I am a girl who continually changes...for the better. The way I see it, I am an unfinished product continually changing in my life. I see things that need improvement. The one thing that I see at this current time in my life is unconditional love. I seriously don't think that too many people really know how to practice this, and in no way can it be perfected without the Holy Spirit's leading and guidance. I was talking to my dad, and I asked him how it was that he seemed to have more of a passion for Christianity than the average person. He said it was because he couldn't live without God...he said to me, "Maybe you can, Elizabeth, but I can't. I know I can't do anything in my own power." That struck me to my inner core. How is it that we, as Christians, think that we can do something without God? How is it that we've become so proud in our everyday lives that God gets pushed to the back burner. We reach out to Him only when we need something...we fall on our faces when we know that we are floundering or failing. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe we fall so much is because it's just not the way we are supposed to be living the Christian life, living alone and without God's help? No, I don't think God brings us to these points just for that reason...instead, we bring ourselves to that point...that is the consequence for living "alone."
Back to unconditional love...what is unconditional love? I have tried to define it many many times in many different ways. I can't define it. I can feel it through my Saviour. Not too many people on this earth practice it, but when you meet someone who does, it's not only rare, it's anointed and holy. I do know what it isn't...it isn't saying, "I love you," and then being unforgiving and not letting go of the past. It isn't writing, "I love you," and then expecting some reciprocation. It isn't saying you love someone and then constantly telling them what they did or didn't do that week. It isn't seeing someone fall and letting them stay there. It isn't saying, "I'll pray for you," and not meaning it and never doing it. It isn't saying, "I'm here for you. If you need anything, let me know," and then when the need comes to your attention, giving every excuse in the book as to why you can't really help. It isn't judging someone and not admitting that it's judging but instead telling them it is because of love. Friend, that isn't unconditional love! It isn't gossiping about a person by telling the person you are speaking to, "We should pray for so and so because of...." Why do we think that's okay? Why do we think that we have any right to tell someone something about someone else on the act of a "prayer request?" It's not a prayer request...it's another form of gossip! Let me stop here for a minute and say that we've all been guilty of these things including me! I'm not writing for one particular person...if anything, I am listing for myself what I truly believe unconditional love ISN'T!
So, what IS unconditional love? I really don't know the exact definition, but I do know ONE person who truly lived that life and that was Jesus Christ, Himself. He was the perfect example. He walked this earth, and boy, did He have enemies! If anyone was mistreated, it was Him. People misunderstood Him! He never answered someone when they tried to pick an argument with Him. He loved the harlot that the Pharisees brought to Him. My favorite phrase in that story was, "Let him that is without sin cast the first stone." Seriously, we aren't better than any one single person down here on Earth. He loved the sinner yet hated the sin. Even on the cross, His famous words, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!" He forgave these men that beat him beyond recognition...these men who spit in His face...these men who denied who He really was. Can we do this? It's humanly impossible, my Friend! It really is. We cannot truly forgive someone without the help of God! I know I can't. I have come to terms with some things in my life that has happened to me in the past, and I can't move forward without God's help. It's humanly impossible. Even in my darkest moments, I couldn't deny that God's very presence with me. Even as my tears fell many nights and no one knew the excruciating pain my heart was in, God still was there and loved me unconditionally. Even when I felt as if no one would truly love me again, He NEVER stopped loving me. So, can I define this unconditional love? Well, maybe not to the best of my ability, but I can point to Someone who practiced it down here on Earth and who still practices it daily in my life.
Continual change...something we should be doing down here. We haven't arrived! There is SO much to learn each and every day of our lives! So, don't stop working on the inside as well as the outside. You will be a better person for it!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
It's 1:21 AM
Let go, don't hold on
It's not worth the pain
It's not worth the sacrifice
Of a broken heart
Let the tears flow
And wash away the hurt
Breathe deeply
Just let it go
Hold nothing back
Walk into the light
Set yourself free
Extend your heart
For in the end
Freedom reigns
True love prevails
Everything else falls away.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Healthy is Spiritual
I am not a health fanatic, but this year, I have learned more about my body than all of the other 27 years of my life. I have to say that I had alot of health issues this year, but through it all, I learned quite a few things. Not only do we need to work on the spiritual part of us, but we should always be working on the physical side as well. God put us down here for a reason, and we should be as healthy as we can to do His will.
Well, I've been going to a health-food store in Martinsburg, and the one lady there has been super helpful. I can ask her any question, and she not only answers me but also shows me out of a book that was written by a doctor! Anyway, this lady has been through so much physically. She has fibromyalgia, asthma and various other problems. She told me she went to doctor after doctor and had test after test done. Then she was able to get this job at this health-food store. She said her last doctor knew what to do for her, and he was even telling her of these herbs and vitamins to take. He even suggested she join a gym to help with the fibromyalgia. At first, she was majorly reluctant, but in the end, she gave in because the pain was severe. Looking at her today, you'd never know she was ill or had a disease! She told me that she was on 3 inhalers, and now, she doesn't need anything of the sort. Also, she used to be in so much pain from the fibromyalgia that she couldn't get out of bed. Now, she walks and moves easily with no pain. I basically told her that I was done getting sick and that I needed to boost my immune system. I already kind of knew the minerals and vitamins that I was looking for, but she was able to help me tremendously.
I've been taking Acai now since May, and it has helped me with my weight loss and inflammation of my joints like my fingers. I started taking silver yesterday. I've heard so much about it, and after reading about it and researching, I decided to try it. It's called Sovereign Silver, and it's an immune supportive supplement. It is completely natural and easily absorbed in the system. Not convinced yet? Well, I could feel myself getting sick again yesterday. Maybe I was just feeling some stress because of some personal things going on, but I was feeling pretty raunchy....I started taking it around 4 PM yesterday, and by 4 PM today when I took my third dose for the day, I was feeling very good. I don't feel sickly anymore! I can't believe it, but I am totally convinced. You can safely take it up to 7x a day, but you really don't need to do that unless you have a terminal disease. I have been taking it 5x a day so far because that's the dosage you would take if you are sick or feel like you are getting sick. I eventually will be taking it 3x a day until flu and cold season is over. Then I can maintain my immune system. I also bought a vitamin that's good for me and my kids. It's called Astragalus. This vitamin can be taken in capsules or liquid. I've found that liquid is always the best way to take vitamins because your body doesn't have to work as hard to break it all down. It goes right to your system. Astragalus is a helpful vitamin that fights against the flu. It is safe for your children to take as well. I bought the one that is better tasting for children. Also, I've started taking double and triple doses of Emergen-C. This, too, is also liquid and easily absorbed.
Just because I take all of this, doesn't make me better than anyone else. It's not necessary for someone to do something just because I do it. I just know myself, and I know that I need to be a healthier, better me so I can thoroughly enjoy the life that God has given me. So far, I have maintained my weight loss of 40, now 41 pounds as of this morning! I started counting my points again today, and I am so excited to be a healthier me for me and my family's sake. I teach my children to make better food choices even though they are young. I'm not a mean mom, not allowing them to have candy or chips. I do allow them to eat some junk food, but I've taught them to love fruit. Vegetables are just a common dislike among children, but I still feed it to them because it's good for them. I love it that my JW asks for a banana, and Charity is always asking for an apple! I don't allow them to drink soda very often. I really shouldn't allow them to drink it at all because it will do nothing but rot their teeth out and cause problems later on in life. Soda is like osteoporosis in a can....the carbonation in the soda whether regular or diet, has ingredients that eat away at your bones. I just found that out recently; so, I've decided to stick to my water and healthy teas!
Yes, healthy is spiritual. There is no need to be overweight and out of control. I say this with my head held high because I am on my way to losing all of this weight! It makes me feel good about myself and confident that what I am doing is right. I don't write this to brag...I write this as an insight that I've recently discovered! Why keep all of this knowledge to myself???!!!! Why not share "the wealth?" I plan on helping as many people as I can because this is something that most people just don't know. I can in turn help someone like I have been helped!
Well, I've been going to a health-food store in Martinsburg, and the one lady there has been super helpful. I can ask her any question, and she not only answers me but also shows me out of a book that was written by a doctor! Anyway, this lady has been through so much physically. She has fibromyalgia, asthma and various other problems. She told me she went to doctor after doctor and had test after test done. Then she was able to get this job at this health-food store. She said her last doctor knew what to do for her, and he was even telling her of these herbs and vitamins to take. He even suggested she join a gym to help with the fibromyalgia. At first, she was majorly reluctant, but in the end, she gave in because the pain was severe. Looking at her today, you'd never know she was ill or had a disease! She told me that she was on 3 inhalers, and now, she doesn't need anything of the sort. Also, she used to be in so much pain from the fibromyalgia that she couldn't get out of bed. Now, she walks and moves easily with no pain. I basically told her that I was done getting sick and that I needed to boost my immune system. I already kind of knew the minerals and vitamins that I was looking for, but she was able to help me tremendously.
I've been taking Acai now since May, and it has helped me with my weight loss and inflammation of my joints like my fingers. I started taking silver yesterday. I've heard so much about it, and after reading about it and researching, I decided to try it. It's called Sovereign Silver, and it's an immune supportive supplement. It is completely natural and easily absorbed in the system. Not convinced yet? Well, I could feel myself getting sick again yesterday. Maybe I was just feeling some stress because of some personal things going on, but I was feeling pretty raunchy....I started taking it around 4 PM yesterday, and by 4 PM today when I took my third dose for the day, I was feeling very good. I don't feel sickly anymore! I can't believe it, but I am totally convinced. You can safely take it up to 7x a day, but you really don't need to do that unless you have a terminal disease. I have been taking it 5x a day so far because that's the dosage you would take if you are sick or feel like you are getting sick. I eventually will be taking it 3x a day until flu and cold season is over. Then I can maintain my immune system. I also bought a vitamin that's good for me and my kids. It's called Astragalus. This vitamin can be taken in capsules or liquid. I've found that liquid is always the best way to take vitamins because your body doesn't have to work as hard to break it all down. It goes right to your system. Astragalus is a helpful vitamin that fights against the flu. It is safe for your children to take as well. I bought the one that is better tasting for children. Also, I've started taking double and triple doses of Emergen-C. This, too, is also liquid and easily absorbed.
Just because I take all of this, doesn't make me better than anyone else. It's not necessary for someone to do something just because I do it. I just know myself, and I know that I need to be a healthier, better me so I can thoroughly enjoy the life that God has given me. So far, I have maintained my weight loss of 40, now 41 pounds as of this morning! I started counting my points again today, and I am so excited to be a healthier me for me and my family's sake. I teach my children to make better food choices even though they are young. I'm not a mean mom, not allowing them to have candy or chips. I do allow them to eat some junk food, but I've taught them to love fruit. Vegetables are just a common dislike among children, but I still feed it to them because it's good for them. I love it that my JW asks for a banana, and Charity is always asking for an apple! I don't allow them to drink soda very often. I really shouldn't allow them to drink it at all because it will do nothing but rot their teeth out and cause problems later on in life. Soda is like osteoporosis in a can....the carbonation in the soda whether regular or diet, has ingredients that eat away at your bones. I just found that out recently; so, I've decided to stick to my water and healthy teas!
Yes, healthy is spiritual. There is no need to be overweight and out of control. I say this with my head held high because I am on my way to losing all of this weight! It makes me feel good about myself and confident that what I am doing is right. I don't write this to brag...I write this as an insight that I've recently discovered! Why keep all of this knowledge to myself???!!!! Why not share "the wealth?" I plan on helping as many people as I can because this is something that most people just don't know. I can in turn help someone like I have been helped!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Judge NOT
Sometimes a person comes into your life who really believes it is their mission in life to try and change you as a person. I think at some point in our lives, we are all guilty in this area. The only thing is, if you never really recognize that in yourself, you are not only hurting the other person, you also are hurting yourself. I have had different people come into my life who thought it was their lot in life to try and change me. I can't sit here and be angry at them, but I can learn from the situation and move on in my life. I believe that I am not going to truly understand why they act the way they do, but if I dwell on it too long, I will be behaving the same exact way that they are behaving. I hate how the conversation may come up like, "I just wanted you to know I'm concerned...." or "I just want to get this off my chest..." or the classic, "I prayed about this, and now I'm talking to you...." This is unacceptable behavior as a Christian! It isn't our place to point out someone else's faults! Instead, we are to encourage and pray for people. It is our duty to LOVE our neighbor as ourselves. If we don't, we are sinning against our God by breaking His second greatest commandment! So, before you decide to approach someone and tell them what you think of their actions or way of life, think about yourself and how God died for you! I love the verse that talks about looking at the beam in your own eye instead of the splinter in your friend's. I think it's time we, as Christians, start to really and truly show LOVE. LOVE suffereth long and kind......I'm preaching to myself as well. LOVE forgives...LOVE does not approach people with the wrongs that they have done but places a loving arm around them and encourages them. So, don't judge...and you won't be judged.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
He IS
I have to say that I have really been through alot this year, 2009, yet as I look back, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is a God in Heaven Who has NEVER left my side. Recently, I heard a song on the radio, HE IS, and the words really spoke everything that I have been feeling. Yes, there were times throughout the year when I felt so low and down in the dumps; there were times when I felt as if no one really cared let alone thought of me. Those thoughts were not my thoughts...they were fiery darts of Satan himself. I know that God would not place such thoughts into my mind because God is the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
I would be lying if I told you that I came through all of this without complaining once; if I came through all of this and didn't lay there and wonder where God was....but I would also be lying if I didn't tell you that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is good ALL of the time. "Even when it feels like there is no one holding me, be still my soul, be still and know....HE IS." I believe I can be a help to someone else on down the road who is going through similar situations.
My daughter and I are getting over the swine flu, and as the news would have you to believe that it's deadly, it's really not as deadly as it sounds. Yes, if you have some pre-existing conditions, it could cause some complications. You will feel like dying, yes, because let's face it, the flu makes anyone feel like dying. I don't know anyone who has been sick that says, "Oh that was nothing." I can say that I wouldn't take the tamiflu offered to me, yet I gave it to my daughter who in turn is kicking it MUCH faster than her stubborn mom! :) People panic; that's for sure! We've had people who didn't even want my husband around because they thought he was carrying it! I laugh at such paranoia! I mean, it's me and Charity who are sick, not him! So, how could he give it to someone else! I think the news media feeds off of hysteria anymore...think about it...there have been all of these reports of deaths and complications from this swine flu, yet the whole story hasn't been told: people die every year from the flu, in general...and these people who have died had other health problems. So, there it is! We are fine! We've experienced this "plague" and have survived! :)
My God is in control; He responds according to His spoken Word. Through all of this I have learned to draw closer to Him. He is my best friend because He has never failed me like many humans have failed me due to their sinful nature. He will always remain the One I go to for everything in my life. HE IS.
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I would be lying if I told you that I came through all of this without complaining once; if I came through all of this and didn't lay there and wonder where God was....but I would also be lying if I didn't tell you that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is good ALL of the time. "Even when it feels like there is no one holding me, be still my soul, be still and know....HE IS." I believe I can be a help to someone else on down the road who is going through similar situations.
My daughter and I are getting over the swine flu, and as the news would have you to believe that it's deadly, it's really not as deadly as it sounds. Yes, if you have some pre-existing conditions, it could cause some complications. You will feel like dying, yes, because let's face it, the flu makes anyone feel like dying. I don't know anyone who has been sick that says, "Oh that was nothing." I can say that I wouldn't take the tamiflu offered to me, yet I gave it to my daughter who in turn is kicking it MUCH faster than her stubborn mom! :) People panic; that's for sure! We've had people who didn't even want my husband around because they thought he was carrying it! I laugh at such paranoia! I mean, it's me and Charity who are sick, not him! So, how could he give it to someone else! I think the news media feeds off of hysteria anymore...think about it...there have been all of these reports of deaths and complications from this swine flu, yet the whole story hasn't been told: people die every year from the flu, in general...and these people who have died had other health problems. So, there it is! We are fine! We've experienced this "plague" and have survived! :)
My God is in control; He responds according to His spoken Word. Through all of this I have learned to draw closer to Him. He is my best friend because He has never failed me like many humans have failed me due to their sinful nature. He will always remain the One I go to for everything in my life. HE IS.
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HE IS
Father, let the world just fade away
Let me feel your presence in this place
Lord, I've never been so weary
How I need to know you're near me
Father, let the world just fade away
Till I'm on my knees
Till my heart can sing
He is
He was
He always will be
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
He is
Father, let your Holy Spirit sing
Let it calm the storm inside of me
As I stand amazed
Lift my hands and say
He is
He was
He always will be
He lives
He loves
He's always with me
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Through every fear
And every doubt
And every tear I shed
Down every road
I'm not alone
No matter where I am
He is
He was
And He always will be
He lives
He loves
He's always with me
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Be still, and know
Be still, my soul
He is.
~Mark Schultz~
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