Weighing myself is often an up and down experience. I don't weigh myself every day, but I still am surprised when I step on the scale to find it lower or higher than I expect! It is not only the scale that swings like a pendulum. My eating and exercise join in and are the reason for the unexpected yo-yo or roller coaster ride.
I know I am not alone in my struggle with weight. I look around and can see others who either are fighting or have given up the fight. I am not proud of my lack of discipline. I am not happy with how I look or the number on the scale, even when it is lower than I thought it would be. Because of my discontent, I try very hard to control my cravings and to get my body moving. The sad part is that I am not perfect, and I have not reached the place where those changes have become my lifestyle.
Every day I enjoy small victories, and mourn my defeats. I keep trying, even if the goal seems so far away. I always can count on God to push me, comfort me, and love me right where I am.
The Christmas season looms ahead with all its activity and delightful tastes. My goal for this holiday season is to stay in balance. If I get off balance I will try again. I will remember that Christmas is not about the food or about the fun. It is about Jesus. I think He wants us to celebrate, so I will. He also wants me to let Him be the LORD of my life, so I will, even in this struggle.
God of the harvest, You have created our senses and the things that delight them! We celebrate with memorable tastes, home-spun aromas, beautiful sights, and sounds that fill our souls with joy. But we sometimes over do or allow these delights to push You away. Forgive us, Lord. Thank You for sending Jesus so that we can celebrate the Good News of Your salvation! You are our reason to rejoice every day! Help us all to live in balance and in glory to You! Help us to enjoy the Seasons of our lives fully with You at the center!
Showing posts with label celebration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebration. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Milestones
Today I am writing my 500th blog! It seems almost impossible. I still feel like a novice in the blogging world. 500 blogs is a milestone that I want to celebrate!
I have achieved some milestones in my life that were worth celebrating. Graduating from college, becoming a published author, and mothering four children into adulthood are some of the big ones. There are little milestones, too, such as finishing a cleaning project, organizing my closet, creating a craft project that makes a wonderful gift.
When I began this blog, a picture of the woman in scripture who found her lost coin after cleaning and searching her house popped into my head. It may have seemed a small feat to most of us, but to her it was momentous and worthy of celebration. Well, my 500th blog is maybe small to my readers, but to me it is a big deal.
Why is it so important to me that I've blogged 500 times? It is important because in the steps it took to get here I had to find persistence, commitment, purpose, and sometimes courage to go forward. I also recognize that in doing this blog, God has been with me whispering in my ear and revealing Himself to me. This blog is a gift to me, and I hope it is to my readers and to those who happen upon my ramblings.
My Lord and My God, You are the giver of good gifts. I am honored, humbled and blessed to be chosen by You to write Your message to the blogger world. I am among many that You have called, Lord, and I know that without You my work is futile. Thank You for calling and equipping me to do your will. Thank You for using me. If You choose I would like very much to continue for another 500 and beyond blogging messages. May they be from Your heart through mine.
I have achieved some milestones in my life that were worth celebrating. Graduating from college, becoming a published author, and mothering four children into adulthood are some of the big ones. There are little milestones, too, such as finishing a cleaning project, organizing my closet, creating a craft project that makes a wonderful gift.
When I began this blog, a picture of the woman in scripture who found her lost coin after cleaning and searching her house popped into my head. It may have seemed a small feat to most of us, but to her it was momentous and worthy of celebration. Well, my 500th blog is maybe small to my readers, but to me it is a big deal.
Why is it so important to me that I've blogged 500 times? It is important because in the steps it took to get here I had to find persistence, commitment, purpose, and sometimes courage to go forward. I also recognize that in doing this blog, God has been with me whispering in my ear and revealing Himself to me. This blog is a gift to me, and I hope it is to my readers and to those who happen upon my ramblings.
My Lord and My God, You are the giver of good gifts. I am honored, humbled and blessed to be chosen by You to write Your message to the blogger world. I am among many that You have called, Lord, and I know that without You my work is futile. Thank You for calling and equipping me to do your will. Thank You for using me. If You choose I would like very much to continue for another 500 and beyond blogging messages. May they be from Your heart through mine.
Friday, October 22, 2010
My Birthday
Today is my birthday! God has been pleased to give me another year of life on this earth. I am blessed to have 59 years of testimony of God's rich blessings. I pray that my life gives God glory!
This morning as I awoke to a new day and a new beginning towards another year of living, I thought that life is amazing! We celebrate each year heading toward a doorway that leads to eternal living! I am so happy to have Jesus' presence today and to be assured of His presence in the future!
Life is chosen. We choose life when we chose God's way of living. God gives and sustains life. We chose to receive and enjoy each day as it comes! For me there is no fear of death. Only life awaits for me when my days end. Today I will celebrate this day and all the past days I have been given. Today I rejoice in living and the blessings of lives that surround me with love!
Father of Life! Giver of breath and living water that sustains and transforms me, thank You for my life. Thank You for the lives of those who love me, including Your Son Jesus! I pray that my every breath will breathe in Your life so that I might exhale life into those who are suffering and dying without You! My life is Yours! In this I will be happy!
This morning as I awoke to a new day and a new beginning towards another year of living, I thought that life is amazing! We celebrate each year heading toward a doorway that leads to eternal living! I am so happy to have Jesus' presence today and to be assured of His presence in the future!
Life is chosen. We choose life when we chose God's way of living. God gives and sustains life. We chose to receive and enjoy each day as it comes! For me there is no fear of death. Only life awaits for me when my days end. Today I will celebrate this day and all the past days I have been given. Today I rejoice in living and the blessings of lives that surround me with love!
Father of Life! Giver of breath and living water that sustains and transforms me, thank You for my life. Thank You for the lives of those who love me, including Your Son Jesus! I pray that my every breath will breathe in Your life so that I might exhale life into those who are suffering and dying without You! My life is Yours! In this I will be happy!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Vote with Joy
Voting can be a stressful activity. No one likes the attack ads, but often it is all we are offered to make our decision at the polling place. Researching the candidates takes time and effort that many of us do not easily find in our busy days. Who do we believe? Who can we trust with the business of running our beloved country? Our lives are affected by our choices for generations to come. Voting is important! It is a responsibility we cannot ignore. It is a privilege we can lose if we do not use it wisely!
I just came back from voting in the primaries. It is the first, and I believe the most important step for the voters to be involved in fully. I spent much time visiting websites, reading up on candidates, and talking to others about their choices and ideas. The process has been long and sometimes irritating when watching the reputation soiling ads over and over again. But the day is here. It is time to rejoice in the process that sits at the core of our country's freedoms.
I love to vote at the voting booth on Election Day. It is a ceremony of freedom. It is a celebration of my rights, responsibility, and privilege! I dress the part by wearing one of my many patriotic shirts. I go early so that everyone will see that I have my "I voted" sticker proudly displayed on my shirt. I do it all prayerfully and with joy!
Father God, You are the author of Freedom and Liberty. You created us to live in freedom and yet, we placed ourselves in bondage to sin. It is because of You that we desire and seek freedom wherever it might be found. Thank You for allowing me to live in a country founded on the liberties You secure for us in Christ. Thank You for the process of voting. We need You to guide our hearts and our hands as we choose. We choose to rejoice in it all! Bless America today, Lord!
I just came back from voting in the primaries. It is the first, and I believe the most important step for the voters to be involved in fully. I spent much time visiting websites, reading up on candidates, and talking to others about their choices and ideas. The process has been long and sometimes irritating when watching the reputation soiling ads over and over again. But the day is here. It is time to rejoice in the process that sits at the core of our country's freedoms.
I love to vote at the voting booth on Election Day. It is a ceremony of freedom. It is a celebration of my rights, responsibility, and privilege! I dress the part by wearing one of my many patriotic shirts. I go early so that everyone will see that I have my "I voted" sticker proudly displayed on my shirt. I do it all prayerfully and with joy!
Father God, You are the author of Freedom and Liberty. You created us to live in freedom and yet, we placed ourselves in bondage to sin. It is because of You that we desire and seek freedom wherever it might be found. Thank You for allowing me to live in a country founded on the liberties You secure for us in Christ. Thank You for the process of voting. We need You to guide our hearts and our hands as we choose. We choose to rejoice in it all! Bless America today, Lord!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Small Package
Today my #2 Grandman was welcomed into the family He arrived in a 6lb. 11oz. package about 19.75 inches in length. The package was decorated with lovely red hair , blue eyes and a sweet little mouth that seemed to move in all directions making funny faces. I sat amazed at that tiny little present sent from heaven.
It may be awhile before we get to know the gift inside our little package. The outside will grow and we will be delighted in the new things this little man will teach us. We will see the world through new eyes and discover the unique value of the gift inside the body that holds the personhood of Jacob Ronan Scully. In all this discovery I pray one prayer: Jacob, may you live a long life. May you come to know Jesus early in life and walk closely with Him all of your days!
Father, You are an amazing Creator and Giver of ALL Good gifts. Thank You for the gift of Jacob! Thank You for the beautiful and special way You packaged Him! We are delighted! We praise You for Your works are wonderful and amazing and great!
It may be awhile before we get to know the gift inside our little package. The outside will grow and we will be delighted in the new things this little man will teach us. We will see the world through new eyes and discover the unique value of the gift inside the body that holds the personhood of Jacob Ronan Scully. In all this discovery I pray one prayer: Jacob, may you live a long life. May you come to know Jesus early in life and walk closely with Him all of your days!
Father, You are an amazing Creator and Giver of ALL Good gifts. Thank You for the gift of Jacob! Thank You for the beautiful and special way You packaged Him! We are delighted! We praise You for Your works are wonderful and amazing and great!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Holiday Season
We are now full into the holiday season. It is called a holiday season for good reason. The days between Thanksgiving and January 6 (Celebration of the Magi's visit) is a continuous stream of special times commemorating God's presence in our world. It is a season for us to focus on our relationship to God and each other. Of course this should carry on throughout the year but we renew our commitment during this special time.
It is a "holiday" season not because of vacation or a rest from our work. It is a holiday because it is a season of holy days. In fact the word holiday stems from "holy day." For this reason I am not offended to say "Happy Holidays!" I enjoy reminding others that it is a holy season.
Could it be that my life season should also be a "Holiday?" Can I make of my life a season of holiness, where I give glory and honor to the Holy One? I pray my life will be a celebration of Jesus and His work in and through me. Day by day may I walk in a holy season of celebration!
It is a "holiday" season not because of vacation or a rest from our work. It is a holiday because it is a season of holy days. In fact the word holiday stems from "holy day." For this reason I am not offended to say "Happy Holidays!" I enjoy reminding others that it is a holy season.
Could it be that my life season should also be a "Holiday?" Can I make of my life a season of holiness, where I give glory and honor to the Holy One? I pray my life will be a celebration of Jesus and His work in and through me. Day by day may I walk in a holy season of celebration!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
100th Post!
Could it be that I have reached a small but exciting milestone here at Carolynn' Whispered Words? This being my 100th post I would like to have a celebration. Let us celebrate with words. Here then is a list of words that are floating through my mind today:
Honesty
Joy
Believe
Hope
tears
God
Power
Beauty
Adventure
Repentance
Oh, I could go on and on. The point is that in just bringing these words to you I am almost certain I trigger a memory for you. Maybe you would like to share one here. Maybe you could just share one with someone who needs to know you care.
I may have triggered a new thought that you could write about or tell. Whatever I have sparked in you from these words I hope they will be the stones that make ripples in the water and that you will find a smile playing along.
Enjoy your day. Enjoy the words that create smiles.
Honesty
Joy
Believe
Hope
tears
God
Power
Beauty
Adventure
Repentance
Oh, I could go on and on. The point is that in just bringing these words to you I am almost certain I trigger a memory for you. Maybe you would like to share one here. Maybe you could just share one with someone who needs to know you care.
I may have triggered a new thought that you could write about or tell. Whatever I have sparked in you from these words I hope they will be the stones that make ripples in the water and that you will find a smile playing along.
Enjoy your day. Enjoy the words that create smiles.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A Birthday About Me
Do you remember your 7th birthday? I do. I remember it being a day filled with sevens. I won a prize because I drew a lucky number seven. I visited a children's' TV program where I was seventh in line to walk the plank of the pirate ship. I had seven candles. It seems it is a big year for little ones. It certainly is one that I remember in a big way.
At seven we seem to finally understand what birthdays are all about. They are all about ME! Birthdays are not about the Mom who carried me for nine months or about the hours of labor and pain it took to bring me into the world. It is not about Dad who paid for all or most of the bill. It is not about the friends and family who brought gifts. It is about me, the one who just happened to show up on that date!
Okay, so I'm not 7 but my granddaughter is. It has been a big day for her! She has told each of us what she expects for her birthday. She wanted everything to be all about her. She made sure she had a celebration fit for her. Aren't we all a bit that way? Even if we say "no birthday this year" aren't we making the day ours in a back handed way? We choose to tell others that they are not allowed to celebrate even if they want.
I want to celebrate my birthday too. It is coming in a few days. I may not be as demanding , or extravagant as my granddaughter but I want a celebration just the same. It will be a celebration of life. My life has been so blessed. God has given me life through my parents and the fullness of life through family and friends. I hope to celebrate my life in a way that God will be magnified. My birthday will be about me. It will be about me living life the way God intended, maybe not perfectly, but certainly with a willing and celebratory spirit.
My dear little sweet Brooke, Happy 7th birthday! Today it is all about you! Be blessed!
At seven we seem to finally understand what birthdays are all about. They are all about ME! Birthdays are not about the Mom who carried me for nine months or about the hours of labor and pain it took to bring me into the world. It is not about Dad who paid for all or most of the bill. It is not about the friends and family who brought gifts. It is about me, the one who just happened to show up on that date!
Okay, so I'm not 7 but my granddaughter is. It has been a big day for her! She has told each of us what she expects for her birthday. She wanted everything to be all about her. She made sure she had a celebration fit for her. Aren't we all a bit that way? Even if we say "no birthday this year" aren't we making the day ours in a back handed way? We choose to tell others that they are not allowed to celebrate even if they want.
I want to celebrate my birthday too. It is coming in a few days. I may not be as demanding , or extravagant as my granddaughter but I want a celebration just the same. It will be a celebration of life. My life has been so blessed. God has given me life through my parents and the fullness of life through family and friends. I hope to celebrate my life in a way that God will be magnified. My birthday will be about me. It will be about me living life the way God intended, maybe not perfectly, but certainly with a willing and celebratory spirit.
My dear little sweet Brooke, Happy 7th birthday! Today it is all about you! Be blessed!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
My Daughters' Birthday
My first child was born 34 years ago. Being my first child she became an experiment in parenting for both me and my husband. It has been an awesome experiment that God has let me take part in! He trusted me with this child, and though I made many mistakes (not only with her but all of my children) God helped out. Because of His helping hand in her life she has become a powerful woman of faith!
My daughter is walking a hard path not of her choosing. She has walked it for six years now, and through it all she has held fast to the source of her strength. She has proven herself to be faithful, strong, resourceful, loving, encouraging and steadfast in faith her trust in God. I am so very proud of her!
She has joy that is irrepressible! Since she turned 16 she has celebrated "The Week of Erin" not just her birth"day". The entire week surrounding her birthday is filled with little celebrations of friendships, family, and herself. Maybe she wanted to make sure she got her weeklong celebration so she could surpass Fathers' Day since her birthday sometimes lands on that day, and she is forced to share the day with her Dad. Whatever the reason, it always brings us who love her much joy to watch her delight in life and the good that God has blessed her with!
So, Erin Joy, have a wonderful Week and a delightful Day of celebrating You! I believe God is delighting in sharing you with the world!
To everyone else who reads this, take a moment and celebrate life! It is worth celebrating!
My daughter is walking a hard path not of her choosing. She has walked it for six years now, and through it all she has held fast to the source of her strength. She has proven herself to be faithful, strong, resourceful, loving, encouraging and steadfast in faith her trust in God. I am so very proud of her!
She has joy that is irrepressible! Since she turned 16 she has celebrated "The Week of Erin" not just her birth"day". The entire week surrounding her birthday is filled with little celebrations of friendships, family, and herself. Maybe she wanted to make sure she got her weeklong celebration so she could surpass Fathers' Day since her birthday sometimes lands on that day, and she is forced to share the day with her Dad. Whatever the reason, it always brings us who love her much joy to watch her delight in life and the good that God has blessed her with!
So, Erin Joy, have a wonderful Week and a delightful Day of celebrating You! I believe God is delighting in sharing you with the world!
To everyone else who reads this, take a moment and celebrate life! It is worth celebrating!
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