I obviously didn't blog yesterday... I just wanted a chill day...
School is going fine. Shakes are going fine. House is fine. Kids are fine. Not much to say today...
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
You were made for a mission.
Your ministry is your service to believers, and your mission is your service to unbelievers.
We are the messengers of God's love and purposes to the world.
If you are a part of God's family, your mission is mandatory. To ignore it would be disobedience.
You may have been unaware that God holds you responsible for the unbelievers who live around you.
Your mission is a wonderful privilege.
Your mission involves two great privileges: working with God and representing him.
Telling others how they can have eternal life is the greatest thing you can do for them.
We have the greatest news in the world, and sharing it is the greatest kindness you can show to anyone.
Your mission has eternal significance.
Nothing else you do will ever matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with God. God wants you share the Good News where you are.
Your mission gives your life meaning.
If you fail to fulfill your God-given mission on earth, you will have wasted the life God gave you.
God's timetable for history's conclusion is connected to the completion of our commission. If you want Jesus to come back sooner, focus on fulfilling your mission, not figuring out prophecy.
If you will commit to fulfilling your mission in life no matter what it costs, you will experience the blessing of God in ways few people ever experience.
God has given you a life message to share.
Testimony: Your personal testimony is more effective than a sermon, because unbelievers see pastors as professional salesmen, but you as a "satisfied customer," so they give you more credibility.
Life lessons: While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser to learn from the experience of others.
Godly passion: As you grow closer to God, he will give you a passion for something he cares about deeply so you can be a spokesman for him in the world.
Good News: The Good News is that when we trust God's grace to save us through what Jesus did, our sins are forgiven, we get a purpose for living, and we are promised a future home in heaven.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Yesterday's passages: Exodus 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Israel's labor increased. (Exodus 5)
God promises action. The heads of Israel. (Exodus 6)
"I will stretch out my hand." Aaron's rod becomes a serpent. Water is turned to blood. (Exodus 7)
Frogs over the land. The plague of insects. (Exodus 8)
Egyptian cattle die. The plague of boils. The plague of hail. (Exodus 9)
Today's passages: Exodus 10, 11, 12, 13
The plague of locusts. Darkness over the land. (Exodus 10)
The last plague. (Exodus 11)
The passover lamb. Feast of unleavened bread. A memorial of redemption. Exodus of Israel. Ordinance of the passover. (Exodus 12)
Consecration of the firstborn. God leads the people. (Exodus 13)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Sunday Funday!
I was planning to get my hair done today (to get rid of the icky color it is now) but that has been postponed until tomorrow night. So, Nathan and I did a little shopping today. Found a few bargains at Marshalls and some at Gordmans. Yesterday I got a new pair of boots, a necklace, and a pair of earrings. Today I got a pink shirt and 2 pairs of earrings. I've been in such a rut lately with my fashion, hair, etc... I'm trying to get back that excitement I had before. The more pink and sparkle I buy, the better I feel! (*chuckles*)
I did weigh in tonight, *drum roll please*, and the results are in!!! I've lost 8 pounds, 1 inch from chest, 1 inch from waist, and 2 inches from my hips! All of that in just 1 week!!! I'm excited to see what the next week brings! You can learn more about what I'm doing and follow my challenge at : LaceyBeauty.bodybyvi.com
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
God loves to use weak people.
We think that God only wants to use our strengths, but he also wants to use our weaknesses for his glory.
God has never been impressed with strength or self-sufficiency.
A weakness is any limitation that you inherited or have no power to change.
Admit your weaknesses. Own up to your imperfections. Stop pretending to have it all together, and be honest about yourself.
Be content with your weaknesses.
Contentment is an expression of faith in the goodness of God. Whenever you feel weak, God is reminding you to depend on him.
Our weaknesses also prevent arrogance.
Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.
Honestly share your weaknesses. The more you let down your guard, take off your mask, and share your struggles, the more God will be able to use you in serving others.
Vulnerability is emotionally liberating. Opening up relieves stress, defuses your fears, and is the first step to freedom.
Humility is not putting yourself down or denying your strengths; rather, it is being honest about your weaknesses.
At some point in your life you must decide whether you want to impress people or influence people.
The most essential quality for leadership is not perfection, but credibility.
Glory in your weakness.
Instead of posing as self-confident and invincible, see yourself as a trophy of grace.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
No passages today.
I did weigh in tonight, *drum roll please*, and the results are in!!! I've lost 8 pounds, 1 inch from chest, 1 inch from waist, and 2 inches from my hips! All of that in just 1 week!!! I'm excited to see what the next week brings! You can learn more about what I'm doing and follow my challenge at : LaceyBeauty.bodybyvi.com
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
God loves to use weak people.
We think that God only wants to use our strengths, but he also wants to use our weaknesses for his glory.
God has never been impressed with strength or self-sufficiency.
A weakness is any limitation that you inherited or have no power to change.
Admit your weaknesses. Own up to your imperfections. Stop pretending to have it all together, and be honest about yourself.
Be content with your weaknesses.
Contentment is an expression of faith in the goodness of God. Whenever you feel weak, God is reminding you to depend on him.
Our weaknesses also prevent arrogance.
Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.
Honestly share your weaknesses. The more you let down your guard, take off your mask, and share your struggles, the more God will be able to use you in serving others.
Vulnerability is emotionally liberating. Opening up relieves stress, defuses your fears, and is the first step to freedom.
Humility is not putting yourself down or denying your strengths; rather, it is being honest about your weaknesses.
At some point in your life you must decide whether you want to impress people or influence people.
The most essential quality for leadership is not perfection, but credibility.
Glory in your weakness.
Instead of posing as self-confident and invincible, see yourself as a trophy of grace.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
No passages today.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Skipped a day...
If you're a follower of my blog I apologize for my absence yesterday. I just felt like I needed a break.
Today I had a client (color/style), did a little shopping with my husband, and filed our taxes.
So I've got 2 days worth of reading for tonight, are you ready???
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Yesterday: We serve God by serving others.
God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you.
God shaped you for service, not for self-centeredness.
Real servants make themselves available to serve. Real servants do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
We miss many occasions for serving because we lack sensitivity and spontaneity.
You can begin by looking for small tasks that no one else wants to do. Do these little things as if they were great things, because God is watching.
Servants don't make excuses, procrastinate, or wait for better circumstances. God expects you to do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are. Less-than-perfect service is always better than the best intention.
You will never arrive at the state in life where you're too important to help with menial tasks. God will never exempt you from the mundane.
Servants finish their tasks, fulfill their responsibilities, keep their promises, and complete their commitments.
You can retire from your career, but you will never retire form serving God.
Servants don't promote or call attention to themselves. Self-promotion and servanthood don't mix.
The most significant service is often the service that is unseen.
Today: Service starts in your mind.
Servants think more about others than about themselves. It's only when we forget ourselves that we do the things that deserve to be remembered. The quality of self-forgetfulness, like faithfulness, is extremely rare.
Servants think like stewards, not owners.
To become a real servant you are going to have to settle the issue of money in your life. When Jesus is your Master, money serves you, but if money is your master, you become its slave. Wealth is certainly not a sin, but failing to us it for God's glory is.
Servants think about their work, not what others are doing. Real servants don't complain of unfairness, don't have pity-parties, and don't resent those not serving.
Servants base their identity in Christ.
If you're going to be a servant, you must settle your identity in Christ. When you base your worth and identity on your relationship to Christ, you are freed from the expectations of others, and that allows you to really serve them best.
Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Yesterday's passages: Job 40:6-24, 41, 42, Psalm 29
God asks Job, "What can I say?" (Job 40:6-24)
God's power shown in creatures. (Job 41)
Job's confession. God displeased with Job's friends. God restores Job's fortunes. (Job 42)
The voice of the Lord in the storm. (Psalm 29)
Today's passages: Exodus 1, 2, 3, 4
Israel multiplies in Egypt. (Exodus 1)
The birth of Moses. Moses escapes to Midian. (Exodus 2)
The burning bush. The mission of Moses. (Exodus 3)
Moses given powers. Aaron to be Moses' mouthpiece. (Exodus 4)
Today I had a client (color/style), did a little shopping with my husband, and filed our taxes.
So I've got 2 days worth of reading for tonight, are you ready???
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Yesterday: We serve God by serving others.
God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you.
God shaped you for service, not for self-centeredness.
Real servants make themselves available to serve. Real servants do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
We miss many occasions for serving because we lack sensitivity and spontaneity.
You can begin by looking for small tasks that no one else wants to do. Do these little things as if they were great things, because God is watching.
Servants don't make excuses, procrastinate, or wait for better circumstances. God expects you to do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are. Less-than-perfect service is always better than the best intention.
You will never arrive at the state in life where you're too important to help with menial tasks. God will never exempt you from the mundane.
Servants finish their tasks, fulfill their responsibilities, keep their promises, and complete their commitments.
You can retire from your career, but you will never retire form serving God.
Servants don't promote or call attention to themselves. Self-promotion and servanthood don't mix.
The most significant service is often the service that is unseen.
Today: Service starts in your mind.
Servants think more about others than about themselves. It's only when we forget ourselves that we do the things that deserve to be remembered. The quality of self-forgetfulness, like faithfulness, is extremely rare.
Servants think like stewards, not owners.
To become a real servant you are going to have to settle the issue of money in your life. When Jesus is your Master, money serves you, but if money is your master, you become its slave. Wealth is certainly not a sin, but failing to us it for God's glory is.
Servants think about their work, not what others are doing. Real servants don't complain of unfairness, don't have pity-parties, and don't resent those not serving.
Servants base their identity in Christ.
If you're going to be a servant, you must settle your identity in Christ. When you base your worth and identity on your relationship to Christ, you are freed from the expectations of others, and that allows you to really serve them best.
Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Yesterday's passages: Job 40:6-24, 41, 42, Psalm 29
God asks Job, "What can I say?" (Job 40:6-24)
God's power shown in creatures. (Job 41)
Job's confession. God displeased with Job's friends. God restores Job's fortunes. (Job 42)
The voice of the Lord in the storm. (Psalm 29)
Today's passages: Exodus 1, 2, 3, 4
Israel multiplies in Egypt. (Exodus 1)
The birth of Moses. Moses escapes to Midian. (Exodus 2)
The burning bush. The mission of Moses. (Exodus 3)
Moses given powers. Aaron to be Moses' mouthpiece. (Exodus 4)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Hungry!
Woke up this morning and felt great! Not a hunger pang to be had, until about 3 this afternoon... I found myself rather hungry the rest of the day. I've eaten more today than I have since Sunday but I only ate until I was satisfied, no overeating. I'm hoping that since I finally got my medicine refilled that it will help to offset some of this hunger too. I'm still doing great on the shakes.
I've done an awful lot of praying and soul searching will reading the Purpose Driven Life. And the last few chapters have affected me in such a way that I'm truly digging deep and asking myself some pretty serious questions. God is good.
Looking forward to the weekend!
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
God deserves your best.
Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others.
The best way to discover your gifts and abilities is to experiment with different areas of service.
Don't try to figure out your gifts before volunteering to serve somewhere. Just start serving.
We rarely see God's good purpose in pain or failure or embarrassment while it is happening. Only in hindsight do we understand how God intended a problem for good.
Since God knows what's best for you, you should gratefully accept the way he has fashioned you. Instead of trying to reshape yourself to be like someone else, you should celebrate the shape God has given only to you.
Satan will try to steal the joy of service from you in a couple of ways: by tempting you to compare your ministry with others, and by tempting you to conform your ministry to the expectation of others.
Fail to use what you've been given and you'll lose it. Use the ability you've got and God will increase it.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 37, 38, 39, 40:1-5, Psalm 19
Elihu says God is back of the storm. (Job 37)
God speaks now to Job. (Job 38)
God speaks of nature and its beings. (Job 39)
Conversation between Job and God. (Job 40:1-5)
The works and the word of God. For the choir director. A Psalm of David. (Psalm 19)
I've done an awful lot of praying and soul searching will reading the Purpose Driven Life. And the last few chapters have affected me in such a way that I'm truly digging deep and asking myself some pretty serious questions. God is good.
Looking forward to the weekend!
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
God deserves your best.
Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others.
The best way to discover your gifts and abilities is to experiment with different areas of service.
Don't try to figure out your gifts before volunteering to serve somewhere. Just start serving.
We rarely see God's good purpose in pain or failure or embarrassment while it is happening. Only in hindsight do we understand how God intended a problem for good.
Since God knows what's best for you, you should gratefully accept the way he has fashioned you. Instead of trying to reshape yourself to be like someone else, you should celebrate the shape God has given only to you.
Satan will try to steal the joy of service from you in a couple of ways: by tempting you to compare your ministry with others, and by tempting you to conform your ministry to the expectation of others.
Fail to use what you've been given and you'll lose it. Use the ability you've got and God will increase it.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 37, 38, 39, 40:1-5, Psalm 19
Elihu says God is back of the storm. (Job 37)
God speaks now to Job. (Job 38)
God speaks of nature and its beings. (Job 39)
Conversation between Job and God. (Job 40:1-5)
The works and the word of God. For the choir director. A Psalm of David. (Psalm 19)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Blah...
Today just felt like blah... not too awesome, not too lame, just blah...
I wore a dress that I bought this past summer, it's absolutely adorable, in hopes of making this day a good one. I think an outfit can definitely improve a day.
Shakes were good today, still going strong! Scales is moving down and I'm still feeling good.
I got to spend some girl time with a dear friend tonight, she's always such a joy to be around. Our schedules are so crazy now that it's hard to find time for each other, so I'm thankful for the time we did get. I was on a mission to find boots and haven't found any yet... at least not any in my budget.
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Only you can be you.
Applying your abilities: Your abilities are the natural talents you were born with.
All of our abilities come from God. Since your natural abilities are from God, they are just as important and as "spiritual" as your spiritual gifts. The only difference is that you were given them at birth.
Every ability can be used for God's glory.
What I'm able to do, God wants me to do.
To discover God's will for your life, you should seriously examine what you are good at doing and what you're not good at.
God doesn't waste abilities; he matches our calling and our capabilities.
There never has been, and never will be, anybody exactly like you.
Your personality will affect how and where you use your spiritual gifts and abilities.
It feels good to do what God made you to do.
Your greatest ministry will most likely come out of your greatest hurt. If you really desire to be used by God, you must understand a powerful truth: The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in life -- the ones you've wanted to hide and forget -- are the experiences God wants to use to help others.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 33, 34, 35, 36
Elihu claims to speak for God. (Job 33)
Elihu vindicates God's justice. (Job 34)
Elihu sharply reproves Job. (Job 35)
Elihu speaks of God's dealing with men. (Job 36)
COUCH-TO-5K
I almost didn't even put this one on here... but I will be finding my groove again.
I wore a dress that I bought this past summer, it's absolutely adorable, in hopes of making this day a good one. I think an outfit can definitely improve a day.
Shakes were good today, still going strong! Scales is moving down and I'm still feeling good.
I got to spend some girl time with a dear friend tonight, she's always such a joy to be around. Our schedules are so crazy now that it's hard to find time for each other, so I'm thankful for the time we did get. I was on a mission to find boots and haven't found any yet... at least not any in my budget.
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
Only you can be you.
Applying your abilities: Your abilities are the natural talents you were born with.
All of our abilities come from God. Since your natural abilities are from God, they are just as important and as "spiritual" as your spiritual gifts. The only difference is that you were given them at birth.
Every ability can be used for God's glory.
What I'm able to do, God wants me to do.
To discover God's will for your life, you should seriously examine what you are good at doing and what you're not good at.
God doesn't waste abilities; he matches our calling and our capabilities.
There never has been, and never will be, anybody exactly like you.
Your personality will affect how and where you use your spiritual gifts and abilities.
It feels good to do what God made you to do.
Your greatest ministry will most likely come out of your greatest hurt. If you really desire to be used by God, you must understand a powerful truth: The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in life -- the ones you've wanted to hide and forget -- are the experiences God wants to use to help others.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 33, 34, 35, 36
Elihu claims to speak for God. (Job 33)
Elihu vindicates God's justice. (Job 34)
Elihu sharply reproves Job. (Job 35)
Elihu speaks of God's dealing with men. (Job 36)
COUCH-TO-5K
I almost didn't even put this one on here... but I will be finding my groove again.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday again...
Why are Tuesdays always such a challenge??? I'm always so tired ...
Anyhow, overall today was a pretty good day. I had a doctor's appointment before school and that went well. School is a little bit hard for me because I'm not really getting to do a whole lot, mostly just sitting in on classes... classes that I've already taken. I'm praying I start learning some new stuff soon.
I threw some chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and water in the crockpot this morning. It turned out perfect for shredded chicken tacos! So dinner was eaten before 6! I think that's a record!!!
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
You were shaped to serve God.
You are the way your are because you were made for a specific ministry.
Nothing that happens in your life is insignificant.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory.
S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experience)
Because God loves variety and he wants us to be special, no single gift is given to everyone.
Your gifts reveal one key to discovering God's will for your ministry, but your spiritual gifts are not the total picture.
Your heart reveals the real you -- what you truly are, not what others think you are or what circumstances force you to be.
Don't ignore your interests. Consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
When you are doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you or challenge you or check up on you. You do it for the sheer enjoyment.
Whenever you do what God wired you to love to do, you get good at it. Passion drives perfection.
Figure out what you love to do -- what God gave you a heart to do -- and then do it for his glory.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 29, 30, 31, 32
Job's past was glorious. (Job 29)
Job's present state is humiliating. (Job 30)
Job asserts his integrity. (Job 31)
Elihu in anger rebukes Job. (Job 32)
COUCH-TO-5K
I'm trying not to get too discouraged by the fact that I'm not getting gym time in...
Anyhow, overall today was a pretty good day. I had a doctor's appointment before school and that went well. School is a little bit hard for me because I'm not really getting to do a whole lot, mostly just sitting in on classes... classes that I've already taken. I'm praying I start learning some new stuff soon.
I threw some chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and water in the crockpot this morning. It turned out perfect for shredded chicken tacos! So dinner was eaten before 6! I think that's a record!!!
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
You were shaped to serve God.
You are the way your are because you were made for a specific ministry.
Nothing that happens in your life is insignificant.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory.
S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experience)
Because God loves variety and he wants us to be special, no single gift is given to everyone.
Your gifts reveal one key to discovering God's will for your ministry, but your spiritual gifts are not the total picture.
Your heart reveals the real you -- what you truly are, not what others think you are or what circumstances force you to be.
Don't ignore your interests. Consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
When you are doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you or challenge you or check up on you. You do it for the sheer enjoyment.
Whenever you do what God wired you to love to do, you get good at it. Passion drives perfection.
Figure out what you love to do -- what God gave you a heart to do -- and then do it for his glory.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 29, 30, 31, 32
Job's past was glorious. (Job 29)
Job's present state is humiliating. (Job 30)
Job asserts his integrity. (Job 31)
Elihu in anger rebukes Job. (Job 32)
COUCH-TO-5K
I'm trying not to get too discouraged by the fact that I'm not getting gym time in...
Monday, January 30, 2012
Body by Vi
I officially began my 90 day challenge with Body by Vi today! I made my shakes, and I have to say that they are so yummy!!! I had snacks in between shakes and dinner, and then ate a healthy dinner. I attempted to go to the gym but forgot that I had a color class online... I'm feeling pretty good except for the lack of caffeine headache that I've got going on. I'm pretty sure I'll have some coffee in the morning to help offset this feeling... I always try to do everything at once and always fail, but I'm going to try to do a little at a time this round.
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it.
You were created to serve God.
You were saved to serve God. You're not saved by service, but you are saved for service. We don't serve God out of guilt or fear or even duty, but out of joy, and deep gratitude for what he's done for us.
A saved heart is one that wants to serve.
You are called to serve God.
Anytime you use your God-given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling.
You are commanded to serve God.
One day God will compare how much time and energy we spent on ourselves compared with what we invested in serving others. If you aren't serving, you're just existing, because life is meant for ministry. God wants you to learn and serve others unselfishly.
Service is the pathway to real significance.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 25, 26, 27, 28
Bildad says that man is inferior. (Job 25)
Job rebukes Bildad. Job speaks of God's greatness. (Job 26)
Job affirms his righteousness. Job speaks of the godless. (Job 27)
Job tells of earth's treasures and the difficult search for wisdom. (Job 28)
COUCH-TO-5K
I seriously walked up to the gym and started on the treadmill, then noticed the time and hustled home for my webinar...
Thoughts on today:
PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it.
You were created to serve God.
You were saved to serve God. You're not saved by service, but you are saved for service. We don't serve God out of guilt or fear or even duty, but out of joy, and deep gratitude for what he's done for us.
A saved heart is one that wants to serve.
You are called to serve God.
Anytime you use your God-given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling.
You are commanded to serve God.
One day God will compare how much time and energy we spent on ourselves compared with what we invested in serving others. If you aren't serving, you're just existing, because life is meant for ministry. God wants you to learn and serve others unselfishly.
Service is the pathway to real significance.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Today's passages: Job 25, 26, 27, 28
Bildad says that man is inferior. (Job 25)
Job rebukes Bildad. Job speaks of God's greatness. (Job 26)
Job affirms his righteousness. Job speaks of the godless. (Job 27)
Job tells of earth's treasures and the difficult search for wisdom. (Job 28)
COUCH-TO-5K
I seriously walked up to the gym and started on the treadmill, then noticed the time and hustled home for my webinar...
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