Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful that it IS Thursday and I'm blessed to be in a position to enjoy it!!  I did not have to work a shift today and I am so glad that the stomach bug  I encountered early this morning, turned out to be just something I ate, I think.  I am thankful for the unseasonably warm weather we've been having here in Alabama.  I am thankful that I was able to run this afternoon.  I ran 4.10 miles and included the dog walk/run in that trek.  This is my distance record.  I am ever so slow.  But I am growing stronger, I can tell.

While running I was listening to my worship music.  Addison Road's 'What Do I Know of Holy' came on just about the time I remembered how much I hate the smell of Bradford Pear trees blooming. Running in the stench is no fun!  They just started blooming this week and today is the first day I have noticed the smell.  Such an awful stench for such a pretty blossom.  We had one outside of our kitchen window until a labor day storm knocked it over onto our fence.  I loved watching the birds and squirrels play in that tree, but otherwise I'm rather glad it is gone.  It was in an odd place and growing way too big to be so close to the house.  It must have been the tree of choice for the builders when they planned this neighborhood cause just about every yard has one.  (tangent)

So, I'm running and thinking about holiness in general and thinking about the awful aroma, listening to the words of the song, and thinking  about how the fragrance of this world must grieve the Creator.  What DO I know of Holy?  I am small.  I am loved.  I was spoken into motion.  My life is a vapor.  Thankful that the stench of my sin was bought and paid for, in full, on a cross, on a hill.  Thankful that there is no sweeter fragrance than that of the Holy Spirit at work.  Humbled.  Thankful.

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Blessed Journeys!

Meredith

Some spending and some study...

Update on some spending:

When you prepare to "spend yourself", You know it's coming.  Some surprise or overwhelming assignment, or something you don't think you have time for.  I was watching.... and waiting.  After one of my runs this week a neighbor called just as I was getting ready to "rest my eyes" in the recliner.  I was hoping that I could be of some comfort.  "He left", she says.  Suffering from a terrible case of PTSD, he's packed up his bags, loaded the trailer, and left.  He just recently returned from Afghanistan and a completely different person came home.  They've been struggling since Christmas, going to counseling, he's refused VA help.   I cried with my friend as she described her youngest son crying hysterically and then their search of scripture for comfort.  My heart is heavy for them.  I have had to resist the urge to spew off in "righteous anger" as this does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20).   If you should happen to think about them this week please join me in prayer for this family.

THEN, I learned of a project for ministry that needed my attention.  It went smoothly, and of course I fretted more than was necessary.  NOW, my house is a complete disaster!!  Funny how just a few surprises can railroad your whole week, but HEY, all to the glory! right?

Week 9
February 26th-March 3rd

1.  This week I will run the distance.

2.  Catch up on some of that cleaning I mentioned.

3.  Work an extra shift.


Blessed Journeys!
Meredith

Week Eight

"Similarly, we are each given different gifts and talents by our Master.  The thing that matters most is how we use what we have been given, not how much we make or do compared to someone else.  What matters is that we spend ourselves."

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

yep, that's the one I picked.  If you have been following along, then you know that in January (week 4) I started reading one of those books shown in week five here.  I picked the one close to the bottom.  If you have never read Crazy Love then I highly recommend it.  I had no idea that the Ladies bible study we were about to start in the next weeks would so very much overlap with what I am reading.  Funny how that works! Ha!  We recently started the new Beth Moore study on James, and boy is my head spinning from the heaps of good stuff coming in.  Of course I also have experienced the spiritual attacks that come when you are on to something or when you are doing something right.  No matter how out of town my husband has been this month or how 'single parent' I might be feeling.  I am determined to keep going to this bible study and to stay on course.   After all, I don't want to miss the burning bushes.

Goals for Week Eight
February 19th-25th
1.  Run some more,
2.  Finish some homework, and
3.  Be available to spend myself....


Blessed Journeys!
Meredith

Some running and some cookies

Week 7

February 12th - 18th

1.  I will read another chapter of my chosen book.

2.  I will run at least 6 miles this week

3.  I will not eat ALL the girl scout cookies

I'm late in getting this post finished and up, not because I grow weary of the adventure,  but because I haven't had a moment to myself to finish it.  I'm still really enjoying the challenges I'm facing.  My husband's job made me a single parent this weekend and on Sunday we learned of a daycare crisis that caused quite a scramble.  It all worked out though, but I am pooped and the week is only half way through.  When I am tired I tend to head for the chocolate, thus goal #3.  Those Thin Mints and Tagalongs are really calling my name.  

Oh, Taste and see that the LORD is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!  

Psalm 34:8 ESV

Update on week 6

I ran 6.75 miles this week and I read my chapter.  My third goal was to make contact with someone who I hadn't talked to in awhile and to include them in my prayers.  My pantry filling Girl Scout cookies came in last week after I had written this goal,  and my mind went back to fond memories of camping, caving, and horses.  Of cookie selling, badges,  canoeing, and some awesome troop leaders.  I realized that my head leader is one person that I haven't talked to since possibly college, 20 years maybe.  Might even be more.  She played such an important part of my young life.  I am amazed at how far apart people drift over time.  I found her on Facebook.  I made contact and it was well received!! (teary eyed)  Sweet memories, I wish I could find a picture of those days.  I don't have a scanner that works but a good girl scout picture from the 80's is one worthy of trying, so I will see what I can do.  I know you are just dying to see my 80's hair,  or maybe not. :)  Anyway, this story is to be continued.  I hope to go to a reunion in March.  We will see.

Blessed Journeys!

Wow! Week six already??

Revelations to Resolutions

Paul writes, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."  2 Timothy 4:7

Even in the midst of trial and suffering, Paul kept the faith and finished the race well.  Even against what seemed like overwhelming odds, he still finished well.  Paul had his eye on the eternal and his endurance came from a supernatural source.  I would like to be able to say that one day.   I would like to say that I moved around this world being about HIS business and finished the race well.  Right now I will seek His face daily and see what happens.......

Can't believe how fast these weeks have flown by.  I am having a blast with this journey.  I was especially tired this week but I knew that I would be.  I worked an extra shift at the hospital.  My running continues and increases weekly.  I barely finished my three chapters in time after many sleepy stops along the way.  You know, sleepy stops are when you realize you fell asleep during the third paragraph and then had to start over and reread the first, 2nd, AND the third!?!  The content was NOT boring, I was just THAT tired.  But I'm still in the race......

I must confess that the "holding someone's hand" goal was an easy one for me.  I am a nurse.  A nurse who was called.  I have held many hands over the years.  Working on the stroke floor was probably the hardest for me, So much frustration and confusion.  I work outpatient now and we move quickly.  I still see a great deal of suffering and must often make myself slow down to be the hands and feet of Christ.  I am very fortunate to work in an environment where slowing down to hold a hand and listen is not held against me.  

Week Six

February 5th-11th

1.  I will read one more chapter of my chosen book.

2.  I will run at least 6 miles this week.

3.  I will make contact with and pray for someone whom I have not talked to in awhile.

oh, and the weight thing worked out ok too, now if I could just stay away from those french fries.......

Blessed Journeys!!

An Update and On to Week Five

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.   1 Cor. 10:31 ESV

Update on week four.  A very odd week.  It started out badly, when I headed out to go to work on Monday and my car wouldn't start.  It was also the morning that more tornadoes raged across our state.  Because I believe there are reasons for all things, I am trusting that my car sat unmoving all day in the driveway for a very good reason, but I really did hate calling in to work.  It turned out later to be a beautiful day and I set my mind to run again and drink in some good worship music.   Fortunately the car turned out to just have a dead battery and not need some other more very expensive repair!  However, other folks in nearby parts of the state did not remain untouched by the storms and for them I was heavy hearted. 

I managed to run on 4 different days this week.  This is huge for me.  On my run days I have been coming straight home to tackle some general strengthening exercises.  These help to prevent injury and to improve overall health and presence.  To run and not be injured(most of the time) is to run in a strengthened or practiced state.  To be strong or excellent in ANY endeavor requires practice.  Do I practice holiness?  Do I practice encouragement?  Do I practice intimate communication with my creator?   Do I put my faith into practice?  Am I continually in pursuit of these things?  These are questions that have rolled my way over the past year.   Revelations into Resolutions!  Yes, it really is connected.

The Other Goals:

So, I was dusting.  And thinking.  I stopped to take a picture of my plight.  Stacks of stuff I want to or have started reading and have not finished.  I love to read.  But lately it seems that saving the time for reading just doesn't come as easily as it once did.  I'm a mommy now.  I also need sleep. (I LOVE sleep)  I work.  I have a home to run.  We all have our obligations,  so I know I'm not the only one to be frustrated by such a desire.  Finding the time to read my three little chapters WAS tricky, but I managed.  And it was GOOOOD! I'll share more later. :)

Oh,  and I have lost my 4 pounds in 4 weeks. (Yay!)

Week Five
January 29th-Feb 4th
1.  I will read 3 more chapters.
2.  I will lose 1/2 a pound
3.  I will hold hands with someone this week who needs encouragement.

Sweet Journeys!!

Week Four

2012  A year for Revelations- 40 weeks & 40 days

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  Romans 15:13 ESV

Someone might stumble upon my journey here and think I am crazy.  It's way too simple.  Why blog about something so basic?  Maybe it is not really about the 3 resolutions per week.  Maybe it is about what I am learning about myself in the process.  Maybe it is about what is being revealed to me during my time in prayer and in the Word.  Sometimes there is solace in the simple.  Sometimes the Spirit speaks  most loudly in the simple.   I am a big fan of simple.

During week three I managed to take my apple cider vinegar on 6 out of 7 days.  I did make the appt. and my total weight loss for the three weeks is now 3.4lbs, with a little extra to spare for next week's goal!!  Yay!!  My vitamins continue, my water intake continues and  My foot is all better so I took the opportunity this week to start running again.  Frankly I am enjoying the empowerment that comes from success in the Holy Spirit and the encouragement I have received from others, and I'm looking forward to making new goals for upcoming weeks.  Stay with me won't you?  you might find something along the way that you want to work on too!!

Week Four

January 22nd-28th

1. I will Read 3 chapters (outside of the scripture I am already reading).

2. I will go running on 2 different days this week.

3.  I will lose 1 pound.