sit and quit

Because what I write in this journal, of sorts, is more beneficial for me than the public eye, here are some very honest thoughts straight out of my chair this morning. I want to record my "processing of emotions" for future reference.

If you are not discouraged, mad, frustrated, out of patience, thoroughly ready for your trial to be behind you... I'm happy to catch you at the next posting. I promise to bring back my cheer:)

I thought it was time to share a full view. From size 3x to xlg. 

78.2 pounds lost

To save you from doing the math, the scales have barely moved the past two weeks, in SPITE of being on plan and even upping my game. The month of July has been  s   l   o    w .

30 weeks. I'm running low on patience in this journey. I want to cross the finish line. I'm tired of being "good" and making wise choices, over and over.

(For those who are new to my blog, this is a page from my story of battling food addiction. I know it isn't a battle of cancer, of unalterable physical limitations, marriage crisis, financial bleak outlooks, and so many more heartbreaking and mindblowing life stories. BUT, it is my reality and acknowledging its life and death struggle helps in the healing process. At least I hope so.)

I turned to the Songbook this morning, the Psalms of the Bible. The writer David wrestled a lot with his emotions. David sure asked a lot of questions. In the end, his wrestling didn't always bring him answers to life's hard questions. Instead of finding answers, he found the Answer Giver.

Seek and Find - a Person, perfect in power and promise!

Could that be the purpose in this journey of mine? Of your own particular hard journey you travel?

Ultimately, seeking not the gifts from our Savior but seeking Him?

How lovely is Your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD, my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home...             Psalm 84:1-3

Sparrow receives honorary mention in the Songbook!

>>>>>>>

I'm sure you've heard this: "Don't stuff your face; face your stuff." So this month instead of diving into this above... I splurged and bought this below...

Look closely, I am modeling my new necklace treat. It wears better than the scoops of sugar! Still, if there were no consequences...I'd choose the scoops.

Not a sitter or a quitter. I'm a climber... one day I pray it is true of my character. Until then, today I am making the choice to reign in my emotions and trust my Companion (Jesus Christ). He is building my life. AND YOURS TOO!

Join me in smiling in our trenches? I do know some of your trials, and they are deep. I am praying for you.

margi

monkjo@live.com  I welcome all your comments and questions.

stay the course

jet-skis, family, dining hall, lakeside cabins, sailboats, sunsets over Lake Erie, chapel, old friends, new friends, 100 degrees, fishing, bike rides, volleyball (mostly all uncaptured by my camera, next year . . .)

Camp Patmos 2012, Kelleys Island

Brian, Danae & Bret on ferry ride over. (Danae's husband, Geoff, was able to join us Tuesday.)

Chuck and Sparrow:) Anticipating a great week!

Deeks' Cabin #16 July 4th week

Moved in. Relaxing begins.

Dad & Daughter Date

Perspective gained. Revived. Refreshed.

wandering off

I have a tendency to wander off course. I'm easily distracted. Perhaps 1 or 2 or 10 of you find yourself in the same boat :) Wandering off course comes with no effort. We will face this conflict for the rest of our journey. I guess that is why I lean into the phrase "stay the course."

I looked into the meaning of these three words and here is what I found:

-to continue doing something even when it is difficult;
-based on literal meaning of a ship continuing in the same direction, even in bad conditions

In our chapel times together each day we were well served by Pastor Mark Ashley from Northfield, OH. We were reminded that Truth and Life live in the pages of God's Word. Psalm 119 became the reference point for our week together, a compass to help steer us and encourage us to stay the course.

one-liner thoughts from my notes

The compelling reason to wade deep into God's Word-  to know God and His will accurately, and praise Him fully.

Worship has everything to do with what you treasure.

Turn my eyes from worthless things... Psalm 119:37

Revive me, O Lord according to Your Word. Psalm 119:107  Definition of revive: return to life; regain health and vigor; return to use and effectiveness and influence

When God's Word is proclaimed, believed, trusted and obeyed, light shines. It is safe to say, the light is dimming in America.

Definition of wisdom - skillful negotiation of life. Source of wisdom is God Himself through His Word.

Contemplative living - the problem is not busy lives but hurried spirits and racing minds.

Meditation may be the most neglected in all that we do with the Bible.

Discipleship learning will not happen in a hurry.

What will result from regular, prayerful, habitual contemplation of God's Word?

1- Come to know God and rejoice in His plan of salvation for you
2- Energized spiritual life, heart is stirred
3- Changed life, truth is powerful
4- Strengthened in faith and greater confidence in God
5- Ability to live peacefully in a chaotic world
6- Filled with words of testimony
7- Understand your role and place in the world God has created

<<<<<<<

Maybe one of those random lines will encourage your own course today.

One last photo to keep you updated on my healthy living weight loss journey:

73.4 pounds lost in 27 weeks. And mindful of the lifetime ahead to "Stay the Course."



I hope we are steering in the same direction. I pray we are.

Open my eyes that I might see wonderful things in your law (Word).          Psalm 119:18

As always, it is a delight to share a few minutes with you. I am humbled you are here, listening to the ramblings of an ole' sparrow's heart.

Sail on,

margi

If you have any questions or comments, I try to answer each one at monkjo@live.com



a certain invitation

June is one of my favorite months.

Heading out to celebrate my 54th birthday (minus the mug on top of my head!).

A gift from my BSG's (Bible Study Girlfriends)

One of my most favorite places! 

(I know I need some colorful flowers along the rock garden. Landscaping at our house is a work in progress. Look closely and you can see hubster's new workshop under construction in the background.) 

More June love

Awaiting the lettuce wrap

 

Just in case you think I've forgotten how to make yummy desserts-

Chocolate Cream Puff Cake for out-of-town guests this weekend. Oh the memories shared from this well worn recipe.

 

life isn't always a bowl of cherries

Even in this beautiful month of June, I am making a guess that you and I share something in common. A "something" like my migraines that deplete my inner reserve and leave me deflated. We all have "somethings."

Seemingly unanswered prayers...situations beyond our control...worrisome news...loneliness...crushed dreams...chronic pain...financial distress...marital strain...devastating diagnosis... 

It is in the presence of the "somethings" that I take you back to the title of this post.

a certain invitation

Jesus whispers this powerful invitation into your day.

Come unto Me.

His invitation delivers big - instant pardon from guilt and sin, relief from fear and sorrow, promised rest for your soul.

Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Come & Refresh. Gather His strength to take the next step in your journey.

I like to "go." God is teaching me to "come."

Just wonderin'. Do you have any June lessons you care to share?

>>>>>>

Another "something" update if you are following my healthy living weight loss journey. 23 weeks. Go Team Go!

I'm smiling. It's June. And we are friends!

margi

monkjo@live.com with any comments or questions. Junebug blessings!

crash & no crash

the Crash

It was coming and though inconvenient, not unexpected. My trusty laptop died after years of faithful service. With a new laptop, blogging sparrow returns. I have missed YOU.

snapshots of color

I added pops of color to my world since I chatted with you last. The photos tell the story...

5 dish towels at the kitchen window. No sew. Bright and cheeryo!

dots added

more garage sale finds land on sill

movin' out

Porch makeover. From shabby chic soft pinks and greens to Pops of Color.

swingin' for two

dressed in dots. two windows

old barn siding shelf

chubby

friendship blooms

two birds dwell with us

fluffing his feathers before the move

back view: dad's barn next door

I'll share more of our outdoors living space later. Lightweight blankets are neatly folded for cool summer evenings, the lounge chairs are beckoning, the rod iron table is ready to serve up grilled dinners, the flower pots are overflowing, and the birds are singing. Oops, another post:)

the No-Crash

My laptop may have crashed but my pursuit of healthy living hasn't. I am happy to report my latest chalkboard update!

54.4

19 weeks. I have come a long ways. I still have a long ways to go. My reward for passing the 50 pound weight loss? I treated myself to more color. New aqua colored sandals!


Slide over right foot one inch and hide the tea spill.

nourished

I love how God's Word speaks to our daily life. These past few weeks I have enjoyed a verse out of the Psalms. "Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you."

Need any sustaining power in your life? I sure do.

I was intrigued with the word "sustain" and did a word study. In my findings I unearthed a treasure, a treasure with my name written all over it.

Sustain (kuwl in Hebrew) occurs 37 times in the Old Testament. It means to support; to nourish.

The first time the word is used is found in the book of Genesis. Through a wonderful unfolding of events, God nourished Joseph and his family for the five years of famine ahead.

God sends nourishment, sustaining power and support when we are in need.

For the past 19 weeks on my journey to health, God has nourished my soul. I have to laugh with the Genesis account- "five years of famine ahead!" I imagine that God enjoys watching us smile!

>>>>>>>>>

If you're still following me, it is good to journey together. As you enjoy this beautiful season on your own patch of earth, may you experience the nourishment God so freely gives, and we so desperately need.

Still flyin',
margi

monkjo@live.com - for any questions or comments, I'm happy to reply.