the pull of those foods…I want to crave God more than chips or sugar. 

2) She talks about how she viewed her stronghold of food like a tall tower and when she was tempted to overeat, eat with greed, or eat something she had felt she wasn’t to eat to show she wasn’t mastered by it; she’d envision taking a brick off the tower and building a pathway to prayer. That image has stuck with me. 

Eating, food, being overweight, losing weight…is more than just a number on the scale or a size of jeans…but a heart attitude of contentment.

I’ve lost those 3 pounds and hope to lose the last 25 in 2012!

Obedience to God can be like dominoes. 

We feel pricked in our heart to do something….make a phone call, invite someone over, turn down a different road, listen the radio when we don’t normally, go out of our way to talk to someone, or some other small twist in what we were doing.

We look back and we see how that one step was a domino that sent other chain of events to unfold. 

We realize had we not done that one small thing, all these other things wouldn’t fall into place.

It’s always exciting to look back and realize God choose to you use, as one domino, in a much larger picture! 

I don’t believe with God anything is a coincidental.

If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time you’ll know I’ve been pretty intentional about trying to simplify my life, my home, and my calendar.

My journey started one middle of the night feeding when Clark wasn’t even 5 months old. As I rocked and nursed him I had this thought, “What would it be like to go through every corner, cabinet, box, shelf, and closest of my house to organize and purge?”

That thought excited me! 

So John and I said that in 2010 we’d spend the year doing just that. 

It did take me awhile, and looking back I wasn’t that aggressive in purging, but did a lot of organizing.

Then in the spring of 2011 I started feeling this overwhelming suffocation of stuff in my house. A friend wrote a blog about a book she read and I knew it would be right up my alley. I tore through “Organized Simplicity” in about 1 week and started right in.

(I did blog about it: I can breath, Family Vision Statement, We’re ready to move, Things I’ve noticed, Want to organize your home)

The last area that need a fine tooth purge (or so I thought) was my Christmas stuff. This year I purged 3 boxes of Christmas stuff. 

Last week I decided to do another round of purging through my house. Started in the boys room and I ended up with 7 boxes of items to give away from my entire house!

So this has been on going for 2 years. Two years of intentional simplifying and I feel like I am finally seeing the fruit. 

In 2012 we’ve had about 20 days of company (dinner parties, movie night, play dates, drop in company). In having all this company we’ve noticed that having a simplified home makes having company over easy! If my dishes are done, I can clean or pick up my whole house in about 15 minutes! No joke!! Even my upstairs stays “company ready” (you know what I mean!)

Everything we have has a “home”, everything belongs somewhere…even chapstick, rolls of tape, and every toy. So when we go to clean up, since everything belongs somewhere, it all gets put away easily. 

Now before you think I have this huge house, with tons of space…guess again! (Here’s a blog tour of my house from a couple of years ago: Tour of my house WOW things have changed! Makes me want to take the same pictures in the same spots to compare! And I also know to some people our house is HUGE…it’s all a matter of perspective!)

Not only have we been more intentional about simplifying our home, we’ve been even more intentional about NOT buying what we don’t need! That has helped!! 

So if you’re thinking about simplifying, know it’s taken us two years to really see the fruit of our intentions! Hope this blog encourages someone to stay the course and give it time…purging, organizing, and simplifying doesn’t happen over night!

This week on facebook I asked what people think when they see: OMG. 

Most agreed they think God, so they try to write out OMGoodness or OMW (for oh my word), or OMGosh.

The discussion lead to why some of us don’t use the word gosh.

Before I share why we don’t use the word, let me say that this is a personal conviction. Some may say it’s a biblical conviction, but I am just not totally sure in my heart I can say that. I do think many don’t know the origin of the word gosh and that’s why I am sharing my thoughts.

On Dictionary.com is states that the Origin: 1750–60;  euphemistic alteration of God

An euphemism is: the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.

An alteration is: the process of modifying

So I see the word gosh as taking the phrase “Oh my God” and modifying it so it’s not as offensive or harsh.

This is why we don’t use the word gosh. 

What are your thoughts about this word??

After writing my post this morning I realized I need to get a bit more serious about destroying my stronghold (in the area of food).

So I created these verses, just figured if someone else wants to have some temptation cards, here’s the work done for you!

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ  2 Cor. 10:4-5 

 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.1 Cor. 10:13

 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11

 But he fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Gal. 5:22-23

 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints Eph. 6:13-18

This week at church one of our pastor’s preached on the power of God’s Word in the battle for your heart and mind. It was a powerful reminder of the invaluable resource we all have at our fingertips to please God in word, thought, and deed. (Take Every Thought Captive by Jon Wizarde)

One very practical way I’ve found to use God’s word in the battle for a stronghold in my life, is to write out bible verses on 3×5 cards and either carry them with me, or post them in my house. Then I find I am being reminded often of the truth and not the worlds lies. I have also found this a great way to memorize scripture.

This also can be a tool you can share with others. The first time I ever wrote out verses for a friend was about 14 years ago, she was battling bulimia and I wrote out about 15 verses for her to keep in her bathroom. I’ve also sent 3×5 verse cards to friends going on mission trips or friend walking through a difficult season. 

(I don’t share as a way to see what I’ve done…this was something that was shared with me to do as a way of encouragement to friends and my own heart in times of spiritual battle.)

What are ways you use God’s Word in the spiritual battle of life?

About three years ago I wrote a series of blog posts on Preparing for Marriage. One of those posts addressed the issue of Stuffers vs. Talkers. 

In the past few months I’ve been seeing more and more effects of coming from a family of stuffers. Now before I go on, I come from a family of talkers and there’s issues with us too! Often times we don’t have good timing because we feel like everything has to get talked about right that moment and we also can be in each others business way too much.

But I keep seeing a reoccurring theme with adults who grew up in a family of stuffers and I’ve watched first hand how this can create deep issues later in life.

I have a close friend who was very hurt in their childhood. This person stuffed all of the pain and tried to live life as normal. The way I like to explain it is to use the analogy of a huge, big rubber ball. This ball is all the pain and hurt. We all are given a limited amount of emotional energy for life. Emotional energy is used in life to care for others, to relate to others, and to be an emotional person. When there’s pain, the big ball, and we’re trying to “stuff” this pain, it’s like we’re trying to hold this ball under water so no one can see it. (This is the masks we can wear.)

So we’re using a great deal of emotional energy to keep that ball under water. Then, what I’ve seen, is someone can only do this for so long before they POP! It’s funny because it seem like the magic age is when someone is in their 40′s. Almost like 20 plus years of holding ball under water cannot go on any longer.

Some call this a mid-life crisis. Maybe…not sure and again this is just my theory and my observations. This “mid-life” pop can be devastating to those in this persons life. 

My friend who finally let the ball go had some painful memories to face and deal with, but came to a place where they were more emotionally available to their family because they no longer where holding that ball under water. Which brought about freedom and a new found connection to the people closest to this person.

So a family of stuffers can be holding in pain, deep and real hurts, that need to be worked through. Often, I believe, people don’t want to go back because we hear messages like, “The past is the past, leave it there.” And I do agree that we can’t dwell on it, but if that pain hasn’t been worked through (maybe with the help of a professional or a close friend with some great tools to help) the wound is always there and doesn’t heal properly. 

This is my plea, and why I write, if you come from a family where you never expressed deep pain or hurt, can I encourage you to work at letting that ball go. Chances are, if you are stuffing pain, you have a short fuse, have little emotional energy for people in your life, keep your walls very high, or have just turned off all emotions in order to protect your heart and emotions. I watched my friend embrace the hurt, work through it, and come to a place of new joy and peace (this person did go through professional counseling). 

Five years ago, on a cold February day, a few women came to my house for a playdate. We never could have guessed what would come from this playdate.

Prior to that I had been invited to my cousin’s monthly playdate. I loved going and I enjoyed the company of these other moms walking along the same path as me…but I didn’t go to church with these women. It got me thinking, “Why can’t I have my own monthly playdate?”

So I sent out an e-mail, and invited about 4 or 5 moms into my home.

Last week I went to my mail box and had a letter from my friend Heather. What was this?

I opened it and read this: 

A Tribute to Friendship

“Once upon a time God brought a group of women together in the name of motherhood. A simple plan for a monthly playdate with children sparked friendships that will last a lifetime. The group did not always look like it does today. A couple of moms moved on and another earned her way into the group with the birth of her first child. The children who played together, in those early days, were later joined by siblings who have the privilege of being parented by women who are a little older and a little wiser. These women did not become friends by change. Each woman, at her own time, attended MOPS. Although some have graduated, a few remain, serving the women who are living similar lives with little ones at home.

 Conversations that once revolved around sleepless nights and temper tantrums have matured into beautiful words of confession, encouragement, and honesty. The getting-too-know-you years have been replaced with an intimacy unique to these women. A look, a nudge, or a smile can be translated into a story. Quiet conversation can quickly turn into a debate or uncontrollable laughter. There is intention in this group. No need for small talk. If they have something to say, they say it. If their feelings are hurt or they disagree, it is safe to say so. Some of the women are quiet and some do no hesitate to be heard. Each of them have been home full-time at some point and understand the importance of Christn mother in a world that appreciates a different view. Their annual reunion is intertwined with brief encounters over coffee, a quick text, a phone call, or the random chance to talk at length. Each instance leaves them feeling blessed. Two of these women are sisters by blood, but they are all sisters in Christ. 

I am honored to be one of the women. There are times when I leave them feeling challenged by a topic I cannnot get off my mind. I am stretched to understand their points of view. I am sometimes convicted by their words, yet I am comforted in knowing we all cling to the same God. I know who to call for a much-needed reality check. I know what will make them laugh. Much to my surprise I have discovered this type of friendship is rare. When you are living out your life with women by your side, it is easy to understand how lonely life would be without them.

This tribute is dedicate to our dear friend, Lesli, who will be living her life in a different state in 2012. Let this adventure challenge us in new ways to honor God as we endure the distance that will quickly come between us. And let us thank God for the technology that will keep us close.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25″

WOW! Tears streamed down my face!

What a wonderful letter to receive.

I know there are many lonely moms who will read and may fight jealousy in their hearts. But that’s not why I post! I post because this group didn’t just happen. We opened our homes, our lives (even the ugly parts), and our hearts to each other. We made this group a priority. We were intentional! 

If you are craving more community with others, then be intentional! Open your messy home, your messy life, and your willing heart…then watch God move!

Thanks Heather for the letter! Love you friend!

Lori, Darci, Heather, Heather, Lesli
 

This morning my parents took the three boys, yes all three, out for breakfast. They call them “early bird” breakfasts and it started one day last year when Miles was up early and Nana texted to see if anyone wanted to go for breakfast with her. The boys look forward to these special treats. This was Clark’s first time and let me tell you he was beyond EXCITED to be a big boy and go with them!

I was most looking forward to 30 minutes of quiet time that was kid-free. 

As a mom I have gotten used to the interrupted time in God’s Word, but treasure these moments of just being able to curl under a blanket with my coffee and really get into God’s Word.

This was my perfect quiet time this morning:

• Cup of coffee
• Blanket
• Two bibles (NASB and ESV)
• Journal and pen
• Commentary (online)
• David Nevue pandora channel
• 30 full minutes

My take away: the more I see God’s holiness, the more I see my sinfulness

What would be your perfect quiet time?