Where is your treasure?

Today, there were several instances when I was reminded that I cannot make these changes and I cannot receive my healing on my own and through my own efforts. The first time was as I listened to Dr. Charles Stanley's teaching (on TV this morning) where he said that anything that we try or obtain on or through our own efforts (without God) will fail. The next time was during Pastor's sermon where he stated that we have to stop doing things on our own. I cannot remember who else said it but it was during a casual conversation that took place today.

This evening, I sat down to have quiet time. God reminded me of a previous blog post where I referenced Matthew 19:26 which says, "With men, [this] is impossible, but all things are possible with God." Then God also showed me a familiar scripture reference but pointed out something new. He guided me to Matthew 6:31-33. As I read through the verses (that I have read many times), He specifically pointed to the beginning of verses 31 and 33. Then He put it together as: "Do not worry about what you eat or drink...but seek Me first and everything else will be added to you."

where is your treasure?

He had me turn back to the beginning of the chapter and showed me verse 21 (another very familiar verse): "For where your treasure is, there will your heart also be."

At this point, I asked God to slow down. You see, He was giving all of this to me so quickly and I was noticing that I was having a hard time keeping up. I also noticed that my legs were quivering. I knew what that meant. I grabbed my test kit and discovered that my glucose had dropped very low. I took care of that situation and went back to my time with God. He was so great in that He brought me right back to where we had stopped. He slowed down so that I could process all that He was saying. Then He spoke directly to me:

"My daughter, You are trying over and over again to find the solution on your own. Without Me, this is impossible. I do not want you to worry and fret about this, though I want you to make wise choices in eating. I want to guide you. But I also want you to examine your heart and see where your treasure is. Is it with Me? Or is it with the food that you constantly think about eating and that has its control on you? Seek Me, my love...my daughter."

I must confess: although I started this blog out of obedience to what God asked me to do, I had secret ambitions that this blog was going to be a big success and/or that it would be the "next big thing." As I sit here typing, I am thinking: Is this where my treasure is? Honestly, it doesn't matter if no one else ever reads this blog (including my family and friends). It doesn't matter if it ever gets high web traffic hits. All that matters is that I seek God as I do it and that I remain obedient to Him.

Blessings!

Judi

The Price of Freedom

Today is a very special day as we celebrate the freedom and independence of our country. Our independence came at a very high price with many lives that have been sacrificed over these last 200+ years. I can't help but also think of the ultimate sacrifice that was paid when our Lord and Savior willing gave His life for each and every one of us. (Yes...you!)

John 3:16 KJV says that, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." I know this verse by heart. It has been grounded into my very being. It was not until about 15 years ago that I read it in the Amplified translation of the Bible:

"For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." John 3:16 AMP

I love it! As you celebrate our Independence Day and the freedom in our country, take a few moments to also ponder on the freedom that you receive in Christ.

Blessings!

Judi

Time to Get Moving!

On Thursday night, I got the sudden urge to take a walk. I asked Z if he wanted to join me. He was very enthusiastic. So, we took a walk...in 90° F weather. Despite the weather, it was actually fun. We had good conversation and I got to see the new neighborhood next to ours that has been there for years but is just now being developed.

time to get moving!

When we got back to the house, we decided to hop in the car and drive the same path that we just walked. It was just over 1 mile. :-) I know that that may not seem much to some people but, to this lady, it was a great accomplishment!

Yesterday, we decided to take another walk. The temperature was quite a bit hotter so we cut it a little short (but not by much).

It is amazing how envigorated you can feel when you move your body!

Now...to keep up with the movement!

Blessings!

Judi

P.S. Please excuse the poor quality picture. I forgot my iPhone and only had a standard cell phone available. At least I got a picture! :-)

Buried in Work

I know, I know. I can hear what you are asking. "Where have you been these past 4 months?" Well, let me just say that no one should ever under-estimate the impact that stress can have on their lives.

Remember, the project that I posted about here, here, and here? Well, it is still going on and I am totally stressed out about it. Just when I think that everything has settled down and I have issues figured out, another problem occurs. I am beginning to wonder if the project is really worth it. It was supposed to help me, not hinder me.

In addition to this ongoing technology project, we also had this project:

their first dance

Yes, I am now a mother-in-law! C and Mi got married last month. The wedding turned out beautifully! We are so happy that they are beginning this life together.

So, how has all of this stress impacted me? Well, I had a DR's visit last week and my blood work is not good. Levels are elevated all around. My glucose levels are high, my cholesterol levels are high, and, now, my triglyceride levels are high. It has been an emotional week for me. There have been changes in my medication, additions to my medication, and, most definitely, changes in my lifestyle. Despite all of my emotions, I have the support of My Love, the rest of my family, and dear friends...which definitely helps. Even with their support, I still want to hide. I want to put my head in the sand and avoid it all. I want to live my life the way that I want to live it. But my obedience to God and staying alive for my family are more important than my own desires. I must deny myself.

I am not going to deceive myself. I know that these changes are going to be hard. I also know that I can do all of these things because Jesus helps me and He wants me to be healthy and whole! He paid the ultimate sacrifice for my healing, for my forgiveness.

So, I need to focus on what needs to be done...and use this blog to stay accountable.

Blessings!

Judi

Finally, My Head is Above the Water!

head above the water

I feel that my head is finally above the water and that I can "breath!"

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been struggling with a project at work. (It even had my consultant baffled.) This project has been no minor undertaking. I have been working long hours (even from home in the evenings and on weekends) trying to figure out the problems with the technology in this project. It has been frustrating and it has had a tremendous affect on me. My attitude has not been good (I even got in a tif with management). My eating has been all wrong to boot. I have (literally) had no time to work on my eating and health issues. I have not had time to plan.


running, running, running

To sum it up, I have felt like a hamster on an exercise wheel: running, running, running but not going anywhere. I have felt like I have had just enough energy to push through each day...only to start all over again the next morning.

BUT...Praise God! He is bigger than every problem and He has given me a break-through! I have been praying and asking Him to give me wisdom with the project. Little by little, He has revealed various issues to me and has shown me the solutions. Last Wednesday, He showed me the final solution. Everything is now working beautifully and I can move on to the next step in the project. Hallelujah!

Me, Mi, and her mom

I still had a busy weekend which included Mi's bridal shower. The last couple of days have also been busy. I have a meeting tonight but I am hoping to get a little bit of time to plan some breakfast options. I love eggs but I don't want to grow tired of them!

Blessings!!

Judi

Restart!

Have you ever attempted to make a change or do something in your life only to fall short of the goal? Well, I have. I have not had success at the "no carb" dietary change. There...I said it. I told you that I would be honest on this blog and my new adventure. I have wanted to blog about my frustrations but I would think about it when there just wasn't time. So, there are a number of factors involved in my lack of success:

• I am STILL totally stressed out by the virtualization project at work.We are having so many issues and I wonder if it was a good idea to implement a virtual environment.
• I have been having debilitating headaches and mild fevers. Some of my research indicated that going "no carb" is basically a detoxification of your system and that you can experience flu-like symptoms.
• We have had other activities that were not conducive for "no carb" eating such as our church's leadership retreat this past weekend.
• Life is busy and I have not totally prepared. Z has activities on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. I have possible activities every other Thursday and every Friday. I feel like all I do is run, run, run!

Despite all of these factors, I know why I have not had success. It is because I am trying to do make these changes on my own. I am missing the most important component to my success: GOD! I have totally left Him out of the entire equation. I have really been trying on my own ability to decide how to eat, to find decent recipes, and to deal with cravings.

In Matthew 19, Jesus tells the disciples that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter Heaven. I believe that Jesus meant this statement as a condition of the heart. I do not believe that there is anything wrong with being rich. Anyway, the disciples were surprised and asked Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied by saying, "With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible." I love this verse because it gives me such hope! I believe that, if I put Jesus first in all things, He will help me to accomplish them when they line up with His Word (Philippians 4:13).

Now, I do believe that I am supposed to be a good steward and take care of this body of mine (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). So I am declaring a RESTART for this dietary change.

Blessings!

Judi

Happy New Year 2012!

Welcome to 2012!! It is going to be a GREAT year!

I am sorry to be MIA for a couple of weeks. I have been swamped with projects at work and projects at home. Also, Z and I went to G's after Christmas (as is tradition). My Love joined us all yesterday and we spent celebrated New Year's Eve with them. Wonderful week! We came home today. So, life will get back to routine again when we return to work on Tuesday.

I started my new eating habits this morning (which I will explain in the next post). I hope that you will continue to follow my progress on this new adventure!

Blessings!

Judi