Trying on Obedience

I haven't been clothes shopping lately; I really dislike trying on clothes in those tiny little rooms with bad mirrors.  Instead, I've been trying something else on for size--obedience, to God, and yes, even to my husband.  I've had a few rewards already, so I think I might try a few more.

Yesterday, I had put in my daily calendar (which my husband really bugs me to use) that I should call a couple friends who I "just never get around to" calling.  I was able to check that off--I really did it. As if the feeling of accomplishment wasn't enough of a reward, I was also rewarded with a couple awesome conversations.  They are the best kind of friends, those that, even if you don't see or talk to them for months, you can pick up a conversation just as if you had talked to them the day before! It was wonderful.

I did a few other "make hubby happy" jobs, and that felt good to me, too.  Enough of doing just what I feel like doing!  I've been encouraged to develop this new habit.

Is there anything you need to try on?

Obedience

Today I was challenged to believe God for something that I thought was too big.  I have several of those issues, but the one that seems to be most bothersome is that my body doesn't want to go along with what my mind wants to do!  As I pondered on it during the day, I remembered the admonition from Dr. Conard's book to ask God what to eat.  I did this, and I believe God answered by telling me to ask myself what foods would contribute most to making my body healthier. Unfortunately, I had already yielded to the temptation to bake a pan of brownies.  I'd like to say that I resisted them, but can only say that I didn't eat as many as I wanted to!  I also ate some fresh blueberries, and had meat, a potato, and a salad for dinner.  As I end this day, I have to admit to partial obedience.  I know what to do, but I don't always do it.  I think I'm learning.  I really want to learn how to obey God, and develop healthy eating habits. Father, God, I need your help.  Thank you for wisdom, strength, and your care for me.

Be Ready

Never do I have nothing to write about; it's always a difficult decision to know what NOT to write.  Some thoughts are worth sharing, some are not.  Permit me to share where my mind was today.

This morning during our church service, we were reading the familiar Psalm 23.  The words "When I walk through the valley of shadow & death" brought me back instantly to the hospital room of Karine, the daughter I still miss so much.  In her last few days, it was a deep valley, full of shadows, yet she knew where she was going.  "Am I still here?" she asked several times. She was ready.  As tears kept escaping my eyes this morning, I had a clear-as-a-bell thought, "I'm ready too; I want to go".  It startled me with its clarity.  The church service changed its emphasis, and my thoughts were drawn to other things. 

Once at home, my mind went back, and then I remembered this: I have many things to do; God's not ready to have me come yet; I had better get busy!  I believe that Heaven has many great experiences for us, joys that will never end.  Yet, God has promised His blessings on what we do here, if we're living in obedience to Him.  My wandering thoughts brought me to Heaven and back; I think I'm ready for a Monday morning and a fresh new week!